Chief of Staff for the U.S. Air Force Discusses Possible F-16 Move Away from Eielson

A meeting in Fairbanks is scheduled to discuss potential move

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Feb 17, 2012 at 5:43 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 17, 2012 at 6:39 PM AKDT

FAIRBANKS – The future of Eielson Air Force Base, in Fairbanks, will be discussed Saturday. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich will be joined by the chief of staff for the U.S Air Force, General Norton Schwartz, at the meeting.

It is a community meeting to discuss concerns about what would happen if Eielson’s fleet of F-16’s were transferred to Anchorage.

Fairbanks leaders are concerned about a big loss of personnel that would follow, or that the base itself would be targeted for closure.

Schwartz said he is anxious to discuss the proposals with people in Fairbanks.

“I will explain what we have in mind and what the logic that underwrites that proposal is, and obviously I will be eager to hear and listen to feedback from the greater Fairbanks community leaders,” said Schwartz.

Schwartz was once the head of the Air Force in Alaska.

The community meeting starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday and is being held at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks.
 

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