Department of Defense’s decision to end Fighter Wing’s flying mission would compromise Central Illinois’ homeland security efforts, result in loss of jobs

SPRINGFIELD – In advance of a meeting tomorrow between members of the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd firefighting unit and Illinois’ Congressional Delegation, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today sent a letter to the Delegation urging their support for maintaining the unit in Illinois. Members of the 183rd Fighter Wing will meet with U.S. Reps. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, and Ray LaHood R-Peoria, and Illinois’ Democratic U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Barack Obama tomorrow to discuss the future of the unit. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) is moving forward with plans to redeploy Springfield’s F-16 jets out of state by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 163 full-time personnel, including 24 firefighting personnel.

“In addition to providing invaluable expertise in biological and chemical emergencies, the presence of the Fighter Wing is linked to the success of our economy,” said Gov. Blagojevich.  “More than 1,100 highly trained and committed Illinois residents are involved in the work of the Fighter Wing and the Illinois National Guard at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.  Ending the mission of the 183rd would do more than leave Central Illinois with diminished defense, it would leave many families without the income and job stability they rely on.”

The firefighters provide 100 percent of the fire protection for the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, and offer the technical expertise and equipment necessary to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including biological and chemical disasters.  This highly specialized firefighting unit is one of very few of its kind in the state and plays a vital role in homeland defense.
The Governor has been leading a coordinated effort with the Illinois Congressional Delegation, other elected officials and local leaders to prevent Illinois’ military bases from BRAC closure.  Gov. Blagojevich is asking that the 183rd Fight Wing’s F-16s not be moved, but if they are, then the Air Force should consider instead housing cargo aircraft in Springfield.

Text of the Governor’s letter follows:

April 02, 2008

Member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation,

I am writing you today to ask for your support to protect the 183rd Fighter Wing based in Springfield. The Department of Defense’s decision to end the Fighter Wing’s flying mission compromises public safety throughout Central Illinois.  The decision to move the F-16 jets from Springfield also means losing the federally-funded 24-member fire department that serves not only the 183rd, but also area volunteer departments. 

The firefighters provide 100 percent of the fire protection for the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, and offer the technical expertise and equipment necessary to respond to a range of emergencies, including biological and chemical disasters.  This highly specialized firefighting unit fills a crucial role in training and assisting local fire fighters in responding to complicated chemical and hazardous fires throughout Central Illinois.  They play an important role in homeland defense and are able to quickly respond to any man-made or natural disaster occurring in the Midwest.  Illinois is home to 11 nuclear power plants that provide 50 percent of our power generation, and 28 locks and dams on the Illinois, Mississippi and Ohio rivers. These vital assets and many others would be at greater risk without protection from the F-16s and these firefighters.

The presence of the Fighter Wing is linked to the success of our economy and the vitality of our communities.  More than 1,100 highly trained and committed Illinois residents are involved in the work of the Fighter Wing.  Ending the mission of the 183rd would leave many families without the income and job stability their families count on.

In advance of your meeting tomorrow with members of the fire department, I ask for your support in urging the Department of Defense not to compromise the safety or jobs of Central Illinois and those who count on the 183rd Fighter Wing.

Sincerely,

Rod R. Blagojevich
Governor