March 10, 2009

The entire Colorado Congressional delegation is urging Air Force officials to consider locating a new numbered Air Force at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs. Last week the delegation sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Chief of Staff Norton A. Schwartz expressing their approval of the decision to name Peterson AFB as one of the six finalists for locating the new Cyber 24th Air Force (24 AF) and explaining why Colorado should be the home of 24th AF.

The letter highlights the many strategic advantages to placing the 24 AF in Colorado.

“Existing physical and technological resources in Colorado will be most beneficial to the airmen who will serve in 24 AF. As you know, Peterson AFB is home to USNORTHCOM and NORAD. In addition, Schriever AFB is home to the 50th Space Wing and the Space Innovation Development Center, which is tasked with rapidly prototyping, fielding and exploiting integrated air, space, and cyberspace capabilities. Colorado Springs is also home to Cheyenne Mountain AFS and the Air Force Academy. Nearby Buckley AFB in Aurora is a leader in the Air Force’s space defense program and houses the Aerospace Data Center. With all of these assets within close proximity to Peterson AFB, 24 AF cyber operators will have immediate access to support and resources that will help them complete their mission in a timely and effective manner.”

The delegation also points out that the Colorado Springs area is a great place to live.

“The extraordinary quality of life in Colorado Springs and the state of Colorado is unparalleled. Housing prices are relatively low, as is the cost of living. Colorado’s weather and geography not only protects the Pikes Peak region from hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters, but offers Air Force personnel extraordinary natural amenities and a comfortable living environment. In fact, those stationed at one of Colorado’s fine military installations often choose to retire in the state, because of its quality of life and extraordinary environmental benefits.”

The delegation letter reiterates the long-standing commitment of local, state, and federal representatives of Colorado to bringing Air Force missions to the state and assures the Air Force that “we are prepared to provide our full assistance to the Air Force as it determines a location for the new Cyber NAF.”

The Air Force expects to make a final decision on where to locate the new Cyber NAF by June of 2009.

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