Whiteman candidate for basing of MC-12W aircraft

  • Published
  • By 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Air Force officials announced April 23, 2010 that Whiteman Air Force Base has qualified as one of six locations under consideration for MC-12W aircraft operations.

"It's an honor for Whiteman to be considered for basing of the MC-12W mission," said Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "The quality of the communities surrounding, no doubt, played a major role in our being selected as a finalist."

Local area leaders were also happy about Whiteman's qualification.

"I have one word 'awesome!' said Mr. Doug Kermick, City of Knob Noster City administrator. "I look forward to the possibility of the MC-12W mission coming to Whiteman. It will open up the job possibilities for people at Whiteman and will solidify Whiteman's existence for many years to come."

The sentiment was shared by Warrensburg, Mo., Chairman Pro Tem Dr. Curt Dyer.

"Whiteman has always been an extremely important aspect of our economy in Warrensburg," Dr. Dyer said. "We have been very blessed by all of the Whiteman families who have come to reside in our communities. It's very exciting news. I am honored that Whiteman and our community have been selected as an MC-12 candidate. We will do everything we can to facilitate such opportunity for Whiteman and our region."

Sedalia, Mo., leadership also looks forward to the possibility of growth at Whiteman.

"I am pleased to support the addition of the MC-12W aircraft to the mission of Whiteman AFB, in Mo.," said Mayor of Sedalia, Elaine Horn. "This military stronghold of the Midwest is more than capable of adding the responsibility of another air mission to the base.

"Area community support is exceptional in the surrounding area," she continued. "Personally, and professionally, I am a staunch advocate of the capability of Whiteman AFB to be competitive and more than ready to accept the MC-12W aircraft. I hope that our past competitive efforts to showcase Whiteman will prove beneficial when considering the placement of the MC-12W mission."

In addition to Whiteman AFB, the list of candidate bases, approved by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force includes: Altus Air Force Base, Okla.; Beale AFB, Calif.; Key Field Air Guard Station, Miss.; Langley AFB, Va.; and Robins AFB, Ga.

"The selection of this candidate list is the result of a deliberate, measured and defendable process," said Ms. Kathleen Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Installations. "The Air Force looks forward to working with the communities surrounding these bases to ensure all concerns are addressed."

The list of candidate bases was selected using previously announced basing criteria.

Now that the list of candidate bases has been released, site surveys, which consider, among other things, local community relations and education opportunities, will be conducted. The formal environmental impact analysis process will begin, allowing communities around each candidate base to participate and provide input into the environmental impact analysis. Based on the results of these efforts, officials expect to announce the preferred locations in Spring 2011. Once the formal National Environmental Policy Act process is complete then the Air Force will make a final determination on basing. This is anticipated in Spring 2011.