AR HR1001

Urges the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, and National Guard Bureau to maintain fighters at the 188th Fighter Wing at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Highlights the unit's performance record since 1953, including receipt of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for October 2008 through September 2010, completion of weapons system conversions ahead of schedule, and logging 2,700 combat hours in Afghanistan without missing any mission assignments.

Identifies the 188th Fighter Wing as the lowest-cost fighter wing in the U.S. Air Force with unique attributes including Razorback Range, a bridged Hog and Shirley Military Operating Area comparable to Nellis ranges, and maximum training capabilities.

Notes the unit generates over $150 million in annual economic impact to the Fort Smith community and that the Greater Fort Smith Region ranks in the top five metropolitan areas for low costs of doing business.

Formally invites U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to visit Fort Smith and the 188th Fighter Wing before the unit's spring deployment, and directs copies of the resolution be delivered to relevant federal defense agencies.