by Cameron Arcand
Southern Arizona could be getting a new military project soon.
The United States Air Force is planning to add its third Special Operations Command “power projection wing” at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.
Although the news was first announced in August, it is starting to gain support from local lawmakers.
Rep. David Cook, chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, said in a letter on Thursday that the transition from the wing being for 492nd Special Operations will be met with support.
“As a member of the Arizona State Legislature, I want to reinforce the State of Arizona’s commitment to a successful transition and installation of a new AFSOC Wing,” Cook wrote.
The Globe Republican alluded to the fact that going forward with the wing is contingent upon looking at the environmental impacts of the project.
“Arizona has a long history of successful base transitions, such as the F-35 fighter wings at Luke Air Force Base and Marine Corp Air Station Yuma. We understand the importance of the environmental impact study and are committed to a successful process,” he continued.
“Arizona knows well the national security threats both far and near. Our state is suffering an unprecedented surge of illegal activity at our southern border that threatens the safety and security of Arizonans and all Americans,” Cook added, given the state’s border with Mexico.
According to a news release from August, the wing is intended to have “mission capabilities” but it requires different squadrons and fleets to move from Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington to Tucson.
“The transition will also allow AFSOC to further diversify its locations to protect against natural disasters by ensuring it can maintain its ability to respond to president-directed missions on very tight timelines,” the news release stated.
Arizona has multiple military bases throughout the state, including Fort Huachuca near Sierra Vista, Luke Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
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Cameron Arcand is a staff reporter for The Center Square covering Arizona
Photo “Davis-Monthan Air Force Base” by Air Combat Command United States Air Force CC BY 2.0.
