Begich May Allow Air Force Lieutenant General's Promotion After Upcoming F-16 Move Report

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By Matt Buxton - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner / mbuxton@newsminer.com

Story Created: May 29, 2012 at 8:57 AM AKDT

Story Updated: May 29, 2012 at 8:57 AM AKDT

FAIRBANKS — U.S. Senator Mark Begich says he will lift a hold on the promotion of Air Force lieutenant general if a report due out this week provides adequate information on a planned relocation of Eielson Air Force Base’s F-16 squadron.

Begich, who talked about Eielson after speaking at Memorial Day celebrations in Fairbanks, said he’s optimistic that the report will provide a detailed cost analysis of the move, clearing up months of unanswered questions.

The Air Force announced the move as a cost-cutting measure, but has given differing estimates of what it might save, Begich said. The branch sent a team to analyze the move in early April and is expected to release its findings this week.

“I was sick and tired for hearing reasons why they couldn’t get it and the vagueness of the report,” he said. “If they give me the numbers we’re looking for then we’ll go ahead and let the general move forward on his promotion, because that’s what we were looking for.”

If the report is unsatisfactory, Begich said he’ll keep up with the pressure.

“If it’s not defined as we’re hopeful of, the general’s hold will stay in place,” he said.

But when asked if he would drop his opposition to the move if the report shows savings, Begich said he’ll still be skeptical. He said he’s heard a wide range of numbers for the move, ranging from a few million dollars of savings in the first year, to more than 10 million dollars in extra costs.

“I think they’re going to have a hard time to prove those savings,” he said.

But he said if he can’t stop the move, he said wants to ensure that its impact on the Air Force’s budget, as well as the local community, is kept to a minimum.

“The target will be two-fold, lessen the impact or no impact,” he said. “Right now it’s hard to say until we see the numbers.”

Contact Fairbanks Daily News-Miner staff writer Matt Buxton at 907-459-7544.

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, May 29 at 2:21 PM

Mark Begich isn't his dad, in fact by calling Alaskans lazy and voting for ObamaCare, he has declared war on the Alaskan people. He must go!

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DrLongBear said on Tuesday, May 29 at 4:21 PM

Who does Begich think he is? This guy has earned his rank...and trust me, at the general's level he is putting out more productivity then Begich ever will (My spell check is saying "Begich" does not exist in its databank...if only it were so.) This snake slithered his way into Steven's seat...YES, Steven's seat...and now he wants to play hardball with the very people who have made Alaska viable (the military) Say what you will, Alaska growth would have been marginal at best without the military's presence. Begich has a right to know what funds are being spent and how much of an impact any such move will make...he does not have the right to be heavy handed...he is a poor representation of Alaska...he needs to be replaced, ASAP!

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, May 29 at 4:49 PM

Begich is a disgrace to Alaska.

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Grizz said on Tuesday, May 29 at 5:46 PM

Begich is just blowing hot air pandering for votes by bleating like a stuck cow. The jets are gone and there is nothing he can do about it, and him holding the generals promotion over the PACAF commander is just childish. Begich wants to hold off the move for a year, well guess what; They arent leaving until the summer of 2013!! Now he want's a cost savings estimate - it's already been done!! That's why they are moving the jets because it costs more to operate in a remote area as opposed to Anchorage.

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Spot on said on Wednesday, May 30 at 3:49 PM

"Begich is a disgrace to Alaska." No one could have said that better.

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Robo said on Thursday, May 31 at 6:36 PM

I have a suggestion...we Alaskans should demand that Senator Begich's salary be held, till the senate passes a budget to run our nation -- of course, one that does not bankrupt our children and grandchildren. We can only hope that we Alaskans can make the right decision in 2014 and bring him home to work in the coffee shop in 2015.

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