REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO CONSIDER LOCATING THE HOMELAND DEFENSE COMMAND AT KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE IN ALBUQUERQUE.

WHEREAS, the nation's military assets are organized under a unified combatant command system that allows for the simultaneous and efficient deployment and operation of units from each of the military branches; and

WHEREAS, the department of defense currently operates at least nine unified combatant commands, including geographically based commands and operationally based commands; and

WHEREAS, the number of unified combatant commands is not fixed by law or regulation and may vary from time to time, and the United States secretary of defense is considering creating a homeland defense command in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America; and

WHEREAS, the creation of a homeland defense command is a meritorious idea that would enhance the security of the United States and protect its residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, Kirtland air force base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is uniquely suited to serve as the headquarters for the homeland defense command, given its commercial airport and military air base infrastructure; its proximity to Sandia

national laboratories, Los Alamos national laboratory, the New Mexico institute of mining and technology and White Sands missile range; and the amenities offered by a major metropolitan area;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States secretary of defense be requested to consider establishing the headquarters for the homeland defense command at Kirtland air force base in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the United States secretary of defense, the United States secretary of energy, the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation and the Kirtland partnership committee.