[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 11919]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   ELLSWORTH WOULD BE THE BEST HOME FOR THE NEW GLOBAL HAWK AIRCRAFT

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, the Air Force is currently evaluating 
five military bases to see which would be the best home for its new 
unmanned surveillance craft, known as Global Hawk. Accordingly, the Air 
Force is using the final 2 weeks of June to send a team out to each of 
the five candidates to solicit public opinion on potential 
environmental impacts. The next such meeting occurs Friday in Rapid 
City, SD and focuses on Ellsworth Air Force Base.
  For the past year or so, I have been making the case for Ellsworth to 
senior officials in the Department of Defense and the Air Force. 
Perhaps not surprisingly, I firmly believe Ellsworth represents the 
best choice for the Air Force to host this important new mission. As we 
approach the date of the Air Force's meeting in South Dakota, I thought 
I would say a few words here in the Senate about why I feel as strongly 
as I do. Although I am confident none of my colleagues will be 
surprised by this position, they may find some of what I have to say 
about Ellsworth surprising.
  Friday's meeting moves the Air Force one step closer to a deployment 
decision on the Global Hawk system. I and the scores of other 
supporters of Ellsworth welcome a careful, objective review. We are 
confident that at the end of such a process the Air Force will conclude 
that Ellsworth is the most appropriate home for the Air Force's next 
generation of surveillance aircraft.
  We hold this view for three very important reasons. First, geography. 
Ellsworth offers uncrowded airspace and largely open spaces. Such a 
setting is ideal for conducting the kinds of training missions 
necessary to ensure the Air Force maximizes the technological 
possibilities offered by Global Hawk.
  The second reason Ellsworth has an edge over its competitors is base 
infrastructure. Many people who have never visited Ellsworth or who 
have not visited recently will be surprised to see the modern 
facilities at this base. Many people perceive Ellsworth as a sleepy, 
rundown former Strategic Air Command Base. Nothing could be further 
from the truth. As a result of years of effort, it now has the 
facilities to match the fine personnel it has always had.
  The final advantage Ellsworth enjoys is community support that is as 
deep as it is widespread. From elected officials, to business owners, 
to hardworking South Dakotan families living in the surrounding area, 
all stand completely behind what Ellsworth does for South Dakota and 
our national security. The Air Force will be hard pressed to find a 
community more supportive of its mission.
  For all of these reasons, I stand behind Ellsworth and welcome the 
Air Force to my state so they can see first hand what I have been 
talking about in meetings with defense officials and here today on the 
Senate floor.

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