Legislature(1995 - 1996)
03/06/1996 05:32 PM House MLV
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
March 6, 1996
5:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Ivan Ivan, Co-Chair
Representative Pete Kott, Co-Chair
Representative Eldon Mulder, Vice Chair
Representative Richard Foster
Representative John Davies
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Gail Phillips
Representative Ed Willis
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
BRIEFING: Lieutenant General Lawrence E. Boese, U.S.A.F.
BRIEFING: Brigadier General Kenneth Taylor, Air National Guard
*HOUSE BILL 496
"An Act relating to transportation of members of the Alaska
National Guard by the Alaska marine highway system."
- PASSED HB 496 OUT OF COMMITTEE
(* First Public Hearing)
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 496
SHORT TITLE: FERRY TRANSPORTATION FOR NAT GUARD MEMBER
SPONSOR(S): SP CMTE MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
02/12/96 2723 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
02/12/96 2723 (H) MLV, TRANSPORTATION
03/06/96 (H) MLV AT 5:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAWRENCE E. BOESE
Commander, Alaskan Command
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Briefed the committee on the status of
military operations in Alaska.
BRIGADIER GENERAL KENNETH TAYLOR
Assistant Director, Alaska Air National Guard
P.O. Box 5800
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800
Telephone: (907) 428-6089
POSITION STATEMENT: Briefed the committee on the status of Alaska
Air Guard operations.
BRIAN C. SONNER, CAPTAIN
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
17th Coast Guard District Chief of Staff
Commander (dcs) P.O. Box 25517
Juneau, Alaska 99802
Telephone: (907) 463-2025
POSITION STATEMENT: Briefed the committee on the status of United
States Coast Guard operations in Alaska.
SAM S. KITO, III
Legislative Liaison\Special Assistant
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
State of Alaska
3132 Channel Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801-7898
Telephone: (907)
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information on Fiscal Note for HB
496.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 96-3, SIDE A
Number 0003
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN IVAN called the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
Members present at the call to order were Representatives Ivan,
Mulder, Foster and Davies. Representatives Phillips and Willis
were absent. Representative Kott arrived late.
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN welcomed General Boese.
Number 0104
LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAWRENCE E. BOESE, Commander, Alaskan Command,
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, thanked the chairman for the
opportunity to brief the committee. He recognized the committee's
support for the military in Alaska. He stated his focus in the
briefing would be to explain what the armed forces in Alaska are
involved with at present, and what plans are on the horizon. He
stated a briefing book was provided to all committee members,
containing facts and figures on the military in Alaska.
Number 0289
GENERAL BOESE referred to the briefing book discussion of the
changing role of the military in Alaska. Throughout the Cold War,
Alaska's primary role was protecting the United States'
northwestern border through air and land defense. Since 1990, the
military in Alaska has made significant changes. General Boese
explained that the Alaskan Region North American Aerospace Defense
Command (NORAD) is still dedicated to maintaining air sovereignty
and providing tactical warning and assessment of air attack.
Number 0420
GENERAL BOESE explained that, as the mission has changed over the
past five years, so have the military's assets in Alaska. As
Commander of Alaskan Command, General Boese reports to Admiral
Greer, Commander of Pacific Forces. Under the Alaskan Command,
there are three components--air, land, and sea. General Boese
stated his primary responsibility is to support deploying forces
and forces passing through Alaska. He emphasized the strategic
importance of the state of Alaska. In the event of any major
contingency in the Pacific, the Alaskan Command would be an
extremely important aspect of the Tanker/Airlift Bridge.
Number 0653
GENERAL BOESE further explained that disaster relief is another
important function of the Alaskan Command. He added that a new
mission of the Alaskan Command is to support contingencies anywhere
in the Pacific. The final mission of the Alaskan Command is to
conduct joint training exercises.
Number 0653
GENERAL BOESE went on to explain the fort structure of the armed
forces within the state. Fort Richardson and Fort Wainwright are
fully operational. He stated that Fort Greely will remain as is
until the year 2000. At that time, they will reduce forces, but
the base will be maintained in "warm storage." The base will still
be needed for conducting training exercises and other operations.
