RES NO 02-04-2012 CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
RESOLUTION NO. A 2012
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS,
A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR
FORCE Si THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO RETAIN THE
188 FIGHTER WING IN FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS.
WHEREAS, the 188 Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard, located at Ebbing Air National
Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, plays an important role in the defense of our nation
having, in the past 6 years, deployed twice for Expeditionary Combat Support for
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well as other contingency
operations worldwide; and
WHEREAS, during the summer of 2005, the region rallied with the 188 Fighter Wing when the
Pentagon recommended through a Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAG)
action that the Arkansas Air National Guard unit be stripped of its flying mission; and
WHEREAS, the unit's unique and unmatched attributes i.e. range, airspace, joint forces training
capabilities, cost-effectiveness and stellar performance record since its inception in
1953, along with assistance from local, state, and federal elected officials and private
entities compelled the 2005 BRAC commissioners to take unprecedented action and
award a new flying mission to the 188' Fighter Wino, known as the "Flying
Razorbacks;" and
WHEREAS, members of the 188 Fighter Wing are preparing for a third combat deployment in 7
years with two different weapons platforms and for the second time in those 3
deployments, are faced with not knowing i f they'll have a job when they return; and
WHEREAS, the 188 Fighter Wing recently was awarded the United States Air Force's second
highest unit award the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) for its
performance during the period of October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2010 by:
Completing the weapons system conversions from F -1 6s through two separate A -10 Thunderbolt
II "Warthog" upgrades ahead of schedule;
Maintaining a mission capable rate for the A -10 above the Air National Guard average and
achieving the highest A -10 unit in the ANG from August 2009 through July 2010;
Acing an Air Combat Command Unit Compliance Inspection in 2009, with an overall mark of
99.4 percent;
Earning the coveted Patriot Team Award as the Air National Guard's top national recruiting
office;
Developing an avionics solution for Air Force -wide problems with A -10's, earning the
designation as the only unit authorized to do repairs outside the standard repair parameters,
saving more than $1.5 million annually;
Logging 2,700 combat hours in Afghanistan without missing a single mission tasking assignment
less than a month after completing the conversion to A -10s.
WHEREAS, the 188 Fighter Wing operates as the most efficient and cost effective fighter wing in
the nation, with the following attributes:
Razorback Range, where pilots practice, is approximately 5 minutes off the ramp at Ebbing Air
National Guard base, providing maximum flying time for training_ and
A bridged I-log and Shirley Military Operating Area (MOA) above the Ozark and Ouachita
National Forests provide air space comparable in size to the Nellis ranges for joint exercises with
other Air Force and ground assets free of encroachment and environmental issues; and
WHEREAS, the economic impact of the 188 Fighter Wing on the Fort Smith community is in excess
of $150 million annually; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Fort Smith Region is consistently in the top 5 metropolitan statistical areas
with low costs of doing business; and
WHEREAS, the 188 Fighter Wing is the lowest cost fighter wing in the United States Air Force with
unsurpassed airspace and training facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, THAT:
The Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, and the National Guard Bureau
exercise sound judgment on behalf of our nation's defense and maintain fighters on the ramp at the 188
Fighter Wing and utilize the unique attributes range, airspace, joint forces capabilities, and cost
effectiveness; and
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and his staff are hereby formally invited to visit the City of
Fort Smith and the 188 Fighter Wing prior to the unit's deployment this spring.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Van Buren, Arkansas, by its City Council, did pass,
approve, and adopt by a vote of 6 for and 0 against, th- ore.oing Resolution at its meeting held on
the 27 day of February, 2012.
Rob- rtD. .re= an
Mayor
ATTESTED: s PP 0 D AS TO FORM:
r I
r
Barbie Curtis an Settle
City Clerk/Treasurer City Attorney