Public officials say Guard will take over Naval Air Station

ATLANTA - The Georgia National Guard will take possession of the Naval Air Station Atlanta property when the facility closes as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Committee (BRAC) decision, several public officials said Thursday.<br> <br> The 107-acre property is next to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Cobb County.<br> <br> ``This development comes at an excellent time for the Georgia National Guard, when we are asking our citizen soldiers to perform at a higher level than ever before in Georgia history,&#39;&#39; Gov. Sonny Perdue said. ``The Naval Air Station has been a good neighbor for Cobb County residents, and the transition to the National Guard will ensure the long-term viability of the property and jobs in the surrounding area.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Joining the governor in making the announcement were Republican U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, and Republican U.S. Reps. Phil Gingrey and Tom Price.<br> <br> The state received confirmation of the deal Wednesday in a memorandum from Joseph W. Whitaker, deputy assistant secretary of the Army.<br> <br> ``This was the result of a great deal of work by so many people, and this transition will further enhance the strong military presence in Georgia and enhance the capabilities of the Georgia National Guard,&#39;&#39; Chambliss said.<br> <br> The senator said the guard will benefit from the training and resources at the new facility.<br> <br> ``As we continue to call on them more and more in this era of new threats, it underscores why this facility is so critical,&#39;&#39; Chambliss added.<br> <br> ``The role of the National Guard is ever-changing and providing them with the training tools and resources they need will benefit us all in the future,&#39;&#39; Price said.<br> <br> Lt. Gen. David Poythress, the state&#39;s adjutant general, praised the deal.<br> <br> ``The facilities on the Naval Air Station property are excellent and this will give us the opportunity to increase our efficiency and readiness by co-locating a number of key units and functions on one base,&#39;&#39; Poythress said. ``This is also a great location in terms of recruiting demographics for new soldiers and airmen.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The guard says it expects about 1,500 soldiers to be based on the property.<br> <br> The Naval Air Station Atlanta property includes about 100 buildings with a total of more than 600,000 square feet. It includes hangars, classrooms, administrative space and temporary billeting.

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