Discussion continues among the citizens of Great Falls, Mont., over whether to limit residential and commercial growth near Malmstrom AFB, Mont. Some fear interference with base operations—especially a potential return of a flying mission. (The base lost its KC-135s under BRAC 1995.) At an “often emotional” meeting of the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the chamber declined to side with those who want to preserve Malmstrom’s aviation capability or those who have an economic interest in the land, reports the Great Falls Tribune.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.