TITLE: Advocating that the United States Department of Defense name Lackland Air Force Base to the next list of the F-35 base locations.

SUMMARY: Advocating that the United States Department of Defense name Lackland Air Force Base to the next list of the F-35 base locations.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the 149th Air National Guard for its valuable contributions to the people of Bexar County and this state through its mission at Lackland Air Force Base; and WHEREAS, The federal mission of the 149th Air National Guard provides training of F-16 pilots and combat personnel for worldwide operations; and WHEREAS, In 2009, the mission of the 149th Air National Guard at Lackland Air Force Base provided an economic impact to the San Antonio area of over $100 million and more than 1,000 directly and indirectly related jobs; and WHEREAS, In addition, the 149th Medical Group serves the State of Texas in several capacities; it is the on-call medical team for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 6 for emergencies and was the lead medical unit responding to recent hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina; and WHEREAS, The 149th Air National Guard is currently flying the aging F-16 airframe and is in the process of retiring it and replacing it with the F-35, Lightning II airframe in order to secure a vibrant, frontline fighter mission; and WHEREAS, The 149th Air National Guard's mission is of supreme importance to our state and nation and has been a welcome benefit to the welfare of our state, and it is important that Texas lend its support to the F-35 airframe transition and proudly advocate that Lackland Air Force Base be on the next list of basing locations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend its full support to the 149th Air National Guard's transition from the F-16 airframe to the F-35, Lightning II Fighter aircraft and advocate that the United States Department of Defense name Lackland Air Force Base to the next list of the F-35 base locations; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an expression of admiration and appreciation for the 149th Air National Guard. Van de Putte President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 11, 2011.