Georgia National Guard to Acquire Naval Air Station Property

Georgia National Guard to Acquire Naval Air Station Property

Guard to Ensure Stability, Long Term Economic Viability to 107-Acre Property in Cobb

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Saxby Chambliss, Senator Johnny Isakson, Congressman Phil Gingrey and Congressman Tom Price announced today the Georgia National Guard will take possession of the Naval Air Station (NAS) Atlanta property following the facility’s closure as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Committee (BRAC) decision. The 107-acre property is adjacent to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Cobb County.

“This development comes at an excellent time for the Georgia National Guard, when we are asking our citizen soldiers to perform at a higher level than ever before in Georgia history,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “The Naval Air Station has been a good neighbor for Cobb County residents, and the transition to the National Guard will ensure the long-term viability of the property and jobs in the surrounding area.”

The acquisition of the property was confirmed in a memorandum from the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Joseph W. Whitaker, received by the state of Georgia yesterday.

The transition of the NAS property to the National Guard comes as a result of months of work by the Governor’s office and Georgia’s congressional delegation including Senator Saxby Chambliss, Senator Johnny Isakson, Congressman Phil Gingrey and Congressman Tom Price. The transition also has the full support of local government officials, as well as community and business leaders.

“This was the result of a great deal of work by so many people, and this transition will further enhance the strong military presence in Georgia and enhance the capabilities of the Georgia National Guard,” said Senator Saxby Chambliss, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.  “Our men and women who serve in the National Guard will certainly benefit from the training and resources at this new facility.  As we continue to call on them more and more in this era of new threats, it underscores why this facility is so critical.”

“Our nation depends on our military Reserves and National Guard like never before in waging the war on terror, and I am very pleased the Georgia National Guard will have the opportunity to use this impressive facility,” said Senator Johnny Isakson. “This is another great example of government and the local community working together.”

“This development is a tremendous asset to both the Cobb community and our nation.  The location offers an ideal site to rapidly respond to natural disasters in the Southeast U.S.  It is also essential to maintain a strong military presence at the Marietta complex, especially as other installations in greater Atlanta are closing,” said Congressman Phil Gingrey.  “The occupants of this site have a long history of serving our nation with distinction, and I know the whole community is honored to have our brave guardsmen headquartered in Marietta.”

“The value of NAS-Atlanta cannot be underestimated.  Georgia’s National Guard has proven time and time again that it is a vital component to the local community here in Marietta, to our country, and to our soldiers serving overseas,” said Congressman Tom Price.  “The role of the National Guard is ever-changing and providing them with the training tools and resources they need will benefit us all in the future.”

“The facilities on the Naval Air Station property are excellent and this will give us the opportunity to increase our efficiency and readiness by co-locating a number of key units and functions on one base,” said Lt. Gen. David Poythress, Georgia’s Adjutant General. “This is also a great location in terms of recruiting demographics for new soldiers and airmen.”

The NAS property’s proximity to Dobbins Air Reserve Base and its airfield operations is also a key advantage for the Georgia National Guard and its ability to train for and respond to national and state emergencies.

Leaders of the National Guard expect approximately 1,500 soldiers to be based on the property.  The Guard is currently identifying what units and functions will occupy the property. The announcement comes at a time when the Georgia Guard is forecasting growth with plans to form several new units in the coming years. In FY06 the Georgia Army National Guard included more than 10,000 soldiers, its highest level in the past decade.  Georgia’s National Guard now ranks in the top 10 states in terms of size.

The NAS property includes approximately 100 buildings for a total of more than 600,000 square feet. Facilities include hangars, classrooms, administrative space and temporary billeting. The transition of National Guard units onto the NAS property is expected take place over several years as naval units vacate the facilities.

The acquisition of the NAS property will complement a new joint readiness center slated to be built for the National Guard. The building, which will also be adjacent to Dobbins ARB, will house the headquarters for the Georgia Department of Defense (DOD), including the Georgia Army and Air National Guard. The DOD expects to move between 600-700 full time positions to the base when it relocates the DOD headquarters.  Funding for the new center is listed in the 2008 federal budget and construction is expected to be completed in the next three to five years.

“Georgia’s heartfelt thanks go out to many local partners who worked hard to make this transition a reality,” said Governor Perdue.  “We are especially appreciative of the leaders of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, as well as the invaluable input and coordination of the NAS Atlanta Local Redevelopment Authority and the Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee.”

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