In a surprising twist, state leaders asked a federal panel Friday to study a massive return of Navy fliers to the old Cecil Field in Jacksonville.

Members of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission suggested they were open to the idea, though time and burgeoning investment by businesses at the defunct naval air station could play against the idea.

The new move, pushed by Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton and state lawmakers, was made because the commission on Tuesday decided to add the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia to its list to consider cutting or closing. Facing a Sept. 8 deadline to report to President Bush, the commission is trying to find a potential new home for 233 fighter planes and more than 11,000 personnel.

"We're looking for anything to help the Navy find an alternative to Oceana," commissioner James Hill said at Friday's hearing in New Orleans. "And Cecil Field represents an interesting dilemma for us as we go through the process. Once you give something up, it's very difficult to go back and get it back."

Encroaching development leaves Oceana no long-term future, according to the Pentagon, but few bases are immediate answers. Defense officials instead suggest they should build a new East Coast base.

The commission still could leave Oceana intact or transfer its assets to other bases. Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga., has been suggested, but commissioners appeared skeptical of that option on Tuesday. The Air Force would have to be moved off and in excess of $500 million would be needed to renovate. By DAVID DECAMP, The Florida Times-Union

"Let's Go Downtown" - Flight of the Intruder
 

http://www.327infantry.org/second/c_co 

Same Mud Same Blood - NBC documentary filmed 1967 RVN, chronicle Frank McGee

Jacksonville was cold to the idea a few months ago, I wonder what changed their minds?

That article I posted recently is current by the way....it does refer to some previously dated content, which may be cornfusing some of you!

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/072406/met_22395176.shtml

Here is another link to the on-line version of the florida times union talking about the votes needed for the petition...looks like it's going to be on the Nov. election ballet...

"Let's Go Downtown" - Flight of the Intruder
 

http://www.327infantry.org/second/c_co 

Same Mud Same Blood - NBC documentary filmed 1967 RVN, chronicle Frank McGee

"Let's Go Downtown" - Flight of the Intruder
 

http://www.327infantry.org/second/c_co 

Same Mud Same Blood - NBC documentary filmed 1967 RVN, chronicle Frank McGee