Move to shut Otis angers residents

The Boston Globe ^ | May 14, 2005 | Michael Levenson and Scott Goldstein

[Semper Paratus]

For area residents, who remember that two F-15s from Otis scrambled for New York on Sept. 11, 2001, yesterday's news was devastating.

''I think it's a disgrace, especially after 9/11," said Sullivan. ''They're protection for Massachusetts, if something happens."

For locals, though, the base remains a key part of Cape history. It's the place where John F. Kennedy used to fly into en route to his family's compound.

More recently, Otis's quick response on Sept. 11 is a point of pride. ''The air guard, of course, defends the Northeast corridor of the US, and they're all excellent citizens," said LaFarge, a Bourne lawyer and selectman. ''So we're kind of shocked and really, really upset."

Closing Otis would rob the base of 62 military and 443 civilian jobs, said Wendy Northcross, chief executive officer of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. At the State House, US Representative William D. Delahunt said the 102nd Fighter wing would probably be reassigned to New Jersey and Florida.

''I don't think it makes sense in terms of cost- saving," Delahunt added.

Senator Therese Murray, a Plymouth Democrat whose district includes Otis, called the recommended closing ''absolutely outrageous."

''Moreover, pulling out of Otis Air Force Base is a devastating blow to our state's and our nation's homeland security," Murray said. ''Closing Otis is one of the biggest homeland security mistakes that can be made."

LaFarge liked hearing Otis's jets overhead in Bourne. ''It's just comforting to know they're ours," he said. Mitrokostas, who owns Dino's Sports Bar, agreed. ''To me, that's the sound of freedom," he said.

A decade ago, that task might have been harder because of environmental pollution. But Cape officials helped broker agreements to clean up and protect the land, Northcross said.

[MizSterious]

What's almost funny (if weren't so pathetic) is that every time they scrambled those jets, the switchboard lit up with complaints--"You're waking my baby" "It's too loud" etc. etc. I'll bet it was the same on 9/11. My hubby didn't fly (he was on a ship), but our neighbors did.

[JesseJane]

>>Maybe they can call their beloved UN if they need protection.<<

"I'm an internationalist. I'd like to see our troops dispersed through the world only at the directive of the United Nations," and "to almost eliminate CIA activity." -John Kerry

[MizSterious]

But then, who would vote for Kennedy and Hillary? ;)

[RaceBannon]

Tell your husband this old Jarhead appreciates his time in now!

Tell him it's the young guys turn! :)

[Joe Boucher]

WEll if J.F. Kennedy used to fly into therre it must be sacred f-ing ground.
I think we have lost Mass anyway. Retreat and form up again say in Virginia.

[scott7278]

"Remember to liberals the military is nothing but a pork barrel of jobs and spending. Actually doing something useful for defense is irrelevant."

Good call.

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

Move to shut Otis angers residents

"The good people of Mayberry have stood up for me once again!"

[PhiKapMom]

I absolutely love the whine coming from MA and CT -- made my weekend!

[KidGlock]

Sorry. You are correct.

I forgot that there are some good people left in Massachusetts.

Maybe we can develop a new line of "smart weapons" that would protect people like you in on state while allowing attacks on the people who voted against them.

[mmercier]

>> And what percentage of those enraged folks voted for one or more members of the vilest,filthiest,most anti-military Congressional delegation of this nation's 50?

More than 50%.

Your description of our congressional delegation is spot on. This state deserved what it gets from the federal government, and come 2006 we will summarily reelect our criminal, homosexual, nitwit delegation.

I do not think any political change is possible in Massachusetts. The middle class that can leave here have been for the last decade; the rate is accelerating. U-haul literally can not maintain a fleet here, people wait for trucks to return, same as "pods" and a few others. This last year two of my uncles and their families left, one to Texas and one to Maine; My best friend took his family to California, my cousin is preparing to move to Tennessee and another cousin went to NH.
Soon all that will remain here are lawyers, public employees, illegal aliens and welfare/ss recipients.

They hit Portsmouth NH too, my brother works there.

[demlosers]

''I think it's a disgrace, especially after 9/11," said Sullivan. ''They're protection for Massachusetts, if something happens."

Squawk squawk! The F15s are going to Westover AFB, Massachusetts.

They are moving about - what 50 miles away.

[wardaddy]

[ops33]

Sounds a lot like what happened when Myrtle Beach AFB closed. Everyone made half-hearted attempts to keep the base open at the same time they were positively salivating to get their hands on that valuable real estate.

[ops33]

Old Jarhead, what I wouldn't do to trade places with those young guys!!

[GreenHornet]

"Wait till Otis sees us! He loves us!!"

[Hardworking chica]

What Brian Williams forgot to add is that the JFK "whorehouse" is still on base. You can "rent" it still for $10 a night from Army billeting.

It is a nice bungalow to get away to when you have been in Hyannisport all day and need to get away from the wife

I have been inside of it to do a site inspection. It's style is definetly 60s retro. Inside the bedroom is pretty large (why am I not surprised), the kitchen has modern appliances, and there is a room called the "war room" inside. There are two flags. The American and Presidental. The table is very study and a mahongony color as well. Something that you would see in a White House setting.

I can only imagine all the activities that went on here. It is rumored the JFK brought Marilyn Monroe here. The house is surround by a large gray fence about 6-7 feet high so it isn't exactly visible from the road.

Another reason as not to close Otis due to Kennedy history.

[Hardworking chica]

I hate to admit it, but truth standing, Theresa Murray's son is in the miltary as a reservitist I believe.

[pabianice]

and most of New England have spent the last 35 years crapping on the US military and damning anyone who has served. This is truly poetic justice.

BTW, a recent study by the Navy finds that the Northeast now contributes just 6% of all US military officers. Boston liberals can now marinate in their own success.

[dfwgator]

Otis, my man!!