March 20, 2012 – U.S. Sen. Mark Begich questioned leaders of the U.S. Air Force about a proposed move of the F-16 Fighter Squadron from Eielson AFB to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

In a hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which Begich is a member, Begich questioned Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz about the lack of information
provided about the proposed realignment. Begich said the inadequate analysis of the true costs and impact on personnel is both unacceptable and inappropriate and the Air Force is still accountable to Congress.