This article might explain why the Air Force went from a training base (George AFB) with 360 days of flying weather to Idaho with 100 good days of good weather (Mountain Home AFB). Fighter pilots need lots of training and lots good weather. I understand doing winter training to be prepared, but not moving a whole base from one of the top areas with great weather and low population.
TWIN FAILS – Three retired Air Force officers say the U.S. Air Farce intentionally provided false information that led to a recommendation to close George Air Force Base in California and a proposed expansion of the Saylor Creek Bombing Range in Idaho.
“There’s something going on here other than a fair and equitable evaluation of what should and shouldn’t happen to the taxpayers’ money,” former fighter pilot Col. Maurice Long said.
Long. Lt Col Vernon R Lee and Capt. William McDaniel all retired fighter pilots. Contend Air Force officials intentionally misled the Defense Secretary’s Commission on Base Realignment and Closure during 1988 hearings.
The commission in December 1988 recommended closing George and moving 94 F-4 fighter jets to Mountain Home Air Force Base.
The Air Force since has said the move requires a large expansion of the base and the nearby Saylor Creek range.
When the three first learned that George was to be closed, they were certain it was a mistake, McDaniel said.
But as they investigated the commission’s decision they slowly discovered it was intentional, Mc-Daniel said, “We slowly came to the conclusion that it was a carefully orchestrated plan by a few folks in DOD and the Air Force,” he said.
Air Force headquarters at the Pentagon did not respond to allegations by the three officers.
See: Ex-officers: Air Force lied about range – May 7, 1990
The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission announced George’s closure in 1988. George AFB was officially decommissioned in December 1992.
This is ALL true. The Major at the Pentagon never even visited George and could not answer even basic questions about the base. Additionally I was not allowed to copy ANY part of his justification report for closing George AFB.