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SAY GOODBY TO USMC AIR?
The future of Marine Aviation is grim. The Corps plans to eliminate 36% of its fighter-attack aircraft (F/A-18s and AV-8 Harriers) as part of the Navy-Marine TacAir Plan (pdf) . The V-22 tilt-rotor remains "in development" and soaring costs allow only half the number desired to be funded each year. Meanwhile, the Corps will buy new engines to extended the life of its ancient CH-46Es, yet again. This has delayed plans to overhaul and upgrade the CH-53Es. Now there is talk of buying new CH-53Ks, since the ageing Echos may be too costly to rebuild. However, there will be no funds for years as the V-22 continues to eat up over one billion dollars a year just for research and development, so the Corps now plans to scrap a dozen CH-53Es each year starting in 2010 as they become too old to fly safely.
Since Marine Air will become smaller, the Corps must trim overhead. The 2005 Base Closing and Realignment (BRAC) round provides a great opportunity. The Navy/Marine plan is to deactivate three active-duty Navy F/A-18C squadrons this year. The Marines will assign six more F/A-18 squadrons to allow one per Navy Carrier Air Wing (CAW). The Navy and Marines have also announced they will each disband a reserve F/A-18 squadron this year. Regardless of what anyone thinks, this is the plan, and its optimistic so far as aircraft procurement is concerned. Eventually, the Marines plan to disband seven active-duty fighter-attack squadrons to afford the expensive F-35/JSF (below).
The best way to save money for more aircraft is to shut down excess air stations. Looking at all major Navy/Marine air stations, the best candidate for the 2005 BRAC is MCAS Miramar. MCAS Cherry Point, MCAS Camp Pendleton, and MCAS New River are key installations. MCAS Yuma or MCAS Beaufort could close, but they haven't the high housing costs, urban encroachment, or air traffic problems of Miramar. MCAS Kanehoe Bay has high housing costs, but is also used by the 3rd Marine Regiment and many other units, including Navy squadrons since NAS Barbers Point closed in 1999.
While Miramar is a beautiful base, it is surrounded by a booming urban area whose vocal residents complain about noise, which is why the Navy happily left in 1997. Newly arrived Marine helicopters generate even more noise than jets, so thousands of local residents are furious. In addition, Miramar has the highest off-base housing costs of any air station, costing the Corps several thousand dollars a year more per Marine, which also denies junior officers and enlisted a chance to buy a home.
In addition, training is limited by congested civilian air traffic and quiet time for the locals. Moreover, San Diego needs another airport and Miramar is the only practical location. While these problems are manageable today, imagine the Miramar area in 2020 after the local population, air traffic and road traffic have doubled again. Dispersing Miramar aircraft to other Marine Corps and Navy air stations will save the Corps hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Keep in mind that actions approved by the 2005 BRAC will not become reality until 2007-2009. The headquarters for the 3rd Marine Air Wing can move up to Camp Pendleton to join its parent, III MEF and the 1st Marine Division. Here is a detailed plan to disperse the two Marine Air Groups at MCAS Miramar:
Marine Air Group 11
Since the Navy is leaning on the Corps to provide ten squadrons for its carriers, the Navy can at least host four squadrons assigned to its CAWs based at NAS Lemoore. After all, the Marines have agreed to host two Navy F/A-18 squadrons at MCAS Cherry Point and two more at MCAS Beaufort. Since the Navy already plans to deactivate three more squadrons, in addition to four it disbanded a few years ago when four Marine F/A-18 squadrons were assigned to CAWs, there should be plenty of room at Lemoore.
The Marines have yet to announce what they will do about MAG-12 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, which has one permanent F/A-18 squadron, and two maintained there through six-month "UDP" rotations; which requires at least six stateside squadrons to support. Assigning six more Marine F/A-18 squadrons to CAWs will make Iwakuni UDPs impossible, even though the Navy says it will assign three of its F/A-18C squadrons to the Marines to allow one for Iwakuni. So the only option is end Marine F/A-18 UDPs and assign a second permanent squadron at Iwakuni, while another Marine F/A-18 squadron will be assigned to the CAW in Japan at NAS Atsugi near Tokyo.
