WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, announced that the U.S. Air Force plans to send approximately 234 additional service members to Whiteman Air Force Base.

          “Whiteman Air Force Base is ideally suited to welcome additional service members.  So, I was, of course, extremely pleased to learn of the recent decision to send 234 more airmen to the base,” said Skelton. 

          According to the U.S. Air Force, the 509th Bomb Wing will increase by 227 military positions and two civilian positions, while the 498th Munitions Maintenance Group will grow by seven military positions and five civilian positions .  The new staff will support the Air Force’s Nuclear Enterprise.  The U.S. Air Force also announced that the 442nd Fighter Wing will transfer 101 military positions from Whiteman Air Force Base. 

          “Whiteman offers great opportunities and these additional airmen are certainly a welcomed announcement,” said Skelton.  “And, although I am disappointed by the decision to move 101 airmen from the base, no one should doubt that I will keep reminding the Pentagon that Whiteman Air Force Base is a national treasure.  As one of America’s premier military installations, I am hopeful that great things will continue for Whiteman in the years ahead.”

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.