Politics & Government

President Obama Addresses 911th Airlift Wing Closure

Obama talks to KDKA about the planned closure of the Moon airlift wing.

President Barack Obama said the military must make "some very tough choices" in efforts to slash federal defense spending, reports KDKA's Jon Delano

Delano questioned President Obama earlier this week about the planned closure of the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township, which has been slated to close as a part of the Pentagon's plan to cut $8.7 billion from the Air Force's 2013 budget. 

Lawmakers, including Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair; Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton; Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Zionsville; and other members of Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation, last week sent a to Obama, asking him to intervene in the closure of the base. 

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Air Force targeted the 911th for closure for its aging tactical aircraft and geographic location. The base is set to close in 2013; each of its 218 civilian and 1,122 military positions will be eliminated in the move. 

Delano reports that Obama said, "Nothing's ever a done deal when it comes to our military budgets." 

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

From Delano's interview with the president:

“Well, I think what people can understand is that we’ve got enormous budget pressures. Everybody wants to reduce the deficit. Congress approved reducing the deficit by close to $500 billion over the next 10 years.”

“What I’ve said to the military is your No. 1 priority is keeping the American people safe, and you present me with a plan that does that in the most responsible way possible while meeting this budget figure that Congress itself set.”

Local military supporters are signs throughout Moon Township, urging public support for the airlift wing. 

Read KDKA's full story here.


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