Special to the Journal
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – A clear picture of the
potential impacts to Robins Air Force Base and the Middle Ga. community are emerging
as Defense Department officials begin to release details of the near, median
and long term effects of Sequestration.
In
testimony to the Senate Armed Forces Committee Thursday, Defense Secretary Leon
Panetta conceded that Sequestration would likely result in the United States
becoming a “second-rate” power.
“For
the first time in a century, we are faced with the prospect of losing our
status as the global superpower,” said Maj. Gen. (ret.) Bob McMahon, President
and CEO of the 21st Century Partnership.
In a call with reporters Thursday, acting Air
Force Under Secretary, Dr. Jamie Morin and Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry
Spencer outlined the difficult position the service is faced with should
Sequestration begin on March 1.
“We
face a $12.4 billion shortfall with an estimated $1.8 billion shortfall in
Overseas Contingency Operations funding,” said Spencer. The Air Force leaders went on to
discuss planned actions to compensate for the forced reductions, as well as the
direct impacts to readiness, sustainment and modernization programs.
One
such planned measure, a furlough of up to 22-days for 180-thousand civilian personnel. Robins AFB is home to roughly
15-thousand civilian workers – the majority employed within the maintenance
Complex.
The
leaders also disclosed the planned reduction of a third of the maintenance
budget, resulting in a work stoppage affecting up to 150 aircraft and 80
engines undergoing depot maintenance.
The
service wide furloughs coupled with a potential depot maintenance work stoppage
– the bread and butter of Robins workload – has the potential to have a
significant impact on the Middle GA economy.
“It
is critical that we begin to plan as a community,” said McMahon. “Businesses
should plan on a reduction in income and we need to be vigilant in ensuring our
friends and neighbors are coping with the additional stress of having less
money in their back pocket.”
HHJ News
