TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Manager to send a letter of support for the reconstruction of aircraft runways at the Joint Force Training Base (JFTB), Los Alamitos.
DISCUSSION
Background Information
The Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) was established in 1941 as an extension of the Naval Reserves Air Base originally stationed at the Long Beach Municipal Airport. Today, the JFTB primarily functions as Southern California's headquarters for the California,Army National Guard (CA ARNG). If the National Guard were to be mobilized, more than 5,000 military and civilian personnel would assemble at the JFTB to await assignment.
In addition to its military functions, the JFTB also serves as one of California's regional headquarters for the state's Emergency Management Agency (CaIEMA).
Unique to many airfields in the area, the JFTB possesses the only active military runway with the capabilities to accommodate large cargo aircraft between Santa Barbara County (Vandenberg AFB) and San Diego County (Miramar NAS) - the type of aircraft needed to support personnel and supply transportations after significant natural and/or man-made disasters. For this reason, the JFTB has been designated an entry point for personnel and materials during times of regional emergencies. This function has proved valuable in the aftermaths of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake and 1994 Northridge Earthquake, as well as during the 1997 Northern California Floods.
Current Conditions
One of the key aspects of the JFTB is its dual runway system. It is notable that the main runway at the JFTB (4R - 22L) is dilapidated and in need of immediate repair.
These runways are vital to the sustainability of flight operations at the JFTB. They must be maintained as Air Force One, tactical fighters, rotorcraft and military transports all fly in and out of the JFTB, Los Alamitos. The proposed repairs to the runway are a benefit to our region's emergency operations, disaster support and military training acti...
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