For well over a century, Virginia has been the home of an unparalleled array of military installations and commands, including such familiar places as the Pentagon, Quantico Marine Base, Langley Air Force Base, Naval Station Norfolk and the Fort Lee Army Base. Affecting the nation's security, the military is an integral part of the Commonwealth of Virginia's economy and civic life. Consequently, Virginia's communities are supportive of, and in accord with, our military's mission and goals.

The 2005 Federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process may prove to be the largest economic development issue facing Virginia in the next two years. The Department of Defense spending in Virginia exceeds $34 billion annually, while employing more than 208,000 Virginians in active military, reserve military and civilian support positions.

Through the 2005 BRAC process, the federal government, under the direction of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, will review the current and future value of military installations throughout the country for potential closure or realignment. Given the critical mission of Virginia's military installations and their proximity to the nation's capital, the importance of Virginia to our national security has never been greater.

Through Executive Order (49), Governor Warner has created the Virginia Commission on Military Bases, which will coordinate statewide strategic activities to support Virginia-based military installations throughout the 2005 BRAC process.

Initial appointments to the commission include 28 members chaired by the Honorable Owen B. Pickett of Virginia Beach and the Honorable Joe R. Reeder of Alexandria. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership provides staff support for the commission, with David G. Dickson serving as Executive Director.

© 2002 Virginia Economic Development Partnership