Gibbons forms group to protect bases

Gibbons forms group to protect Nevada bases

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., is forming a committee to protect Nevada's military installations from reductions or closures during the 2005 budget process.

He dubbed the group Nevada's Military Advocacy Commission, saying they would help the state present a unified effort in protecting bases in the state.

"Nevada boasts the premier military training facilities in the nation with the Naval Air Station Fallon and Nellis Air Force Base," said Gibbons. "As the Department of Defense begins its process of reviewing the nation's military needs and capabilities, I want to make sure that the unique abilities, state of the art technology and critical importance of Nevada's military facilities are well represented."

He said the group will unite a number of existing organizations supporting the state's military installations and bring in top personnel from those bases as well as veterans groups and local leaders.

He said he doesn't believe any Nevada installation will be in danger of closure under the 2005 budget but that uniting to promote Nevada's military operations makes sense.