MEDFORD, MA – U.S. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) today released the following statement in response to the Department of Defense announcement that Hanscom Air Force Base will gain 1,104 new military personal and only 19 of the 2,000 staff will be transferred from Natick Soldier Systems Center. These Massachusetts base announcements were unveiled as part of a national report on military installations recommended for realignment and/or closure, known as the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) list, released today.

“Today’s Department of Defense (DOD) announcement that Hanscom Air Force Base will gain personnel is a huge victory for Massachusetts. We are pleased that the Pentagon has recognized the extraordinary military value of Natick and Hanscom. Natick is slated to retain all but 19 civilian personnel, and the core mission of this vital research-based installation remains fully intact. Today’s decision will allow Natick and Hanscom to continue to put Massachusetts at the forefront of our proud tradition of protecting the United States of America.

“We are enormously gratified by the gain and realignment decision for these local installations and thankful for the efforts made by local officials, the State Legislature, and the Massachusetts business community to show the Department of Defense what we have known for years: Natick and Hanscom make an extraordinary contribution to our men and women fighting on the front lines everyday.

“For years, Natick and Hanscom have provided enormous military value for our country as hightechnology
engines of world class research and development critical to our national defense. Both bases also are powerful engines of economic activity in our state. We are proud that the Department of Defense decision recognizes the military value of these critical installations, and we will continue to fight to ensure that today’s positive news is preserved as the BRAC process moves forward.”