Installation commander talks BRAC to local civic leaders

  • Published
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  In a recent breakfast meeting with local city mayors, civic leaders and Team Eglin commanders, the 96th Air Base Wing commander, Col. Bruce McClintock, was candid as he spoke on Base Realignment and Closure initiatives.

Senior leadership had previously met with elected official from the Valparaiso community to update them on the current status of the BRAC initiatives. The breakfast meeting was part of a continued effort to interact with community leaders across the Emerald Coast.

"We have worked hard to engage with community leaders and will continue to do so. Whatever the Air Force decides to do, we are devoted to maintaining a positive relationship with all of our neighbors in the community," Colonel McClintock said. "The multiple proclamations in support of Eglin also deserve attention because they reflect the views of the majority."

The meeting was held to address new missions, population changes and community concerns in relation to BRAC-mandated actions affecting Eglin Air Force Base. Topics included the realignment of the U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group from Ft. Bragg, N.C., and the establishment of the joint training site of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Plans for the 7th SFG include a possible relocation to a site across from Eglin's northern Auxiliary Field 3, also known as Duke Field. The local community may experience a population growth of more than 2,200 Army personnel plus their families as a direct result of their move.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission, commonly referred to as the JSF, is expected to flourish into a multinational training arena for nine nations and 13 services, encompassing the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marines and U.S. allies. In essence, Eglin will become the first step on an international journey of streamlined air warfare.
The impending JSF bed down has sparked an increased interest within the community, largely due to the possible impact the training site will have on the quality of life of nearby cities.

"We are taking the community's concerns very seriously," said Colonel McClintock. "We want to share our knowledge. We're committed to doing that."

Colonel McClintock addressed common misconceptions held by the community on the JSF, including the feasibility of constructing a new runway to support flight operations in an alternate location, the frequency of operations performed, mishap rates, and noise levels.

The commander also clarified that the 33rd Fighter Wing's drawdown currently taking place was in no way related to BRAC initiatives.

Though the base will lose manning with the 33rd FW's drawdown, the arrival of the 7th SFG and the JSF training center will more than make up for the decrease in overall manning, he said.

In closing, Col. McClintock reassured community leaders that BRAC mandates will positively impact not only the community, but Eglin as well. "I am thrilled to be here and I would like to see Eglin rise to a new level of greatness," he concluded.