Kerry requests briefing on Mass. base closings - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Kerry requests briefing on Mass. base closings

BOSTON — U.S. Sen. John Kerry is asking Defense Secretary Leon Panetta for a briefing on any military base closing proposals that could jeopardize bases in Massachusetts.

Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the state’s bases are critical to the country’s military infrastructure.

They include Hanscom Air Force Base, the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Fort Devens, Air Station Cape Cod and Coast Guard resources in Woods Hole.

The Massachusetts Democrat said that Natick Soldier Systems Center also relies on the state’s brain power to provide cutting edge research for the military.

U.S. Rep Edward Markey and the rest of the state’s U.S. House delegation also sent a letter to Panetta requesting a briefing.

Kerry said he’s requesting the briefing amid concern about the possibility of another round of base closings.