Lawmakers ask Pentagon to delay shifting of A-10s from Willow Grove

WASHINGTON - Pennsylvania members of Congress are asking the Pentagon to delay the planned transfer of National Guard aircraft from the Willow Grove military base.

All of the state's House members joined senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey in signing a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates yesterday. They urged him to delay the distribution of a total of 17 A-10 aircraft from the 111th Fighter Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

The lawmakers are asking for the delay to give the Air Force time to reconsider the future of the unit.

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission voted in 2005 to close the air station, but the state wants to convert Willow Grove into a joint base for homeland security and emergency preparedness.