[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9106-S9107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  U.S. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION IN EUROPE

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, as chair of the Military Construction 
Appropriations Subcommittee, I have the opportunity and responsibility 
to take a close look at our military's construction needs throughout 
the world.
  During our August recess, I chose to take a closer look at an 
initiative recently implemented by the Army in Europe called 
``Efficient Basing''. This initiative is a two part process that will 
streamline the Army's infrastructure needs in Germany and in Italy.
  The plan will direct much needed funds to consolidate U.S. bases 
throughout Germany, and better position an airborne battalion south of 
the Alps in Vicenza, Italy to more quickly respond to the possibility 
of crisis in the Transcaucasus, the Balkans, the Middle East and 
Africa.
  Although the costs for this initiative could total nearly $1 billion 
when complete, there is little doubt that it will both dramatically 
reduce the long term costs of basing our forces in Western Europe and 
provide better strategic positioning for regional conflicts and the 
global war on terrorism.
  This aptly named ``Efficient Basing'' initiative is being guided by 
the U.S. Army's European Commander in Chief, Gen. Montgomery Meigs. 
General Meigs invited me to Europe to take a closer look at the work in 
progress and allow him the opportunity to justify the costs associated 
with the program. As a result, I went to Camp Ederle, in Vicenza, 
Italy, and was able to see first hand the real efficiency of this 
tremendously large task and recognize the actual savings to be gained.
  I would like to take a few minutes to recognize the degree of 
dedication and service to our country that is often overlooked.
  Whether fighting a war, or carrying out the daily administrative 
tasks necessary to provide protection for America at home and abroad, 
our military commanders and the soldiers within their command display a 
level of dedication, efficiency, and selflessness that is awe 
inspiring.
  We ask a lot of our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. And, 
without question, they are up to the task, whatever it might be.
  Let me give just a couple of examples: In his nearly 35 years of 
military service, General Meigs and his wife, Mary-Ann have moved their 
family 24 times. That's not just soldier dedication, that's family 
dedication--all for the sake of our freedom. This sacrifice is 
recognized throughout the world, not only by Americans, but by our 
allies and partners as well.
  In the wake of September 11, a strangely surprising and caring act 
took place on the part of our Italian allies. In less than 24 hours, 
the Carabinieri--Italian police--in a show of force protection, came 
out in large numbers to surround our Vicenza base, Camp Ederle.
  The base didn't solicit their presence. It was given voluntarily.
  Acts like this do not just happen--they take time and the creation of 
a rapport built on admiration and years of interaction with our 
commanders and soldiers. The actions of the Carabinieri was, in part, a 
response to a lasting friendship--a friendship forged by men like MG 
Robert Wagner, the Southern European Task Force, SETAF, Commander.
  General Wagner, a shining example for all to follow, is one hundred 
percent engaged with the leaders of the community--the mayor, the 
director of the Carabinieri, and businesses leaders throughout northern 
Italy.
  The relationships and mutual admiration did not just happen by virtue 
of his position. It was developed over time, by him and by his 
predecessors, who hosted dinners and got to know these leaders and 
their needs, as well as expressing his concerns for our soldiers and 
the community in which they live and work.
  The relationship between General Wagner and the community is 
priceless, but the care and concern he expresses for his soldiers is 
even more evident.
  I was pleasantly amazed by the spontaneously unsolicited comments by 
persons like the local base librarian, who takes pride in his 
facilities and the services that he is able to provide to

[[Page S9107]]

some 750 daily visitors. The same type of pride was exhibited by the 
director of the commissary, who manages a clean, well stocked facility 
and therefore plays a critical role in the morale and welfare of those 
who defend us.
  A long time concern of mine has been the high operational tempo, or 
more simply put, the rate at which our service members are deployed 
away from their home base, whether for training, or deployed in 
reaction to a crisis.
  In Vicenza, Italy, I met an impressive young man--a Californian--1SG 
Noel Fernando. First Sergeant Fernando, a native of Salinas, 
California, talked to me about his highly trained Airborne unit's 
operational tempo.
  Sergeant Fernando, a hard worker who achieved his very high enlisted 
rank at an early age, assured me that more organized planning and early 
notification to family members regarding deployment schedules has 
reduced the trauma experienced by younger soldiers and their loved 
ones. They are now better able to anticipate deployments and plan 
accordingly.
  Another distinguished member of our military forces is Gen. Joe 
Ralston. General Ralston is the Commander in Chief, U.S. European 
Command and the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
  As Commander in Chief of U.S. European Command, he is the senior U.S. 
military officer and commander of a unified combatant command with an 
area of responsibility that includes 89 nations in Europe, Africa and 
the Middle East. General Ralston will be retiring soon, and just like 
many service members before, he and his family have sacrificed much of 
their lives for our freedom.
  I was pleased to have been escorted by General Ralston to the sites 
of several upcoming military construction projects in the Mons, Belgium 
area.
  The first is a barracks complex that will accommodate soldiers at the 
``one-plus-one'' housing standard. Another project will add a classroom 
to the SHAPE, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, elementary 
school.
  While there, I had an opportunity to visit this site and visit with 
the students and teachers. I am pleased to report that the 
administrators of this and other military schools in Europe have been 
able to reduce the student to teacher ratio significantly, thus 
offering a quality education for our military dependents.
  In summary, I would like to emphasize the important role that our 
officers, enlisted members, and their families play in creating good 
will around the world for the people of America.
  As I have mentioned previously, all of these people dedicate their 
lives, and to a certain degree their personal freedom, to ensure our 
nation's remains free. These military service members and their 
families deserve quality facilities wherever they might be stationed.
  This is why, I feel honored to sit as chair of the Appropriations 
Military Construction Subcommittee, because it allows me to make a 
difference in the living and working conditions for our troops who are 
willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on our nation's behalf. I am 
dedicated to providing first class facilities for them both at home and 
abroad.
  Lastly, it is with great pride that I commend those service members 
like General Ralston, General Meigs, General Wagner and First Sergeant 
Fernando, who have for decades sought to ensure a better quality of 
life for our fighting force.

                          ____________________