This is very similar to the status of Galena, King Salmon, and
Eareckson today. As far as the Air Force is concerned, he does not
expect the structure to change. He said he expects no changes to
Coast Guard facilities in Juneau and Kodiak.
Number 0776
GENERAL BOESE stated the Navy will pull out of Adak in January,
1998. He stated he understands this will present a challenge to
the state. In terms of radar facilities, he expects no changes to
the present status.
GENERAL BOESE went on to discuss changes in the Alaskan military
since the Cold War ended. There has been a decrease in spending
from $78 million to about $30 million annually. He reiterated the
Alaskan Command's importance, in terms of strategic location,
combat ready forces, unique training opportunities, and support to
the state. General Boese used a polar projection map to illustrate
Alaska's strategic location, which affords rapid deployment both to
Pacific and European theaters.
Number 0937
GENERAL BOESE emphasized the importance of Alaska's combat ready
forces. He explained that training opportunities within the state
are second to none and are utilized by forces from all over the
globe. In terms of support to the state, General Boese explained
the Army had recently provided helicopter support for flood relief
on the Yukon when the National Guard was unable to respond. He
stated that Search and Rescue missions average one life saved per
day.
Number 1112
GENERAL BOESE then discussed Operation TEMPO. He stated that in
1996, the Alaskan Command will conduct 44 deployments in 25 foreign
countries.
Number 1205
GENERAL BOESE stated he would brief the committee on ongoing
activities. These include readiness, quality of life,
environmental, and state support. He described the COPE THUNDER
operation conducted at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks. This
is a world class training exercise. Forces from Great Britain,
Japan, and Canada will participate this year, in addition to
Alaskan forces. The exercise is conducted four times each year.
Number 1316
GENERAL BOESE then described the NORTHERN EDGE exercise, which is
the primary joint exercise, conducted yearly. The purpose is to
conduct joint training for Alaskan forces and to bring in outside
forces for training.
Number 1387
GENERAL BOESE mentioned concerns that have been expressed about
Eareckson, Galena, and King Salmon. He explained the
infrastructure of these bases will be maintained so they can be
used if the need arises. In this regard, $5.7 million has been
budgeted for repair and improvement of the King Salmon runway.
This runway is used for civilian operations as well. He expressed
confidence that this budget request would be approved.
Number 1450
GENERAL BOESE then discussed the Department of Defense/ Veteran's
Hospital which is now under construction at Elmendorf Air Force
Base. The hospital is expected to open in 1998. He explained that
Basset Army Hospital at Fort Wainwright needs to be replaced, and
this is now in the planning stages.
Number 1541
GENERAL BOESE stated that housing is his number one people concern
at the present time. At Elmendorf Air Force Base, there is a
shortage of 1,000 units. The military is working on privatization
efforts for construction of housing.
Number 1611
GENERAL BOESE then discussed environmental concerns. At the King
Salmon Barrel Bluffs site, a soil cap will be placed over the site,
and it will be monitored. He mentioned the problem with the
Government Hill Defense Fuel Support Point, near Anchorage, which
has resulted from urbanization of the area. The military is
studying alternative storage sites. He stated that another
environmental concern is the landfill at the City of Galena, which
must be closed by October, 1998. The military has worked with the
community to arrive at a solution.
Number 1772
GENERAL BOESE went on to discuss the Coast Guard's new system for
accessing the Rescue Coordination Center by cellular phone. This
makes it much easier for people to contact the center in the event
of emergency.
Number 1826
GENERAL BOESE then explained that the Army Confinement Center at
Fort Richardson is under utilized. He stated the military has
offered the use of this facility to the state.
Number 1855
GENERAL BOESE then described upcoming events within the state. At
Seward, a new recreation camp is being constructed. A grand
opening will be held in May or June. He also said a Ribbon
Breaking Ceremony will be held at Elmendorf this summer on a new
Joint Mobility Complex. He explained that this new complex will
support deployment. He further stated that on July 27, at Eielson
Air Force Base, a naming ceremony will be held for a new B-2
aircraft, the "Spirit of Alaska."