MAG-11 Headquarters - to NAS Lemoore for carrier air wing support
VMFA-232 (F/A-18C) - to NAS Lemoore - replaces deactivated Navy squadron
VMFA(AW)-242 (F/A-18D) - to NAS Lemoore - replaces deactivated Navy squadron
VMFA(AW)-121 (F/A-18D) - to NAS Lemoore - replaces deactivated Navy squadron
VMFA-314 (F/A-18C) - to NAS Lemoore
VMFA(AW)-225 (F/A-18D) to MCAS Iwakuni to replace UDP squadron
VMFA-323 (F/A-18C) - to NAS Atsugi for CAW duty as planned
VMFAT-101 (F/A-18D) - to MCAS Beaufort or MCAS Yuma - a training squadron
VMGR-352 (KC-130) - to MCAS Yuma; 2005 BRAC funded hanger construction
VMFA-134 (F/A-18A) - disband this MAG-46 reserve squadron as planned
Marine Air Group 16
Helicopter basing is more complex because of the need to support infantrymen on a daily basis. It seems ideal to expand nearby MCAS Camp Pendleton. However, that airbase is located in a valley and expansion onto hillsides is very difficult. In addition, this airbase suffers from the same problems as Miramar in regards to air traffic problems and high off-base housing costs.
Projecting future helicopter inventory is difficult because of delays to the V-22 tilt-rotor. However, current HMM CH-46E squadrons are already short aircraft. Therefore, Corps should disband two HMM squadrons to fill out other squadrons and free headquarters manpower. Perhaps these squadrons can be reactivated after 2020 if enough V-22s are purchased, but that would be a surprise. Keep in mind that cutting two squadron headquarters will not reduce the number of CH-46Es in service.
MAG-16 Headquarters - to disband in 2008 to free manpower for squadrons
HMM-165 (CH-46E) - to disband in 2003 as aircraft transfer to other squadrons
HMM-166 (CH-46E) - to disband in 2004 as aircraft transfer to other squadrons
Marines need a mix of helicopters in Southern California to support three deployable MEUs with composite helicopter squadrons. With the loss of Miramar, this will require the addition of an HMM and HMH squadron to MCAS Camp Pendleton. Fortunately, Pendleton hosts two training squadrons which can be based almost anywhere, HMMT-164 and HMT-303. In fact, the new V-22 training squadron was recently formed at MCAS New River, so HMMT-164 will eventually disband anyway.
HMM-161 (CH-46E) to MCAS Camp Pendleton - replaces HMMT-164 which moves to MCAS New River
HMH-361 (CH-53E) to MCAS Camp Pendleton - replaces HMT-303 which moves to MCAS New River
The BRAC process will provide construction funding to accommodate these changes because the savings from closing Miramar will eventually repay these costs and provide large savings for every year thereafter. The Corps will eventually cut an HMH squadron from MCAS New River anyway. Perhaps one can be cut a couple years early to open space for training squadrons in 2008.
Four Extra Squadrons
This leaves four helicopter squadrons which must move before MCAS Miramar finally closes around 2009: HMM-163, HMH-462, HMH-465, HMH-466. Perhaps HMM-163 can squeeze into MCAS Camp Pendleton to join its three sister squadrons there. Otherwise, it can move to MCAS Yuma or MCAS Kaneohe Bay, or join the two Marine reserve helicopter squadrons at Edwards AFB. Plans to reduce the CH-53E fleet will end HMH six-month UDP rotations to MCAS Futnema, Japan; as it did with HMM squadrons a decade ago. Permanent basing of one HMH squadron from MAG-16 there seems certain.
MCAS Kanehoe Bay is left with the worst aircraft in the Corps. While the CH-53Ds are slightly newer than the CH-46Es, there are only 42 left in service, which are not needed to support ship-based deployments. Unique parts are expensive since CH-53Ds are no longer flown by the US Air Force, the US Navy, and not even by the Marine Corps Reserve. More importantly, the 228 CH-46Es have recently undergone SLEPs, and serve as the backbone for forward deployed Marine task forces.
