JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

Alaska plays a central role in national defense. Lieutenant General Henry Obering, Director of US Air Force Missile Defense Agency, presented our Joint Armed Forces Committee with an unclassified update on the progress of America’s integrated layered Missile Defense System. Their mission: defend the United States from ballistic missiles of all ranges, during all phases of their flight.

Facilities in Alaska include Eareckson Air Station at Adak, Kodiak Island, and Fort Greely near Delta Junction. The missile facilities at Ft. Greely are operated by our own Alaska National Guard. In addition to adding to our safety, the Missile Defense Agency has pumped almost 626 million dollars into Alaska’s economy.

Much of the work is in cooperation with Boeing Aircraft Company, which has been an industry leader in national defense. I have first hand knowledge of Boeing’s expertise. During 1967 and 1968, I was one of seven Air Force officers selected for the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) “”Education with Industry” program at the Boeing Company in Seattle. During that program I had the opportunity of moving through each of Boeing’s divisions and working, shoulder-to-shoulder, with Boeing employees. That included my personal work with Minuteman missile design and development, and air defense systems. Much of that technology has evolved into the technological marvels of 2007.

I am a strong believer in national defense. Unless America survives as a nation, all other issues are moot.