WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) released the following statement today regarding the rollout of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force's report to the President and Congress:

"The findings of the commission affirm my long-held belief in the importance of a balanced force structure for the Air Force that fully recognizes the capabilities of our guard and reserve units and seeks to make the most efficient use of our tax dollars. The Commission affirms that the Active Duty and Reserve Components - both the Air Guard and Air Reserve provide unique value to the Nation and the total Air Force cannot succeed without three strong components. I strongly believe that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst remains well positioned to meet the needs of the proposed force structure outlined in the commission's report, and I look forward to working with the President and other members of the New Jersey congressional delegation to ensure that New Jersey's military bases remain central to America's military operations."

The National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force's report was part of a congressionally-mandated analysis to determine if and how the Air Force's structure should be modified to best fill current and future mission requirements with available resources. The commission held numerous hearings throughout the country; meeting with various Air Force leaders, service members, elected officials, community leaders and Air Force retirees. Members of the Commission toured Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and held a public hearing in Toms River, NJ on July 16, 2013.

Click here for Senator Menendez's statement that was provided for the public hearing.

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