Number 2000
GENERAL BOESE then discussed areas where the military is asking for
help from the legislature. The first concerned the Alaska National
Guard. He stated the Alaska Air Guard is in good shape, but the
Alaska Army Guard has battalions (such as the Scouts) which are
questionable for utilization outside Alaska. Therefore, the
military has identified sensitive areas within Alaska which the
Alaska Army Guard could be assigned to protect. He reiterated that
the Alaska Army Guard is in a period of transition and asked the
for legislature's understanding. He further stated there is an
excellent relationship between the active forces and the National
Guard in Alaska.
Number 2154
GENERAL BOESE then commended the legislature's 1994 proclamation in
support of the Military Operating Airspace Environmental Impact
Study (MOA EIS). He stated that once the Federal Aviation
Administration's (FAA) Airspace Assessment is favorably concluded,
the agreement can be signed. He stated the success of this project
was due to a willingness to listen and make adjustments, on the
part of both military and civilians. He then discussed the
Civil/Military Working Group which meets in Fairbanks and
Anchorage. He explained the airspace agreement is essential for
conducting major joint exercises, such as Cope Thunder. He stated
he is confident the FAA will give approval.
Number 2240
GENERAL BOESE then discussed the military schools transfer project.
Once on-base schools are renovated to state standards, their
ownership can be transferred to local school districts. He
explained the military had needed money for renovation, and for
construction of a new school at Eielson Air Force Base, which the
legislature provided in 1995. He stated the military will not ask
for any additional money for schools this year.
Number 2319
GENERAL BOESE then mentioned the Legislative Proclamation regarding
Yukla 27 and the tragic loss of AWACS. He stated the proclamation
had been read at a national prayer luncheon, and was greatly
appreciated by the Elmendorf community.
Number 2430
GENERAL BOESE reiterated the importance and relevance of military
forces in Alaska. He emphasized that the military in Alaska can
not afford to be satisfied with the status quo. He stated that
state support is important, and expressed his appreciation for the
state's support of military operations.
Tape 96-3, Side B
GENERAL BOESE then invited questions from the committee.
Number 0027
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD FOSTER asked about deficit family units. If
housing is not available on base, where do families stay?
GENERAL BOESE replied that they have a difficult time, and often
must live far from the base. Either families pay more than they
can really afford, or accept substandard housing. The problem is
due to insufficient housing available on base. He reiterated his
belief that privatization is the answer.
Number 0134
REPRESENTATIVE ELDON MULDER asked about the status of 801 housing
at Fort Wainwright, in Fairbanks. He wanted to know if this would
be a joint effort between the state and federal government.
GENERAL BOESE responded that the organization building the housing
would receive the housing allowance of the occupant.
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER stated that perhaps a program along the lines
of AHFC would work in this regard.
GENERAL BOESE reiterated that privatization has many advantages,
and that the military is working on this area.
Number 0241
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER mentioned the situation at Adak, especially
with respect to creating a receiving authority.
GENERAL BOESE explained that timing would be the real challenge.
He stated that Adak has good facilities and a strategic location,
but a focal point for development needs to be found.
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER stated that a receiving entity must be
created within the next five years, so that the transition can be
made from military post to private community.
GENERAL BOESE emphasized that the facilities at Adak will
deteriorate quickly if not maintained.
Number 303
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER asked if the pull-out from Adak was
definitely scheduled for January 1, 1998.
GENERAL BOESE replied that date was correct.
CO-CHAIRMAN PETE KOTT joined the meeting and was introduced by
Chairman Ivan.
Number 0334
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN DAVIES mentioned his appreciation for the
military's response to the flood situation in the Fairbanks area.
He said that he had reviewed military response to the 1964
earthquake, and that the people of the state have an enduring debt
to the military.
GENERAL BOESE responded that he feels comfortable in dealing with
the legislature and the governor, which greatly facilitates
communications.
Number 0423
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES also mentioned the housing privatization
issue. He stated that when he was a member of the Fairbanks' City
Assembly, they had provided a five year tax holiday for
construction of military housing. He then asked if there would be
money earmarked in FY 97 for planning of the Basset Army Hospital
renovation.
