COLUMBUS -- Today, Congressman Mike Turner and other lawmakers met with Ohio military officials to prepare for the next round of Base Realignment and Closure Commission changes.
The meeting, Turner said, gave Ohio’s top military commanders the opportunity to outline the mission and capabilities of their installations.
WPAFB is the largest employer in the region and it's also the biggest single site employer in the state.
"What is our assessment of our vulnerabilities and opportunities as we look to the future and the possibility of decreased defense spending and another possible Base Realignment And Closure," said Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio, 10th District)
President Obama has called for a second B.R.A.C. but so far Congress has refused to do so.
"What we have to do is be postured to accept new missions, et cetera given what the BRAC determines,” said Col. John Devillier, the Commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at WPAFB.
Col. Devillier along with military leaders from across the state laid out the strengths and weaknesses of Ohio's military installations to several representatives.
Right now, there are no plans for a B.R.A.C, but several members of congress representing Ohio are betting on it happening.
"How does it happen? What is the scope? How do we play the best hand to make sure that Ohio wins?" said Rep. Turner.
The good news is Col. Devillier says WPAFB is in great shape if another B.R.A.C. happens.
"We have it all! A large installation, large infrastructure, a well-educated workforce and recently the Air Force Times determined that quality of life wise Wright Patterson Air Force Base is number one in the Air Force," said Col. Devillier.
The previous Base Realignment And Closure a decade ago ended up as a positive for Wright Patt. It brought in a net gain of 1,000 jobs to the base. Air Force leaders and the region are hoping if another BRAC happens it will have a similar outcome.
Other lawmakers attending the meeting were Congressmen Bill Johnson (OH-06), who represents eastern Ohio; Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15), who represents central Ohio and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), from northern Ohio.
Based on information from the meeting, Turner said the lawmakers will now create an action plan for "protecting and potentially enhancing our state's Department of Defense facilities in any future BRAC."
“Today, we helped put Ohio ahead of the curve," said Turner. "Ohio's military leaders and congressional representatives began a critically important conversation and established a strong commitment to coordination in the face of any future BRAC."