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33 Major U.S. Bases Would Close Under Plan
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer

3 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon will propose shutting 150 military installations from Maine to Hawaii, including 33 major bases, The Associated Press learned Friday, triggering the first round of base closures in a decade and an intense struggle by communities to save their facilities.

More than 100 other smaller facilities would also be closed, including scores of Reserve and National Guard installations. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld will announce the Pentagon's recommendations Friday morning. He has said the move would save $48.8 billion over 20 years while reshaping the military for America's expected 21st century adversaries.

Among the major closures is Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, home to 29 B-1B bombers, half the nation's fleet of the aircraft, and the state's second largest employer.

During the 2004 campaign, Republican John Thune told voters that if elected to replace then Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, his GOP ties would ensure that the base remained open. Daschle said that as minority leader, he would have an appointment to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission and be in a better position to help Ellsworth.

From AP - Rumsfeld also recommended closing the Naval Station in Pascagoula, Miss., which barely survived previous base closure rounds. The decision was a blow to Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., who had fought the 1995 round of closures. At stake are 844 military jobs and 112 civilian jobs.

The AP, predictably enough, is highlighting all closures happening in states with Republican Senators. Just stirrin' the pot. Another day at the mill for the AP.

Ellsworth has been on life-support for over 13 years. When they closed the missile wing, moved the tankers, did away with the airborne command and control squadron, took away the nuclear mission and SAC went away they were reduced to a shell of a base where a lot of base housing was not being utilized. Everything but the B1s was gone and closing was just a matter of time. Still a shame, it is a very nice base, great assignment but no real missions left.

During the 2004 campaign, Republican John Thune told voters that if elected to replace then Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, his GOP ties would ensure that the base remained open. Daschle said that as minority leader, he would have an appointment to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission and be in a better position to help Ellsworth.

If any SD voters really made their decisions based on base closures and pork it's hard to feel too sorry for them. I do feel sorry for those who will lose their jobs, but unfortunately their loss is for the ultimate good of the country. It's not much consolation I know.

I can't support either Daschle or Thune making promises like that - that's how Harkin operates here in Iowa. The base decisions should be made for the good of the country, not on political influence.