The use does not involve planes or airstrips, but calls for acommunications headquarters where mission commanders use technologyto guide combat commanders on the ground in far-flung locationsworldwide. "This is a brand new concept in which the Air Forcewould utilize technology to help better project military powerwithout having to move personnel," Santorum said. "It's a securityissue.

"Willow Grove is a great institution, and there is a lot ofexperienced personnel there. It's a great base in a strategiclocation outside Washington, and I believe this is in the bestinterest of the military." The Air Force has until June 23 tocomment on the recommendations, and Santorum said, "I don't see anyproblems or show stoppers." He acknowledged that the headquarterscould wind up elsewhere and the decision rests with the AdjutantGeneral and Gov. Ed Rendell.

Meanwhile, Rendell continues to hold out for maintaining WillowGrove as a base for flying missions. In a statement, he saysPennsylvania has been selected to receive an Air Force WarfightingHeadquarters Augmentation Unit, but has not designated alocation.