Pennsylvania Air National Guard General Pledges Support of 911th

The adjutant general of the Pennsylvania National Guard has pledged to help prevent the closure of the the Moon-based 911th Airlift Wing and realignment of the neighboring 171st Refueling Wing, according to U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy.

Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, said he met Monday night with Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig to discuss a proposal to close the 911th and reduce the number of aircraft at the 171st Refueling Wing. Murphy said the general pledged his support for the facilities and efforts to prevent the planned  of the 911th and reduction of aircraft at the 171st. 

Murphy and other members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation in recent weeks have  the closing of the 911th, which employs more than 1,300 military and 318 civilian personnel.

Citing the 911th's and a need for geographic balance, the U.S. Air Force  earlier this month announced plans to close the air unit as part of a nationwide effort to reduce federal defense spending. 

The Air Force strategic plan, which is estimated to save $8.7 billion in defense spending next year, makes more than two-thirds of its cuts from guard and reserve units, according to Murphy's office. The 911th is the only base in the country set to close under the plan. 

Murphy said Craig told him Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units are more cost-effective than their active-duty counterparts. The 911th and the 171st share runways at the Pittsburgh International Airport that the Allegheny County Airport Authority maintains. 

Murphy is slated to meet with military and community leaders Thursday to discuss efforts to prevent the closure. Personnel at the 911th have been told they will learn March 6 about the Air Force's plans for them after the closure.