The CH-53Ds were scheduled to retire in FY 2006, now that has been delayed pending the uncertain arrival of V-22s. The Corps should scrap the Delta's in 2006 and move two HMHs to Hawaii. The "Delta" Marines can transition to V-22s or CH-53Es, thus increasing manning levels throughout the Marine Corps. There will still be room for a couple V-22 squadrons at Kaneohe Bay with two HMHs aboard, although a few HMH squadrons are due deactivation after 2010 anyway.
Marines have discussed the value of a permanent air station at its main training base at 29 Palms, California for over 20 years. It already operates an "expeditionary" airstrip there with metal matting. Using BRAC money to simply move all of MAG-16 to a new MCAS 29 Palms is possible. This airbase wouldn't require long runways, just helicopter pads and hangers, although its an expensive option. However, it may prove wasteful since the Corps must deactivate several helicopter squadrons anyway. It seems easier to just move two HMHs to Hawaii and the third to Japan, and squeeze the extra HMM into MCAS Camp Pendleton.
HMM-163 - to MCAS Camp Pendleton
HMH-462 - to MCAS Futenma
HMH-465 - to MCAS Kanehoe Bay
HMH-466 - to MCAS Kanehoe Bay
Marine Air Group - 46 (USMCR)
With the deactivation of the single reserve flying squadron VMFA-134 at Miramar, reserve aviation support units can move northward to train and support operations at nearby MCAS Camp Pendleton.
Marine VIP "Cargo" Aircraft
The Marine Corps operates a dozen small "VIP" aircraft at MCAS Miramar. They could move to NAS North Island or into a new BRAC funded hanger at MCRD San Diego, adjacent to Lindbergh field. As part of the turnover of Miramar, San Diego must agree to allow these aircraft to use Lindbergh field. Marines can simply open a gate to allow an aircraft to taxi over and fly away. Or, if Miramar is to become a civilian airport, the Marines could be allowed to keep a hanger for its VIP aircraft.
Miramar Annex
San Diego county has numerous naval facilities scattered about. While the Marines pull out flying squadrons and close the air station, naval activities may remain as part of nearby bases, such as the Navy brig, buildings used by reserve units, and some family housing areas. Other buildings may be retained for the Navy, Marines, and US Government to replace leased space elsewhere in the county. Meanwhile, residents of San Diego county can enjoy safer, cleaner and quieter skies. No city is a good location for a major military airbase, and closing Miramar should be supported by those who oppose growth since it will reduce activity.
While San Diego takes over most of Miramar, its reuse will be controversial. A second airport may not be needed right away, especially if a cargo only airport opened at Miramar to free space at Lindbergh for passengers. It might make sense to develop land at small Montgomery Field or the small Palomar airport by moving their operations to Miramar. However, unless San Diego manages to stop growing, it will need a second major airport, and Miramar is ideal. It will relieve the traffic congestion along IH 5 as the wealthier people who travel most often will not drive downtown to fly. Keep in mind that a second airport will not increase passenger air traffic in the county, it will merely relieve congestion at Lindbergh, which means flights will be safer with fewer delays. Flights will also be cheaper as more airport gates mean more competition, with much greater convenience for residents of "North County", and increased property values for those living near the airport.
What if, in 2020?
In 2020, Marines will be thankful they left Miramar when they had a chance. Despite dire forecasts of future Navy and Marine aircraft inventories, some officers will express concerns. What if aircraft prices miraculously fall and squadrons can be reformed? What if World War III occurs and another airbase is needed?
There is plenty of open space in California and Congressmen would be anxious to build a new airbase. However, NAS El Centro is little used, ideally located, and has plenty of space to expand to serve as a major fixed-wing base. There is also a little used airbase at the Navy's massive China Lake complex. There are plenty of options for helicopter bases at 29 Palms, and even the Marine Base at Barstow could expand Daggett Field. The only certainty is that San Diego will continue to grow while air and ground traffic becomes worse, while the inventory of Marine aircraft will drop sharply, leaving the Corps with too much expensive airbase infrastructure. The best way to retain more Marine squadrons is to close Miramar to free funds to procure several more aircraft each year. The 2005 BRAC provides the perfect opportunity for both the US Marines and residents of San Diego county to improve their future.
Carlton Meyer editor@G2mil.com
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SBD • F4U • F9F • FJ • F8 • F4 • F/A18