(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray
(D-WA) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Chief of
Staff of the U.S. Army General George Casey, Jr. urging the Army to seriously
consider basing a Combat Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Lewis McChord. In the
letter, Senator Murray presents the case that Washington state’s proximity to
Pacific command hotspots, military training capacity, and its family friendly
atmosphere makes it an ideal location for the aviation brigade.
“I am excited to hear the Army is considering basing a
Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). As you
know, JBLM is an excellent location for the CAB. Both JBLM and the Yakima
Training Center have world-class facilities capable of maintaining the
requirements of the CAB members and their families,” wrote Senator
Murray.
The full text of the letter appears below:
The Honorable John McHugh
Secretary of the Army
101 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-0101
General George W. Casey, Jr.
Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington DC 20301-1400
Dear
Secretary McHugh and General Casey:
I am
excited to hear the Army is considering basing a Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB)
at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). As you know, JBLM is an excellent
location for the CAB. Both JBLM and the Yakima Training Center have
world-class facilities capable of maintaining the requirements of the CAB
members and their families. The integrated training opportunities for the
CAB are vast as three Stryker Brigades are also located at JBLM. As you
know, JBLM and the Yakima Training Center have existing airfields, significant
maneuver space, and existing aviation training ranges required for CAB
operations. Having the CAB at JBLM will maximize training opportunities
for the Stryker Brigades and the CAB to conduct integrated air and ground
training exercises allowing them to train as they fight. This will also
create a habitual relationship between the CAB and the Stryker Brigades that
would allow them to deploy together if required in the future.
Also,
JBLM is strategically located and forces based there are able to reach Pacific
Command hotspots in a rapid manner. Moreover, given the airlift
capabilities on the West Coast, the CAB would be easily deployable worldwide.
Not
only is JBLM capable of integrating the CAB into their installation, the
surrounding community will also welcome them with open arms. Washington
state has much to offer the soldiers and their families, with community support
and plenty of activities. The relationship between JBLM and the local
communities continue to grow and I am proud to be part of that
relationship. The proximity of JBLM to several cities offers multiple
community options for all servicemembers. The surrounding communities have the
ability to accept the additional educational and community requirements of the
family members. With Washington state being one of the most family friendly
places to live, it is no wonder that many servicemembers choose multiple
postings in Washington state.
I
look forward to working with you to bring the CAB to JBLM and Washington
state. Thank you for your attention and I look forward to your
response.
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