Gabreski Airport Tower Will Remain Open

The air tower at Suffolk County-owned Gabreski Airport, which is also home to the 106th Air National Guard Rescue Wing, will remain open.

The tower, which was expected to be shut-down as part of the Federal Government's s, will be spared from closure, said Congressman Bishop in a news release on Friday afternoon.

The FAA, Bishop said, determined that keeping the tower open is in "national interest."

"The preservation of FAA's control tower at Gabreski is very welcome news to all of us who support the 106th Air Rescue Wing, as well as the general aviation community who rely on the tower to safely guide aircraft in and out of the airport," Bishop said.

Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone was equally pleased. He said in a statement: "Gabreski is not just any airport – it is home to the famed 106th Rescue Wing of the Air National Guard and Suffolk County Police Medevac Helicopter Unit and is therefore essential to military training and disaster relief efforts. Furthermore, as a gateway to the East End, the airport is crucial to sustaining the local economy."

News that the tower could close prompted debate among residents and pilots — some fearing that the lack of air traffic controllers at the site would create a dangerous situation. Other argued that the tower already operates without manpower during evening and night hours.

The Gabreski tower is one of 23 other airports towers across the county that will be saved; however, starting April 7, 145 towers will close to meet the $600 million across the board sequestrian cuts.

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