Reese Technology Center
Template:Geobox Reese Technology Center is a research and business park located on the grounds of former Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock County, Texas.
Reese Technology Center began as the Lubbock Army Air Corps Advanced Flying School in 1942.[1] In 1949 it was renamed Reese Air Force Base in honor of a local West Texas pilot, Augustus F. Reese Jr., who was killed in a bombing raid over Italy during World War II.[1]
Over the years many milestones were accomplished at Reese Air Force Base including a special pilot training program, the first flight simulator used in a training program and a joint pilot training program with the Navy.[2] More than 25,000 pilots, who fought in every conflict since World War II, were trained at Reese.[3]
In 1995 word reached the Lubbock community that Reese Air Force Base was on the Pentagon’s hit list for base closures. In spite of much opposition from community members and leaders alike, the base closure was announced for September 30, 1997.[4] The Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Committee (LRRC) was created in 1995, just two weeks after the base was recommended to be closed.[3]
The Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Committee was renamed the Redevelopment Authority (LRRA) and could now execute contracts for base property. This committee was composed of local government officials and area business people. [citation needed]
References
- ^ a b Gamble, S.G.; Turner, R. (2010). "Reese Air Force Base". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
- ^ Anonymous (1995). "A Short History of Reese Air Force Base, Texas". Reese Air Force Base. Bruce Richardson.
- ^ a b Reese Center Staff (2010). "Reese Technology Center". Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Authority.
- ^ Schuhmann, S. (2001). "Lubbock converts Air Force base into business park". Abilene Reporter-News.