Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Congressman Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) are leading a bipartisan effort to establish an Air Force squadron of C-17s at the Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station - the home of the 911th Airlift Wing.

In a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah L. James, the bipartisan group of Pennsylvania legislators lay out the strategic and cost-effective benefits of establishing the squadron at the 911th Airlift Wing.

"For years, the Pittsburgh International Airport has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective and efficient locations for assigned military units," said Sen. Toomey. "If the Air Force is looking for a new location to base additional C-17s, the Steel City is by far the best choice. Pittsburgh is proud of its military history and would be the ideal host for such a squadron."

"Pittsburgh's 911th Airlift Wing stands head and shoulders above the rest as one of the most efficient, skilled, and mission-ready airlift units in the country. We are in the strongest position to gain the C-17s because no other location can boast of the advantages we have in the 911th," said Rep. Murphy. "I am confident we will continue our successful efforts in building our military assets in Pittsburgh and urge the Secretary to establish the squadron at the 911th Airlift Wing."

Joining Sen. Pat Toomey and Rep. Tim Murphy in signing the letter are Rep. Mike Kelly, Rep. Bill Shuster, Rep. Keith Rothfus, and Rep. Mike Doyle.

The text of the letter is below.


The Honorable Deborah L. James
Secretary of the Air Force
1670 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1670

Dear Secretary James,

For decades, the Pittsburgh area military services and community partners have exhibited a proven track record in supporting the national security mission of the United State Air Force. As we strive to meet the rapid global mobility goals of the Air Force, we write today to advocate for the establishment of a C-17 squadron at the Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station, home of the 911th Airlift Wing.

The 911th Airlift Wing is located on the site of the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) which is run and operated by the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA). Pittsburgh serves as a major transportation hub with interstate highways, railroads and even the second largest inland port, connecting the first class airport to the rest of the country. It is logistically in close proximity to most major east coast cities but strategically far enough away to avoid any disastrous circumstances that may affect them and all this in one of the best recruiting areas of the country.

ACAA has a long standing relationship with the Air Force, and the military enjoys probably the most cost-effective lease agreement in the country, at merely $20,000.00 per year. This lease includes access to four major runways, three served by Cat I approaches and one Cat III, aircraft and base infrastructure fire protection and emergency services, airfield maintenance including runway and taxiway snow and rubber removal, complete customs and homeland security services and sufficient land to support any additional infrastructure required for establishment of a C-17 squadron.

The strategic location of the 911th Airlift Wing is in close proximity to major East Coast Military Hubs without competing for crowded airspace as experienced in other over populated cargo hubs and several military depots in Pennsylvania who routinely send military supplies and equipment overseas. Additionally, PIT has served many times as an alternate airfield for other eastern airports during times of inclement weather. Over the last 15 years, Pittsburgh International Airport has experienced only 14 hours of closures making it one of the most reliable airports on the east coast.

Pittsburgh International Airport is home to many other supporting military units such as the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 171st Air Refueling Wing, the Navy Operational Support Center, Army Reserve and soon to be relocated Marine Corps Reserve units.

As the Air Force considers future expansion of its missions and responsibilities, we welcome you to visit the 911th AW and the 171st ARW to experience the military assets and capabilities available here and meet our community partners that stand ready to support the long term vision and goals of the United States Air Force.

We thank you for your consideration of this request.

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