Stryker Brigade News: Officials split over support for post Ft Lewis

A bit of local news. Ft Lewis, in Tacoma, WA is a permanent fixture of the local landscape. I would be more than surprised if it was slated for closure under Rumsfeld's realignment of military bases. I also rather doubt that local city council recommendations will much influence Rumsfeld's decisions about which military bases to keep open or close. But adding this blog entry for a little local flavor. (Hey you two..and you know who you are...are you reading this one?)


April 16, 2005
Officials split over support for post

Lacey votes to oppose potential Ft. Lewis closure; Olympia Council undecided

Olympia's City Council is split over whether to urge federal officials to keep the Fort Lewis Army post and McChord Air Force Base open.

Mayor Mark Foutch, a retired airman, drafted a letter of support and is waiting to see how many council members sign on.

Council members in nearby Lacey, however, had no debate before unanimously approving a resolution opposing any closure or realignment of the two military installments.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld must submit a list of recommendations to the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission by May 16. Up to one-quarter of the nation's military installations could be on the list, and states and communities are lobbying to protect what they deem as a substantial benefit to their local economies.

Olympia Councilman Doug Mah favors the letter of support. [...]

Fort Lewis is home to two Stryker Brigade Combat Teams and another 3,900-member cavalry regiment that is converting to a Stryker brigade. The Stryker brigades are a first step toward the Army's goal of fielding a future fighting force.

McChord is one of two Air Force bases that fly active missions using the C-17 Globemaster III transport jet, which is being relied upon to deliver troops and equipment to the Middle East.

Nearly 2,400 active-duty personnel lived in Thurston County last year, according to the state Office of Financial Management. That's a 16 percent increase from five years ago.

County businesses handle more than a half-million dollars in contracts assigned by the Department of Defense, according to the agency. Military shipments to and from the Port of Olympia generated more than $800,000 in gross revenue in 2004.

Stryker Brigade News: Officials split over support for post