Following is Governor Palin’s press release in its entirety pertaining to a US Air Force briefing she received on May 18, 2009:
“Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Lt. Gen. (AK) Craig E. Campbell, Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard, met [on May 18, 2009] with General Carroll H. “Howie” Chandler, Commander of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in the Pacific. General Chandler briefed Governor Palin on current events in the USAF, the status of USAF assets in Alaska, possible deployment levels in 2009 for Iraq and Afghanistan, and the value of training in Alaska” (USAF Briefing, 2009, ¶1).
“It was truly an honor to meet with General Chandler,” Governor Palin said. “His distinguished 35-year military career and previous years as commander of the Alaska Command give him the experience necessary to truly understand the strategic value of military assets in Alaska – particularly the benefit of Alaska airspace and facilities for readiness training exercises. I look forward to working with General Chandler in the future” (USAF Briefing, 2009, ¶2).
“General Chandler is a good friend and an Alaskan at heart,” Lt. Gen. (AK) Campbell said. “Since his days as commander of the Alaska Command, Gen. Chandler has always looked out for the best interests of the military in our state and he is a tremendous ally for Alaska issues in Washington, D.C” (USAF Briefing, 2009, ¶3).
(from left) Adjutant General Craig Campbell, Governor Sarah Palin and Deputy Chief of Staff Randy Ruaro met today with General Howie Chandler, Commander of the United States Air Force (USAF) in the Pacific.
Both Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases are located in Alaska, housing 10 different types of aircraft, 9,000 airmen, and 12,000 family members. “Aviation training occurs year-round with “Red Flag” exercises involving international aircrews conducted every three to four months (USAF Briefing, 2009, ¶3).
Commentary
Governor Palin has shared strategic command over the 49th Missile Defense Battalion and complete command over the Alaska State Defense Force, and concomitant top security clearances. As noted in the release, this briefing was about USAF assets in Alaska, Iraq and Afghanistan deployment levels for 2009 and training.
References
Governor Palin meets U.S. Pacific Air Force Commander. (2009, May 18). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1850
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