GENERAL BOESE replied that he didn't know. He stated that the site
has already been identified, and that money is now needed for
design and planning.
Number 0499
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES mentioned the airspace EIS and the issues
raised by the civilian aviation community. He stated he
appreciated the military's efforts in this regard.
GENERAL BOESE responded that he feels there is a good relationship
with the civilian community. When the military feels that
readiness is being affected, the civilian community has always been
willing to respond. He stated the recommendation is the preferred
environmental option. Approval of this option is crucial for the
continued operation of Cope Thunder.
Number 0624
CO-CHAIR IVAN thanked Lt. General Boese for his briefing. He then
invited Brigadier General Kenneth Taylor to address the committee.
BRIGADIER GENERAL KENNETH TAYLOR, Assistant Director, Alaska Air
National Guard, reiterated that Alaska is fortunate to have the
leadership of General Boese.
Number 0777
GENERAL TAYLOR identified two major concerns of any military
organization, readiness and capability. He stated he has worked
hard to make the Alaska Air National Guard relevant. As the Army
National Guard is redesigned to become more relevant, moral support
from the legislature will be required. The state is responsible
for maintaining facilities for the National Guard. Funding will be
required to maintain and construct facilities for the Army National
Guard. He emphasized that many armories in the state will require
replacement within the next few years. He then invited questions
from the committee.
Number 0877
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER stated it was an honor to be briefed by
General Boese, General Taylor, and Captain Sonner.
Number 0942
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES asked what kinds of changes the state might
expect with regard to future military operations.
GENERAL BOESE responded the biggest change would be with regard to
the Alaska Army National Guard. He stated the United States Army
requires combat service support, which is something the Alaska Army
National Guard can provide. One example is a unit designed to
prepare cargo for aerial delivery.
Number 1089
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER stated that the closure of bases around the
world might be viewed as an opportunity to bring new forces to
Alaska. He asked if General Boese could see any opportunities in
that regard.
GENERAL BOESE replied that he knew of nothing specific, but he
believed there were opportunities. He stated that the facilities
in Alaska could support additional forces. For instance, if a
decision were made to pull back from bases in Japan, Alaska would
be an attractive alternative. In this regard, the Alaskan Command
is working to upgrade the C-130 aircraft operations and maintenance
facility at Elmendorf. He emphasized the Alaskan Command is
positioning itself to be ready to receive additional forces, should
the need arise.
GENERAL TAYLOR stated that opportunities for growth also exist in
the Alaska Air National Guard. He explained that growth would not
be dramatic, but would continue.
Number 1360
REPRESENTATIVE PETE KOTT asked General Taylor about recruiting
efforts in the Interior.
GENERAL TAYLOR responded that efforts were going well in the
Interior. In Anchorage, however, the unit is just under 90 percent
manned, which is unsatisfactory. He stated the guard is working
hard on that.
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN thanked General Taylor for addressing the
committee.
HB 496 - FERRY TRANSPORTATION FOR NAT GUARD MEMBER
Number 1450
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN announced the next item on the agenda was HOUSE
BILL 496, "An Act relating to transportation of members of the
Alaska National Guard by the Alaska marine highway system."
Number 1470
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT read the sponsor statement for HB 496, as
follows: "Many potential recruits to the Alaska National Guard
reside in isolated communities that are on the Alaska Marine
Highway system. These individuals are not able to join the guard
without paying their own fare to and from the drilling sites. As
a result, guard recruitment in these communities is difficult.
"This bill would permit guard members to travel to and from their
drills without charge on the Alaska Marine Highway system, but only
on a space available basis. These individuals perform great
service to Alaska, for which they receive little compensation. It
is not reasonable for the state to expect them to pay the
prohibitively high costs of transportation in and out of their
communities for what little they are paid. As a consequence, very
few such individuals can afford to serve. The state, through the
passage of this bill, would ameliorate this problem without
incurring any additional expenses. Accordingly, your support is
urged."
Number 1579
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT stated a fiscal note was attached, and that the
bill would have minimal financial impact.
