WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta today, calling for answers regarding the Obama administration's intent to close the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh.

The administration's intent to close the 911th Airlift Wing, as well as to reduce the number of aircraft in the Pittsburgh-based 171st Air Refueling Wing, was conveyed to congressional staffs Feb. 3.

"I am very concerned about the impact such actions would have on our long-term military preparedness. As you know, the 911th Airlift Wing performs important missions as part of Air Mobility Command. In particular, the wing's C-130 aircraft deploy heavy equipment in support of overseas combatant commanders. Additionally, the 171st Air Refueling Wing has a proven track record, performing vital air refueling missions," Sen. Toomey writes to Secretary Panetta.

The full text of the letter is below.

Feb. 6, 2012

The Honorable Leon E. Panetta
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301-1000

Dear Secretary Panetta:

I write to express my concern regarding information I have received that the President's budget request will seek to close the Air Reserve Station/911th Airlift Wing (USAFR) at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Additionally, I am informed the President's budget request will seek to reduce the number of aircraft in the 171st Air Refueling Wing (PAANG), which is also stationed at the Pittsburgh International Airport, by four aircraft.

I am very concerned about the impact such actions would have on our long-term military preparedness. As you know, the 911th Airlift Wing performs important missions as part of Air Mobility Command. In particular, the wing's C-130 aircraft deploy heavy equipment in support of overseas combatant commanders. Additionally, the 171st Air Refueling Wing has a proven track record, performing vital air refueling missions. Given these important unit missions, I respectfully request the following information:

1. What is the fiscal rationale for the request to close the Air Reserve Station/911th Airlift Wing and downsize the 171st Air Refueling Wing?
2. What alternatives were examined with regard to these proposed actions?

Thank you for your service and attention to my request.

Sincerely,

Pat Toomey
United States Senator