Panetta vows to fight for Falls Airbase

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Could a high profile visit from the Pentagon help save hundreds of jobs at the Niagara Falls Airbase?

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta pledged his support Thursday for the Airbase, despite potentially deep cuts in the military budget.

Panetta is the first sitting Secretary of Defense to visit the Niagara Falls base, and his vow to the Air National Guardsmen and Air Force Reservists was as reassuring as can be in these most uncertain times.

Panetta assured servicemembers, "We are committed to maintaining this base for the future."

New investments back up the pledge. The base will receive eight new C-130 transport planes over the next five years and a $6 million flight simulator for training. There's also the possibility of a new enduring mission for 107th, perhaps involving intelligence, security, and reconnaissance.

"I'm committed to exploring those new missions for this base in the future," Panetta stated.

His audience couldn't be more pleased and relieved.

Tech. Sgt. Amanda Doherty said, "I'm very proud that he supports us the way that he does, and just to have the support from New York State and the Congress is very relieving."

Senior Master Sgt. Ray Fitzpatrick said, "Secretary of Defense Panetta spoke very passionately about the base and he's got connections in New York, so I feel very positive."

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul had invited the Defense Secretary to the base and told News 4 she believes his visit will make a difference for its future, even though there are budget uncertainties.

"This is a significant statement on his part today that he's going to protect this base and also work with all of us to find that new mission," said Rep. Hochul.

Sen. Charles Schumer said, "He assured us it would not close. That's a good first step. We now want to make sure, given all the budget cuts that are out there, which he talked about, that we don't shrink."

Close to 3,000 people, military and civilian, full- and part-time, work at the Airbase. The Defense Secretary said their work is "critical" to the nation's military and disaster strategy, and he said is committed to do everything he can to fight for their interests.