Number 1600
SAM S. KITO III, Legislative Liaison/Special Assistant, Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities, State of Alaska, stated he
was present to address any questions regarding the fiscal note. He
commented that the cost of the bill would be minimal. He noted,
however, that there would be indirect costs associated with free
passage on the marine highway system. He explained that the fiscal
note also reflects these associated, indirect costs.
Number 1661
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER moved that HB 496 with attached fiscal note
be passed out of the committee.
Number 1673
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES objected to moving the bill. He stated he
thought the idea was a good one, but that he was concerned the
marine highway system is being pushed to do more with less. He
advocated including the funds in an appropriate budget. He also
noted the same argument could be made for recruits living in rural
Alaska.
Number 1787
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER stated that since the fiscal note was only
$1,000, he believed the committee should pass out the bill.
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN asked if there were any objections on the motion
to move the bill with attached fiscal note.
Number 1286
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES stated he objected to moving the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT concurred with the objection. He stated
various agencies are being asked to do more with less. He noted
the importance of recruiting is certainly worth the money involved,
and advocated putting $5,000 into the budget to provide travel
reimbursement for recruits.
Number 1972
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER agreed with Representative Kott. He stated
he would make a motion to amend the bill when it comes before the
Finance Committee.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES withdrew his objection.
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN stated, there being no further objections, HB 496
with attached fiscal notes was passed out of the House Special
Committee on Military & Vetarans Affairs.
Number 2058
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER asked for comments from Captain Sonner.
CAPTAIN BRIAN C. SONNER, 17TH COAST GUARD DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF,
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD, thanked the committee for the
opportunity to comment. He mentioned the restraints imposed by
shrinking budgets. He stated that in Alaska the impact has been
minimal. He explained the Juneau office has undergone an extensive
reorganization to maximize efficiency. He invited questions from
the committee.
Number 2200
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER asked about the Coast Guard's zero tolerance
policy with regard to search and seizure. He mentioned an incident
in the Aleutians in which a boat was impounded because of a crew
member's infraction.
CAPTAIN SONNER responded that the zero tolerance policy is no
longer being enforced because it is unrealistic in that
environment. He stated that owners cannot be held liable for a
crew member's possession of personal use marijuana on board a
commercial vessel. He noted that there is, however, random drug
testing of licensed personnel in the maritime environment.
Number 2390
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER asked if random testing involved 100 percent
of personnel.
CAPTAIN SONNER replied that random testing has had the desired
impact, in that the number of positive results has become
infinitesimal. All personnel are tested periodically, on a random
basis.
Number 2390
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER asked about proposals to scale back the
presence of the Coast Guard in Alaska.
Tape 96-4, Side A
Number 0119
CAPTAIN SONNER responded that there was no national intent to do
so. He explained that the Coast Guard is working on its satellite
navigation system throughout the state, and that as that system
matures, (gap due to changing tape).
Number 0119
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES asked about the Loran site on the Pribilofs,
at St. Paul. Is the site still actively manned?
CAPTAIN SONNER stated that all Coast Guard stations in the state
are still actively manned. He explained that Fort Clarence is the
most sophisticated in terms of infrastructure. He stated that a
number of years ago, the Coast Guard went to a minimally manned
concept, but that the St. Paul station is still actively manned.
Number 0148
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER mentioned the high morale at Fort Clarence.
CAPTAIN SONNER stated that in the past, the majority of the Coast
Guard's resources were applied to search and rescue operations.
Now, the emphasis has shifted to environmental protection and
marine safety. The search and rescue component, however, remains
the primary mission. The marine safety emphasis has made a
substantial difference in saving lives. For example, in terms of
fishing vessel safety, the average number of deaths per year has
recently declined from 38 to about 13. He stated this is largely
the result of Coast Guard initiatives and enforcement efforts.
Number 0339
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER asked if the Coast Guard desired to maintain
a presence at Adak.
CAPTAIN SONNER responded that they definitely do. For instance,
Coast Guard cutters working in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of
Alaska would prefer to go to Adak. The Coast Guard has provided
information to the state in this regard. He explained that
continued flexibility is an operational necessity, especially since
airstrips are not always open due to weather. For that reason,
access to Adak remains important.
Number 0438
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the House Special
Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN
adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
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