News

Site visit next step in MC-12W selection process

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78 ABW/PA
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  June 7 is a big day for Robins and the surrounding community. It's so big, if days were aircraft, June 7 would be a C-5.

That's when a team from Air Combat Command will arrive for a three-day site survey to hear Robins' pitch why it should be the home base of the MC-12W Liberty.

Robins is competing with five other installations to house the aircraft, which is the Air Force's newest manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. The mission would bring two squadrons of 37 aircraft and 700 people here.

A decision on a preferred site is expected in August. After a period of more detailed studies, a final decision is expected in March 2011.

Michael O'Gorman, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Business Office chief, said Robins is a good fit for the MC-12W, in part, because it already is heavily involved with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations through its roles supporting the Global Hawk, Predator/Reaper and U-2. The 116th Air Control Wing here also performs an ISR mission.

He also said Robins is in a good strategic location due to its proximity to other bases and military headquarters tied to ISR operations.

"Robins is an optimal location for the bed down of this ISR platform and has a history of being a significant contributor to the success of this platform," O'Gorman said. "Basing the aircraft at Robins would complement the existing ISR mission focus the base provides and afford the opportunity to enhance the synergies and collaboration among the various ISR missions."

The proposal is for state-owned facilities in the Georgia Air National Guard portion of the base to house the MC-12W. Gov. Sonny Perdue and Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, WR-ALC commander, signed a memorandum of understanding in support of the proposal.

Local leaders are also launching an all-out effort to demonstrate why Robins is the best site for the MC-12W.

"I feel very optimistic," said Mary Therese Tebbe, 21st Century Partnership executive director, a community group that supports Robins. "We have the best community in the nation to embrace this mission, not to mention the best workforce."

Other bases in the running are Altus Air Force Base, Okla.; Beale AFB, Calif.; Key Field Air Guard Station, Miss.; Langley AFB, Va.; and Whiteman AFB, Mo.