Posted on 08/24/2005 6:44:20 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Commission Votes to Close Five Army Bases
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer 9 minutes ago
The commission considering the Pentagon's proposal to restructure hundreds of U.S. military bases voted to shut down five major Army bases in Georgia, New Jersey, Virginia and Michigan.
As it began final voting Wednesday with lightning speed, the nine-member panel also signed off on closing nearly 400 Army Reserve and National Guard facilities in dozens of states, creating instead new joint centers.
The commission decided to side with the Pentagon in closing Fort Gillem and Fort McPherson in Georgia, Fort Monroe in Virginia, the U.S. Army Garrison in Selfridge, Mich., and Fort Monmouth in New Jersey.
Much of the Army's proposal was approved in minutes and as a package. But the commission was debating Fort Monmouth in New Jersey and the Red River Army Depot in Texas separately.
Commissioners had said changes to the Pentagon's proposal were likely before they send their final report next month to President Bush, who could make his own changes. Congress also will get the chance to approve a joint resolution rejecting the plan after Bush considers it. Lawmakers haven't done that in previous rounds.
Before voting started, Chairman Anthony Principi said reviewing the proposal to close or shrink hundreds of bases set a daunting and unprecedented challenge for commissioners.
"The commission went to extraordinary lengths to ensure the soundness, correctness and integrity of the base realignment and closure process and to fulfill our commitment to transparency, honesty and fairness for all," said Principi, a former Veterans Affairs secretary.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Hillary will be jumping up and down declaring she "saved" the NY bases.
Looks like Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota might have survived the cut.
I thin this is just Army. Navy and AF will be next. Could be wrong tho.
I did Ho-Ho-Ho up the tower at New London around 1977. Had to Hitch-Hike a ride one time. Give me the sunsine any day.
"I thin this is just Army. Navy and AF will be next."
You are correct. This is just the start. It will take several more days to vote on all closures.
Good bye, Good ol' Fort Monmouth.
Boy, I hope so... Dont wanna make Thune a "one termer"
I did it 75.........
Where did you see that? Aren't they hitting up the Air Foce Thursday and Friday?
They should let the military shut down whatever bases they see fit.
They are running a national defense, not a welfare-by-military-base policy.
Can you imagine how much that property is worth?
Folks on here will come running, defending "their" bases. And one of their arguements will be economic impact on the area...
I usually just watch these threads and laugh....
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