U.S. Rep. Ron Barber today urged the U.S. Air Force to expand training at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, saying it is supported by the community and will boost the economic benefits the military brings to Southern Arizona.
Barber, in a letter today to U.S. Air Force officials at Davis-Monthan, noted that an environmental assessment “finds that the increased training will help build and maintain readiness in the Air Force and in our partnerships with allied forces. This is especially needed given the growing instability worldwide.”
Barber noted that Davis-Monthan has been in operation for more than 70 years and annually infuses nearly $1 billion into the local economy.
“I am grateful for the exceptional work of the service members based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Tucson International Airport and I am proud that this Total Force Training Mission will call Southern Arizona home,” Barber wrote. “With our optimal weather, exceptional flying conditions and close proximity to training ranges, Southern Arizona is the logical choice for the Air Force to continue to build missions for our national air defense.”
In expanding the Total Force Training Mission for Visiting Units, Barber also said the Air Force must “carefully listen to the voices of our community and to their comments.”
The Air Combat Command released the draft environmental assessment on Sept. 22. The Air Force recently extended – until Nov. 24 – time for the public to comment on the report. Those comments will be part of the Air Force’s decision on whether to expand the training.
The draft EA can be viewed at www.dm.af.mil/library/tftea.asp, and at the following libraries:
• Eckstrom-Columbus Branch, 4350 E. 22nd St., Tucson
• Himmel Park Branch, 1035 N. Treat Ave., Tucson
• Pascua Yaqui Tribe Public Library, 7418 S. Camino Cocoim, Tucson
• Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E. 36th St., Tucson
• University of Arizona Library, 1510 E. University Blvd., Tucson
• Salazar-Ajo Library, 33 W. Plaza St., Ajo
• Venito Garcia Library and Archives, Sells