Wolk calls for continued operation of Travis AFB

Assemblywoman Wolk presents support letter at Capitol hearing

“There’s a lot riding on this round of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, and the council’s recommendation will be extremely important,” said Wolk. “Not only are the services provided at Travis Air Force Base critical to national security, but, at the local level, the base is critical to Solano County’s economy. Losing the Travis would be devastating.”

Travis Air Force Base (AFB) is Solano County’s top employer, with an estimated $1.28 billion regional economic impact. In past years, the surrounding community went so far as to underscore their commitment to the base by purchasing 1,800 acres of property surrounding the base to prevent development from encroaching on the base's flight paths.

“Travis Air Force Base is a vital West Coast military installation with a long history of timely, cost effective service to the United States,” wrote Assemblywoman Wolk in her letter to the council. “Travis Air Force Base provides a number of services crucial to effective homeland security, disaster relief efforts and airlift and refueling support… I believe the military benefits provided by Travis Air Force Base will become abundantly clear and provide a fundamental cornerstone to our state's contribution to the national military infrastructure.”

Travis AFB has played an integral role during the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, recently providing assistance to victims of the tsunami in the Far East. The base is home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing and 349 Air Mobility Wing (reserve), and provides unique services in air lift, air-refueling, and world class Multi-Modal Port facilities. Travis AFB is also strategically located near three major metropolitan areas – San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento – as well as major interstate highways, rail and seaports, well positioning the base to move military equipment and provide immediate emergency relief, as well as air patrol, over major population centers in the state.

The California Council on Base Support and Retention was created by the Governor to advise the state and local communities on Base Realignment and Closure strategy. The council, co-chaired by Leon Panetta and Donna Tuttle, will conduct six hearings throughout the state to gather testimony, engage in dialogue, and formulate recommendations to retain military bases and missions in the state.