Task force meets

A task force formed to protect Florida's military bases, in particular its role in research, development, test and evaluation, met for the first time Monday in Tallahassee. Northwest Florida's David Goetsch was named to chair the 12-member Florida Defense Support Task Force when Gov. Rick Scott isn't available. The group decided it needs to move quickly in light of the announced consolidation of the Air Force Material Command. Among other things, the consolidation eliminates Eglin Air Force Base's Air Armament Center and places the base's 46th Test Wing under the command of a two-star general at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The overriding concern is these are steps towards moving the wing to Edwards. The task force wants to ensure Eglin maintains its valuable RDT&E mission. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 01/09/12)