January 12, 2005

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today emphasized the strategic value of California's military bases to the global war on terror and the state's contribution of tools and technology to strengthen our national defense.

The Governor made his remarks following a tour of Los Angeles Air Force Base, which houses the Space and Missile  Systems  Center, where he was joined by U.S. House Appropriations Chair Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) and U.S. Representative Jane Harmon (D-Venice). The visit and address to members of the base community was part of the state's preparations in advance of the federal government's campaign this year to consolidate military missions and reduce excess base capacity.

Gov. Schwarzenegger, who made efforts to retain California's 62 major military installations a top agenda item during his trip to the nation's capital last week, also reiterated the need for California's Congressional delegation and state and local leaders to remain united on the issue.

"I will fight to save Los Angeles Air Force Base and every base in California," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. "California is going to be a united force to save its bases. Just last week, I traveled to Washington,  D.C. to meet with leaders in Congress and the Bush Administration. I reminded them that California is at the tip of the spear of our nation's military capability. We do it all. Without a doubt, no other state has what we have to offer. You can't duplicate what we do."

Chairman Lewis pointed out that California is uniquely positioned to affect our nation's military preparedness and force posture, noting the state's strategic location for countering emerging threats from the Pacific Rim. Chairman Lewis also echoed the Governor's call for a unified voice from the delegation. "We must all work together to stress the unique value of California's bases to the nation's military mission. United we can make a stronger case and make sure it is heard in Washington," said Lewis.

To help the state prepare, the Governor established the California Council on Base Support and Retention in November 2004. Led by former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta and former U.S. deputy commerce secretary Donna Tuttle, the Council was tasked by the Governor to advise and coordinate with California's congressional delegation, state leaders and local communities on issues related to military base retention, realignment and closure. The Council held six public forums throughout the state last month and will recommend strategies and actions to optimize the retention and realignment of military installations, missions and commands in California.

Rep. Harmon, the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, added that the state needs to continue to highlight the extraordinary impact of California's bases in its BRAC efforts.

"Much of the country knows that California is No. 1 in agriculture, but aerospace is even bigger," said Harmon. "California's contributions to our national security from facilities such as the L.A. Air Force Base's Space and Missile  Systems  Center are second to none."

BRAC Fact Sheet: "California: Keeping America Safe and Secure" (from the Office of the Governor) (PDF, 44 kb)

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