Fast Facts

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WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  1. Westover's economic impact was $237.6 million in 2011, but that number doesn't include the base's 29 tenants, which add another 2,160 personnel to its 740 civilians and 2,600 military. Grand total: about 5,500 people working at Westover.

2. Since 2010, the base has seen more than $66.3 million in infrastructure upgrades, including a $29.2 million flight line and runway upgrade, and a proposed $23.3 million hydrant fuel system.

3. Westover is a major inspection center for the nation's fleet of 110 C-5s coming to our isochronal inspection dock.

4. The C-5 is critical to National Security. It is the largest military aircraft in the U.S. It is capable of carrying 270,000 lbs up to 6,000 miles.

5. The Air Force is investing $1.44 billion in replacing the engines and renovating the C-5B into the quieter, fuel-efficient, more reliable C-5M. The upgrade of Westover's aircraft is due to start in 2013 and finish in 2016.

6. Westover is a joint-use, military-civilian airport; the co-located metropolitan airport was created in 1974 by state legislation.

7. Situated on 2,511 acres, Westover is the largest reserve base in the nation by land mass.

8. Westover is a multi-service base: the Army has 10 units on base, the Marines have 4 units, and the Navy has 2 units.

9. Westover serves as an Incident Support Base for emergency management teams. In 2011, Westover hosted hundreds of FEMA trucks, trailers, and generators for Hurricane Irene relief.

10. Westover has the third longest military-owned runway on the East Coast - 11,597 feet. Air Force One uses the runway, and the airfield includes an accredited drop zone for low and high altitude parachute training.

11. From Sept. 11, 2001 through Dec. 31, 2011, Westover aircrews flew 69,710 hours and transported 193,513 tons of cargo.

12. Westover is about one hour closer to NATO countries in Europe than the next nearest logistics base. This proximity to Europe is vital.

13. Westover was chosen as the #1 wing of 33 in the Air Force Reserve for 2010 - the General Sherrard Award for Outstanding Unit. It has also earned 7 other major #1 slots in command competitions, including best Human Resources Council, best Airman & Family Readiness Center, best maintenance group and section, top legal advisor, and best dining club.

14. Westover has been involved in every major military and humanitarian action in the last 30 years, including Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, as well as relief efforts to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, Houston following Hurricane Rita, Haiti following their earthquake, and Japan following the earthquake and tsunami.

15. Westover is not closing. Under the proposed changes, 8 of 16 C-5s from the 439th Airlift Wing will leave, but the "unit remains operational."