| Speech by Governor Ted Kulongoski |
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| June 17, 2005 |
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Base Relocation and Alignment Commission
REMARKS BY GOVERNOR TED KULONGOSKI
Friday, June 17, 2005
Chairman Principi, Commissioners Coyle, Hansen and Bilbray: I want to welcome you to Oregon and thank you for this opportunity to discuss the Department of Defense recommendations regarding the 142nd Fighter Wing and the 939th Refueling Wing located at the Portland Airbase.
I’m here today speaking on behalf of the Oregon National Guard and all citizens of Oregon. I bring with me a joint resolution signed by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and every member of Oregon’s legislative assembly calling on you to reject the Department of Defense recommendation to reassign the 142nd and 939th.
As a general rule, the wheels of the Legislature turn slowly. But this bi-partisan resolution was passed with unprecedented speed because no matter where we are on the political spectrum – Oregon’s Executive and Legislative branches of government are united in the belief that the Department of Defense recommendation will do harm to our state, harm to our region, and harm to our country.
As I’ve already indicated, the recommendation to reassign 142nd and 939th is of serious concern to me. That is true in both my capacity as Commander in Chief of the Oregon National Guard – and as Governor of the State of Oregon.
As Commander in Chief, I have a responsibility to make sure that the Oregon National Guard is capable of fulfilling its constitutional role – which our soldiers are doing with great pride, honor and professionalism in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As Governor, I have a responsibility to make sure that the families of our soldiers and all Oregonians are safe back here at home.
That is why I urge you to reconsider the Department of Defense recommendation to reassign the 142nd and 939th units. The 142nd Fighter Squadron is the premier F-15 unit in the nation. It has proven that it is not only capable, but – in the aftermath of September 11th – critical to carrying out the role of homeland air defense for the Pacific Northwest.
The unit is made up of highly trained airmen and airwomen who stand alert and ready – at any hour of the day or night – to serve as the primary air defense capability for all of the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. Like any good team, this unit has more than talent – it has depth. That means the 142nd can respond to multiple threats simultaneously – and has the ability to maintain an “on station” presence because of the 939th Air Refueling Wing. The refueling wing is in the final phase of a $60 million dollar construction project at the Portland Airbase.
When construction is complete, the refueling wing will be even better able to carry out its diverse mission and fully assist the 142nd Fighter Squadron should the need arise.
On the other hand, stripping the Pacific Northwest of this vital defense capability will leave Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest dangerously vulnerable to air based threats. We simply won’t have the tools we need to defend this region. That alone is reason enough to reconsider this decision.
But removing the fighting capability of the 142nd Fighter Wing from the national air defense matrix – will also make the Pacific Northwest a more attractive target to anyone looking to strike the United States from the air. In other words, our enemies will look for the weakest link in the chain to attack – and that weakest link will be the Pacific Northwest.
You will hear from experts today who are better able to address the substantial risk posed to the citizens of this region by the removal of the 142nd Fighter Wing and 939th Air Force Refueling Wing – and the subsequent plan to replace that assistance by a two plane detachment headquartered out of state. They will explain the existence of people within Oregon’s borders who have active ties with individuals and organizations who wish to do us harm. And they will address the ability of these groups to carry out attacks – and the differences in our ability to stop them depending on whether the Department of Defense recommendation to remove the 142nd and the 939th is implemented.
So I will let the experts speak to what they know best, and ask you to let the 142nd and 939th do what they do best by not accepting the recommendation of the Department of Defense to reassign these units. Keep in mind, this isn’t just about Homeland Security – it is also about Homeland Defense. I believe that relocating these trained and ready forces from their current geographical location will compromise our ability to protect citizens in the Northwest.
While my focus remains on the security and defense role of these two units, I cannot overlook the economic impact the relocation will have. That impact is certain to be negative. Growing Oregon’s economy has been – and remains – my top priority. We are just now coming out of a painful recession. Job growth is strong but we still have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Relocating these two bases will set back an already fragile recovery, and will hit the Portland area especially hard. You will receive more information on this issue.
I appreciate the time you have given me to explain why I believe that it is critically important that you reverse the Department of Defense recommendation. I know that you are speaking to many communities – and have a difficult task in front of you. But I have tremendous confidence that you will give serious consideration to the information collectively submitted to you today.
I want to close with one other thought. As Commander in Chief of the Oregon National Guard, I want to point out the importance of recognizing the integration of the National Guard with active military forces and, in light of that, how critically important it is for the citizens of Oregon to continue to see a presence of our Air National Guard. With our contributions to the global war on terror, it is critical that the citizens of Oregon not only read about, but our citizens see the effort and the role of Oregon’s Air National Guard in National Homeland Defense and Security.
As you continue your analysis, I am available and prepared to provide any additional information you may need to make your decision. Thank you again for time, your attention and your service.
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