Civic, industry leaders see 'Best Practice' first hand

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 15 United States legislators from 10 states, two Canadian provincial assemblymen, and seven renewable energy industry leaders visited Luke Air Force Base Dec. 8.

The purpose of their visit was to study the changes at the base, tour the solar plant construction site, receive a wing mission brief and gather information on the wing's community strategic planning initiatives.

"Luke is proud to show others the outstanding relationship we have with our surrounding communities," said Rusty Mitchell, 56th Fighter Wing Community Initiatives Team director and the event coordinator. "Wing commanders here have gone the extra mile to be 'part' of the community, not merely 'in' the community."

The event kicked off with a visit to the future site of the 15-megawatt solar array to be installed on the south end of the base and where they learned its impact on meeting the base's energy needs.

The array, scheduled for a summer 2011 completion, will save the base millions of dollars in energy costs over the next two decades, according to Luke officials.

The group then toured the wing headquarters to watch a video on Luke's mission and receive information on the importance of community strategic planning.

"The Community Initiatives Team provides the continuity to the community as wing commanders routinely rotate out every two years," Mr. Mitchell said. "This stability of liaison with the surrounding elected officials contributes immeasurably to the coordination and support the base receives from the community. The concept and process developed by the CIT has been identified by the Air Force as a 'best practice' and has been lauded by the governor of Arizona as an example to be followed throughout the state."

"We've learned many things about protecting the long-term viability of Luke's mission," said John Schell, Peoria's Intergovernmental Relations director and tour attendee. "It's critical to recognize the importance of striking a balance between the rise of private property owners and the appropriate zoning protections necessary to strengthen Luke's mission."

The 56th Fighter Wing Range Management Office was also involved in the briefing.

"We explained our responsibility over all flight operations and environmental management activities associated with the east-side of the Goldwater Range and the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field," said Kevin O'Berry, 56th RMO Intergovernmental Relations chief. "Our office provides operational support to enhance the training and testing assets assigned to Luke. Of utmost importance to these legislators was the knowledge of our protection of the area's environment."

"This visit was an affirmation that Luke and its community partners are doing something right," Mr. Schell said. "Having advanced local state and federal legislators in support of Luke's mission, it was satisfying to share our experiences with others who are looking to model our efforts. I think we stand out as one of the nation's best examples of how to manage growth around a military installation."