Could OR Base Be Saved Despite BRAC?

Jonathan Singer

Hi everyone. It has been a while since I've posted here, so I hope you don't find me too rusty. Here goes...

Although the Oregon Air National Guard was spared the loss of 15 F-15 fighter planes today, earlier this week the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission to close two other Oregon bases. Nevertheless, the AP's Joann Loviglio reports that a judge in Pennsylvania may have thrown BRAC's decision up in the air.

In a blow to the Pentagon's plan to shake up National Guard units, a judge ruled Friday that the Defense Department does not have the authority to dissolve a Pennsylvania Air National Guard division without the governor's approval.

U.S. District Judge John R. Padova said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld should have gotten consent from Gov. Ed Rendell before moving to deactivate the 111th Fighter Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. The judge said the Pentagon's recommendation to close the unit is "null and void."

The ruling came as a base closing commission wrapped up its work in deciding the fate of military bases around the nation. The commission voted Friday to close the Pennsylvania's Willow Grove station, which is home to the fighter wing and Air Force and Navy reserve units, along with other military units. But the commission did not deactivate the 111th.

It was not immediately clear how the ruling might affect the fate of other guard units targeted by the Pentagon.

Several other states have filed or are considering filing similar lawsuits.

If this decision is affirmed by higher courts in time and Governor Kulongoski indeed files a similar lawsuit, there is a distinct possibility that the the impending closure of the Naval Reserve Center in Central Point could be averted, potentially saving dozens, if not hundreds of jobs. Politically speaking, this could also help Kulongoski in Southern Oregon, a region of the state not always partial to his governorship.

By Jonathan Singer Aug. 26, 2005