LATHAM RESPONDS TO IOWA F-16 FIGHTER JET MISSION RECOMMENDATION

IA ANG LOGO (submitted graphic)

Des Moines, Iowa, Feb 3 – Iowa Congressman Tom Latham released the following statement Friday in response to the Air Force recommendation to remove the F-16 fighter jet mission from the Des Moines Air National Guard base in Fiscal Year 2013.

“I have deep concern with the initial recommendations for the future mission of the Des Moines based Air National Guard Wing announced today. I cannot for the life of me understand why such a consistently high performing unit is being singled out for elimination of this function above all the other F-16 fighter wing units in the nation. This decision does not appear to be a result of a true cost benefit analysis to find greater efficiency or savings. I believe that the White House must request a reassessment of this recommendation with full transparency into why and how the decisions are made.”