Congressman Smith: Joint Base Projects Are Safe From Cuts For Border Wall Funding

Congressman Chris Smith today announced that the $101.57 million in funding for projects scheduled at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst this year is safe from being diverted to fund the southern border security projects covered by President Donald Trump’s Emergency Declaration of February 15.

“These projects are not at risk,” Smith said after having been assured by the Department of Defense that awards for anticipated construction at the Joint Base are on schedule to be awarded in the current fiscal year. “Nothing at the Joint Base will be cut.”

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Joint Base MDL clears final approval for KC-46A Pegasus air-refueling tankers

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Air Force has issued the final decision to send 24 KC-46A tankers to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst after study found there would be no significant impact on the local environment, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced on Monday.

“The joint base has cleared a major hurdle for the much-anticipated arrival of the KC-46A tankers,”said Smith, dean of the New Jersey congressional delegation who in July, 2016 led a delegation letter urging the Air Force to designate JB-MDL for the tankers. Smith was a leader in emphasizing the ideal location of JB-MDL for the tankers. JB-MDL is the nation’s only tri-service joint installation and is home to over 80 mission partners including active duty, Reserve and Guard units. Read the rest of this entry »

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House Defense Bill Will Boost Joint Base MDL, Congressman Smith announces

Congressmen Chris Smith and Tom MacArthur cut the ribbon for a new hanger at JB-MDL in 2015

The 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, passed by the House of Representatives today, provides for a 2.6% pay increase for all military personnel, the largest increase in nine years, and provides $10.2 million for projects at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst , Congressman Chris Smith announced this afternoon.  Additionally, there will be no Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process through fiscal 2019, under the terms of the bill.

“It is critical that this legislation authorizes a pay raise and new equipment for the men and women serving in our nation’s armed forces,” Congressman Smith said.  “For too long their needs have been ignored, and now is the time to ensure they have all the resources and equipment they require to  get the job done.”

The $10.2 million for JB-MDL will fund infrastructure improvements needed in preparation for the highly-anticipated arrival of 15 KC-46A refueling tankers, which are expected to begin arriving in FY 2021.

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Republicans send Trump a message: Hands off N.J.’s big military base

WASHINGTON — Funding for KC-46A refueling tankers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst would speed up and President Donald Trump would be barred from beginning a new round of base closings under legislation setting defense policy for the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2018. The $692 billion National Defense Authorization Act, an annual bill setting Congress’ defense policies,… Read the rest of this entry »

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Guadagno Applauds Air Forces’s Choice of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst For Refueling Jets

Trenton, NJ – Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno today applauded the Air Force’s decision to begin basing new KC-46A Pegasus air-refueling tankers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in the 2021 fiscal year. This decision will accelerate an infusion of military construction at the Joint Base and prioritizes Joint Base receipt of the aircraft at a time when the Administration is requesting a new base closure round in 2021.

“The Air Force decision is good news for the State of New Jersey and for our national security,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno.  “It is a tribute to the outstanding Air Force and Air National Guard airmen and the important missions they perform.”

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Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will be first to get Air Force refueling jets

The United States Air Force has selected Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) to be the first military installation to to sequence its new KC-46A refueling jets, according to an announcement by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4)

The KC-46A is the first phase of a 3-phase effort to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging tanker fleet. With more refueling capacity and enhanced capabilities, improved efficiency and increased capabilities for cargo and aeromedical evacuation, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps as well as allied nation coalition force aircraft, according to the Air Force.

This is a big win for New Jersey jobs, Smith said.

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N.J.’s joint military base getting new protections from Congress

WASHINGTON — Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, saved from reductions in the defense policy bill signed into law last month, will receive additional protection in the $1.1 trillion government spending bill to be enacted by Congress this week. Legislation funding the government through Sept. 30 contains the same provisions as the National Defense Authorization Act, which established defense… Read the rest of this entry »

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N.J. lawmakers block Pentagon from possible cuts to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

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President Obama should reconsider phasing out aircraft at Lakehurst, Smith says

LAKEHURST — When President Obama visits Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Monday to thank American service members, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith wants the Commander in Chief to use the time to also reconsider plans phase out certain refueling aircraft. In a letter sent Friday to Obama, Smith (R-4th Dist.) said the “misguided proposal” of phasing out KC-10… Read the rest of this entry »

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President Obama to visit N.J. military base Monday

TRENTON — President Obama is scheduled to visit New Jersey Monday with an appearance at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to thank military service members and Department of Defense civilians for their service, the White House confirmed today. The base in amalgam of the United States Air Force’s McGuire Air Force Base, the United States Army’s Fort Dix… Read the rest of this entry »

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