Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
8:08 am Saturday, March 10, 2001

Another round of base closures

By Staff
March 4, 2001
Disturbing talk is beginning to circulate on an issue of critical importance to the future of not only Naval Air Station Meridian but also the entire Meridian area: base closures. At this point, we know neither what's coming (if anything) nor exactly when.
It wouldn't be surprising to learn leaders of the successful project from the 1990s that helped save NAS Meridian are meeting again, thinking about how to keep NAS Meridian a viable part of the community. It would be appropriate to freshen the strategy, which could then be employed if the need arises.
Nagging problems
The talk of base closures originated in Washington, D.C., where the Bush Administration is grappling with nagging problems in the military. Training, equipment, housing, pay and benefits are all important issues and must be resolved if the U.S. is to retain the competent, well-trained military personnel necessary to meet any threat any where in the world.
But as the Administration considers how to re-direct resources, we hope the importance of training missions is elevated to the highest priority. The mission of NAS Meridian, as one of the Navy's premier training stations, has been growing and expanding.
Congressional leaders such as Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., and U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Miss., told the news media late last week they do not believe NAS Meridian will be a prime target for closure. They believe the Administration will propose a narrowly-focused round of closures designed to further weed out inefficiencies.
Missions
Obviously, members of the the Mississippi congressional delegation  indeed, all of us have a tremendous interest not only in saving the missions of the state's existing military bases but also in strengthening them as appropriate.
A heightened awareness and monitoring of the emerging national defense policy is a good role for congressional leaders. Beginning to devise a new strategy is a good role for local leaders, too.
As a premier training installation, NAS Meridian has a crucial role to play in rebuilding the nation's military. We must all work together to make sure that role is fulfilled now and into the future.

Also on Franklin County Times
Thorpe to play at Blue Mountain Christian
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Brennon Thorpe made his plans official to attend Blue Mountain Christian University and play baseball for the Toppers during a recent s...
Russellville High Class of 1967 gathers, reminisces
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
July 16, 2025
You can’t really go back to the good old days of high school, but you can pay them a visit now and then. That’s exactly what the RHS Class of 1967 has...
Former Cypress Lakes official to lead Guntersville State Park
Lifestyles, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
GUNTERSVILLE — Heath Puckett had an Auburn University degree and golf course superintendent certification in his pocket when he arrived at Cypress Lak...
European travel builds bonds across cultures
Lifestyles, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- A group of Franklin County travelers spent nine days this summer walking through catacombs, exploring castles and standing in places w...
Little Free Library welcomes readers in East Franklin
Lifestyles, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Eleven-year-old Aiden Hall is an avid reader, but he doesn’t just want to read books. He also wants to share them, and the way he deci...
King becomes elementary curriculum director
Lifestyles, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELVILLE — Molly King says every child can learn, though not necessarily in the same way or on the same day — a belief she plans to carry into her ...
New Junior Leaders begin their training
Franklin County, News
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
FRANKLIN COUNTY — Forty-two high school students from across Franklin County are beginning 10 months of hands-on leadership training and community ser...
Fire destroys 2-story garage, guest suite
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
R U S S E L LV I L L E – Jason Gist leaned against the wall of his home with a look of disgust while dozens of firefighters worked to extinguish a fir...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Stories
July 4, 2025Augusto Simon Diaz, 42, of Russellville, passed away July 4. Visitation and funeral were held at Spry Memorial Chapel on July 12 from 2pm ...
July 16, 2025
July 8, 2025Jamie Kerby Cummings, 41, of Russellville, passed away on July 8. Visitation took place July 13, at Spry Memorial Chapel from 1 pm to 3pm....
July 16, 2025
July 11,2025Julie “JuJu” Welch Black, 63, of Russellville, passed away on July 11.Graveside service was held at 1pm on July 13, at Belgreen Cemetery w...
July 16, 2025
July 9, 2025Scott Noel Benford, age 58, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on July 9. Visitation was held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville on July 1...
July 16, 2025