Gov. Corbett Visits 911th Airlift Wing

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Gov. Tom Corbett was in town Friday morning to try and save the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township.

The governor visited the base to tour the operation and get a sense for what it is they do and how they are able to be so efficient when it comes to doing their job.

He came with members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate to find out why the Air Force wants to close the base.

They said there have been many misrepresentations about what it truly costs to run the base.

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald was also in attendance today and promised to make certain the 911th is one of the best deals in the country for the military.

Gov. Corbett said this is more than a matter of saving jobs.

"The 911th and all the military here in southwestern Pennsylvania are a key component, I believe, to the national defense of this country. And I understand the need for the reduction of spending, but I do not understand when accountants look at numbers solely and we do not look at intangibles," Corbett said.

One interesting fact about the base is that 70 percent of the population base in the united states within 2 hours of flying time.

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