Washington, DC —
Senator John Thune announced today that he will be visiting Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and Edwards Air Force Base in California to study possible future missions for Ellsworth Air Force Base.
"Now that Ellsworth has been saved from closure, adding an additional mission to the base is crucial to its long term survival. We proved during the BRAC process that Ellsworth is a premier base and is capable of housing one or more additional missions. Ellsworth has the hangar space, housing facilities, infrastructure, airspace, access to training ranges and outstanding surrounding community support to take on another mission," said Thune.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005:
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
Thursday, December 1, 2005:
Edwards Air Force Base, California
While visiting the bases, Thune will tour and be briefed on the F/22 Raptor, the Predator, Global Hawk and other unmanned aerial vehicles being developed. He will be taking a particularly close look the Airborne Laser System while at Edwards. Senator Thune is scheduled to visit with South Dakota troops stationed at both bases. Thune will also tour a B-1 test aircraft as well as a state-of-the-art aerial range.
"Now that Ellsworth has been saved from closure, adding an additional mission to the base is crucial to its long term survival. We proved during the BRAC process that Ellsworth is a premier base and is capable of housing one or more additional missions. Ellsworth has the hangar space, housing facilities, infrastructure, airspace, access to training ranges and outstanding surrounding community support to take on another mission," said Thune.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005:
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
Thursday, December 1, 2005:
Edwards Air Force Base, California
While visiting the bases, Thune will tour and be briefed on the F/22 Raptor, the Predator, Global Hawk and other unmanned aerial vehicles being developed. He will be taking a particularly close look the Airborne Laser System while at Edwards. Senator Thune is scheduled to visit with South Dakota troops stationed at both bases. Thune will also tour a B-1 test aircraft as well as a state-of-the-art aerial range.