NELSON JOINS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE VISIT TO OFFUTT AFB

Confirms New STRATCOM HQ is on Track
August 5, 2011 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson praised the service members stationed at Offutt Air Force Base for their sacrifices and for “protecting our national security,” as he joined Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta during Panetta’s first visit to Offutt, U.S. Strategic Command, and the Air Force Weather Agency.
“The outstanding people at Offutt help carry out missions that are critical to our war efforts and safeguarding America’s national security,” said Senator Nelson. “They deserve all of the credit and our gratitude for their service to our country. Having a visit from the secretary of defense, I believe, reminds our service members and their families here at Offutt just how important their role is in the security of our nation.”
Nelson, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, welcomed and introduced Panetta, who traveled to Nebraska to meet with more than 100 service members from Offutt, STRATCOM and the Air Force Weather Agency.
The senator took the opportunity to ensure that plans for a new STRATCOM headquarters continue to move ahead, and Panetta confirmed that they are.
“While bringing down the debt remains Priority Number One, we won’t shortchange essential projects, such as replacement of the aging and outdated STRATCOM headquarters,” Nelson told the audience at Offutt.
“A new headquarters is crucial for our national security. Building the new headquarters and assuring STRATCOM’s mission success in Omaha is also important for the economy of the Omaha metropolitan area,” Nelson said.
Today’s trip to Offutt and STRATCOM is the second stop in Panetta’s tour of the Defense Department’s nine Unified Combatant Commands. These commands provide effective command and control of U.S. military forces, regardless of branch of service, in peace and war.
STRATCOM is one of three combatant commands with specific functional missions, while the other six have specific geographic areas of responsibility.
Senator Nelson began his remarks by saying, “Mr. Secretary, you know you are visiting a remarkable base engaged in safeguarding America’s national security interests. The Fighting 55th and Strategic Command has a notable history dating back to its Cold War roots.
“Since STRATCOM was created in 1992, its missions have continued to grow. Today, they include nuclear deterrence, protecting space, thwarting cyber-attacks, global strike, combating weapons of mass destruction, overseeing missile defenses, providing real-time battlefield intelligence, and more. There is no doubt that STRATCOM is critical to our national security.”
Before introducing Panetta, Nelson highlighted the history of the Air Combat Command’s 55th Wing, which is the host unit at Offutt Air Force Base.
“Since its early days as the 55th Fighter Group escorting bombers during World War II, the Fightin' 55th has led the fight and continues to in today's world of constant change,” Nelson said. “I love their slogan: The sun never sets on the 55th!”
Nelson then introduced Panetta.
“Secretary Panetta also has an exceptional record of service stretching back more than 40 years. Like many in this room, his service started in the military.
“He served as an Army Intelligence Officer and then went on to serve as a multi-term Congressman, director of the OMB, and chief of staff to a President.
“Most recently, he was the director of the CIA, where he spearheaded the mission to take down Osama bin Laden.
“Needless to say, he is familiar with the sacrifice of our military, civilians, and their families,” Nelson said.
Panetta was sworn in as the nation’s 23rd secretary of defense on July 1, 2011.
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