Language added to keep AAC

Under a provision in the draft version of the fiscal 2013 defense authorization bill, the Air Force would have to keep a key research, development, test and evaluation facility at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Local officials say a reorganization announced in November jeopardizes the base. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., sponsored the language requiring the Air Force to retain the Air Armament Center at Eglin unless a future base closure action rules otherwise. The Air Force is consolidating the Air Force Materiel Command's 12 centers into five, disestablishing the Air Armament Center and combining the 46th Test Wing and 96th Air Base Wing and having it report to the Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Local officials fear the reorganization is a precursor to moving the operations of the 46th Test Wing to Edwards. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 04/26/12)