Will Tulsa's Air National Guard base be on the base closure list?

Oklahoma has dodged the bullet for base closings in the last decade, but some folks in northeastern Oklahoma wonder if their units will be on the Pentagon's final list. <br/><br/>The News on 6's

Wednesday, May 11th 2005, 9:51 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma has dodged the bullet for base closings in the last decade, but some folks in northeastern Oklahoma wonder if their units will be on the Pentagon's final list.

The News on 6's Heather Lewin has more on Tulsa's 138th fighter wing and the state's role in protecting it.

In addition to answering their country's call, the more than 1,000 personnel of the 138th fighter wing also support Tulsa's economy. 138th Wing Commander, Colonel William Havaway III: â€œour payroll is over $30 million a year; our economic impact is over $140 million a year. I think it has a dramatic effect on the Tulsa area."

But as the Pentagon re-evaluates the state of the US military, phasing out some older jets and shaping the future force, places like the Tulsa base could be on the chopping block. Federal officials say the military's downsizing effort will save billions of dollars a year. Cuts will be made, but officials at the 138th are cautiously optimistic. "I think the 138th fighter wing, with the age of our aircraft, our performance in the last 6 or 7 years in actual combat, and the age of our fleet, I think we're in good shape to face the BRAC."

The National Guard has a joint mission, national security and responding to statewide emergencies. Because of that role, some state governors are speaking out against the proposed closures, citing a law that requires state approval before units can be relocated. Governor Brad Henry has shown support for the installations in the past. A spokesperson says Henry "will do anything he can to protect our National Guard units." But state officials have to walk a fine line, most guard missions are federally funded, Henry's spokesperson says if the governor were to invoke the law, the Pentagon could say, okay, stay open, but you're on your own.

Despite outcry in some states, the Pentagon says national security takes precedence and they do not need state approval.

At this point, state officials don't think it will come to a legal battle here. They say while they can't predict the final outcome. Feedback from Washington DC so far has been positive toward Oklahoma.