Military

Greater Peoria Regional Airport (ANG)

The 182nd Airlift Wing (AW) of the Illinois Air National Guard occupies 339 acres of leased land, separated into two parcels of 334 and 5 acres respectively. All utility systems on the 5-acre parcel are already privatized. Both parcels of leased land are on the Greater Peoria Regional Airport, located approximately six miles southwest of Peoria, in north central Illinois. The mission of the 182nd AW is to provide air transportation of personnel and equipment to deployed locations. The unit currently flies the C-130E Hercules. The 182nd AW occupies five administrative and 30 industrial buildings, totaling approximately 413,406 square feet with 238 full-time personnel. A unit training drill is conducted once a month and results in a surge of up to a total of 1200 personnel.

BRAC 2005

Secretary of Defense Recommendation: In its 2005 BRAC Recommendations, DoD recommended to realign Nashville International Airport (IAP) AGS, TN. This recommendation would distribute the C-130H aircraft of the 118th Airlift Wing (ANG) to the 182d Airlift Wing (ANG), Greater Peoria Airport AGS, IL (four aircraft) and another installation.

Secretary of Defense Justification: Military judgment was the predominant factor in this recommendation--this realignment would create a right-sized squadron at Peoria (127) and would retain experienced ANG personnel.

Community Concerns: There were no formal expressions from the community.

Commission Findings: The Commission found that the Department of Defense recommendation to remove the flying mission from Nashville International Airport Air Guard Station can be supported despite community concerns related to military value, manpower savings and impact on the state mission. The Commission also recognized the fact that the C-130 force structure is shrinking and that the number of Air National Guard C-130 operating locations must be reduced. The Commission established a C- 130 wing at Greater Peoria Air Guard Station, Illinois and Louisville International Airport, Kentucky. This recommendation is consistent with the Commission's Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Laydown Plan.

This recommendation directing aircraft movement and personnel actions in connection with Air National Guard installations and organizations is designed to support the Future Total Force. The Commission expects that the Air Force will find new missions where needed, provide retraining opportunities, and take appropriate measures to limit possible adverse personnel impact. The Commission's intent is that the Air Force will act to assign sufficient aircrew and maintenance personnel to units gaining aircraft in accordance with current, established procedures. However, the Commission expects that all decisions with regard to manpower authorizations will be made in consultation with the governor of the state in which the affected Air National Guard unit is located. Any manpower changes must be made under existing authorities, and must be made consistent with existing limitations. Some reclassification of existing positions may be necessary, but should not be executed until the Air Force and the state have determined the future mission of the unit to preclude unnecessary personnel turbulence.

Commission Recommendations: The Commission found that the Secretary of Defense deviated substantially from final selection criterion 1, as well as from the Force Structure Plan. Therefore, the Commission recommends the following:

Establish 8 PAA C-130 aircraft at the 182d Airlift Wing (ANG), Greater Peoria Airport, AGS, Illinois.