military base shut downs

[AlphaSigOU]

Originally posted by hoosier
...But the bases that should be closed are overseas - why are we still in Europe 60 years after the war's end?

Why are we still in Japan and Korea?

The nations are now full competitors in the world economy, but get a huge break by not spending much on military.

Many bases in Europe have already closed down and returned to their host country. On the Air Force side:

Soesterberg AB, The Netherlands (Camp New Amsterdam)
Bitburg AB, Germany (only the air base proper; Spangdahlem is using the housing annex)
Hahn AB, Germany (returned to Germany, now a civilian airport)
Zweibrücken AB, Germany (returned to Germany)
Sembach AB, Germany (returned to Germany)
Rhein-Main AB, Germany (returned to Germany, being converted to cargo area for Frankfurt International Airport)

Among others too numerous to mention.

Technically, South Korea is still at war with North Korea... all they signed was an armistice. The Japanese bases can be used to support Korea if the sh*t hits the fan.

Japanese have a very healthy arms industry... only they can't export it - it's supposed to be only for self-defense. Which is why they obtain licenses to build American fighters in Japan.

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
I know all the Kansas bases will remain open, and if memory serves me correctly both McConnell AFB, Leavenworth, and Ft. Riley will be gaining troops/jobs.

Colorado will have a net gain as well, with no bases closing.

[AlphaSigOU]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
The old brig is now an excellent private (K-8) school, and some of the other buildings have been repurposed.

Ahem... Air Force calls 'em 'confinement facilities'. Brigs are for swab-jockeys!

Interestingly, the confinement facility inmates at old Lowry were fed by the food service school students. The inmates in the facility were undergoing a rehabilitation program where if they stayed on good behavior and completed their confinement, they would have the opportunity to come back into the Air Force and re-start their careers. No first-termers there - all were former NCOs, as evidenced by the unfaded shadow of their former rank on their green fatigues (this was before BDUs). I saw plenty of former staff and tech sergeants, and even one master sergeant (back when the MSgt rank was six downward chevrons - not the five down and one up that's the current rank).

Originally posted by mu_agd
Is Otis the only one that is going to be closed?

I'm so sad to hear it's closing...

My daddy used to take me there to watch the planes when I was a little kid during the summers we'd spend at the Cape.

No surprises for Hawaii.