Washington, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) applauded the Defense Department’s announcement today that it will maintain its Joint Personnel Recovery Center (JPRC) at White Bluff, instead of closing it down or moving it, as was being considered. 

“This is great news for the dedicated men and women at White Bluff and their families and indeed, the entire Spokane community,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “I want to thank Admiral Carter for personally informing me of the decision which will save literally hundreds of jobs.”  

On September 29, 2010, Rep. McMorris Rodgers raised this issue with Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee.  She argued that Spokane has been an outstanding home for the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency since 1999, and explained how the critical Joint Personnel Recovery mission would be adversely affected by a reshuffling or reassignment to a different outpost. Deputy Secretary Lynn pledged to look into the matter. 

Rear Admiral Walter E. Carter is the Commander of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, Joint Forces Command (JFCOM).

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