908th Airlift Wing Will Stay At Maxwell, Congressional Leaders Learn
By: Blake Deshazo
Updated: November 15, 2012
WASHINGTON--In
a
positive development for Central Alabama, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions and
U.S. Reps. Martha Roby and Mike Rogers have been notified that the Air
Force has altered its strategic guidance proposal and no longer plans to
relocate C-130 aircraft from the 908th Airlift
Wing stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base.
While
the decision is not final, the congressional leaders have been assured
that the current plan no longer calls for removal of the seven aircraft
from Maxwell. The lawmakers had been working together to keep the Air
Force accountable for a proposed decision that could affect more than
550 jobs.
"This is obviously welcome news for Montgomery and the River Region, but
especially for the men and women of the 908th and their families," Rep. Roby said.
"It is also personally gratifying to receive this news after working
alongside Senator Jeff Sessions and Congressman Mike Rogers to keep
Pentagon decision makers accountable on this relocation plan. From
legislation to personal communication with top commanders,
we have used all the resources at our disposal to respectfully demand
answers to questions surrounding the fiscal justification of this
planned move, and I believe our efforts have paid off. We will remain
diligent, however, knowing that the decision is not
final."
Senator Sessions, who has played a key role in developments surrounding
the 908th Airlift Wing, praised the decision and expressed his determination to keep working until the change was final.
"The 908th has been decorated with the Air Force's Outstanding Unit award,"
Sen. Sessions said.
"They are source of pride to us all. We have been
in close contact with the Air Force and are encouraged by the news that
they no longer plan to relocate C-130 aircraft from Maxwell. The
decision is not final, but this is positive news and I will continue to
advocate for the 908th Airlift Wing as the Air Force
reaches its final decision."
Rep. Rogers echoed his colleagues' sentiments, saying Alabama's congressional
delegation will continue to engage this issue until it is finally resolved.
"I am encouraged that the Air Force has listened to our delegation's concerns,"
Rep. Rogers said. "This is far from final and we will continue to work
closely with Congresswoman Roby and the rest of the delegation to keep the pressure on."
U.S.
Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) serves on four Senate committees:
Armed Services, Judiciary, Environment and Public Works, and as Ranking
Member of the Budget Committee. Visit Sessions online at his website
or via YouTube,
Facebook,
and Twitter.
Note: Please do not reply to this email. For further information, contact Sen. Sessions' Press
Office at (202) 224-4124.
