Jittery nerves as Pentagon prepares to announce closures
LEXINGTON PARK, Md. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is expected to announce his recommendations for military base closures and realignments as soon as Friday. The announcement is being eagerly awaited by people who live in the shadow of Patuxent Naval Air Station. The air station has been in St. Mary's County, Maryland, for 62 years. In past rounds of base closures, PAX, as it's called, has actually gained new functions and components. But some community leaders fear it may not be so lucky this time. It's believed the test pilot school may be moved west -- a consolidation with Edwards Air Force Base.
Local businessmen say that without the air station, the community of Lexington Park would die.
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