Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevi Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement after speaking with the Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England and Second District Congressman Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) about last weeks announcement that Strike Fighter Squadron 82 based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort would be decommissioned. Graham is a member of the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. Senate. He said: “After speaking with Secretary England, I have been assured and am confident the squadron decommissioning will not hurt us during the upcoming BRAC process and the decision has nothing to do with a lack of community support. “This decision is the result of three years of integration between the Navy and Marine Corps resulting in the need for fewer aircraft. The squadron will be the third of five that have been designated for demobilization. I believe the Navy and Marine Corps are making a sound decision by reducing the inventory of aircraft given their integration successes and advancements in technology. “According to Secretary England, Beaufort is a vital and indispensable part of the Navy-Marine Corps tactical aviation capability and they could not be more pleased with the surrounding community.” #####