New Mexico Military Base Planning Commission tours WSMR

Members of the New Mexico Military Base Planning Commission had a chance to tour White Sands Missile Range facilities during their visit Oct. 6.
Members included Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, Chair of the Military Base Planning Commission, Col. (retired) Megan A. Cornett, Brig. Gen. (retired) Eric Sanchez, WSMR Commissioner, Kevin Wilson, New Mexico Economic Development Department and the rest of the commissioners.
Members received a briefing from the Navy and toured several facilities to include SVAD and the Cox Range Control Center.
The New Mexico Military Base Planning Commission is a state-level body that supports the sustainability and development of military installations in New Mexico, coordinating between the state, local communities, and the federal government.
On Oct. 7 WSMR Garrison Commander Col. Michael A. Lueckeman was one of several military representatives to brief the commissioners during a meeting at New Mexico State University. He was accompanied by Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Diaz.
Lueckeman presented an overview of the range followed by accomplishments over the past 90 days, to include a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Narrow Band Test Facility in July, the Rio Grande Honor Flight, Thanks Team WSMR, and the 25th anniversary commemorations of 9/11 in both Las Cruces and WSMR.
“The NBTF is a capability that gives WSMR a highly controlled electromagnetic environment,” Lueckeman said. “It fills a critical gap in high power microwave testing.”
These are capabilities that are central to the modernization of our future fighting force.
He went on to say that the project was the idea of two WSMR employees who are residents of the City of Las Cruces.
“It was their idea, their vision, their leadership that brought this facility to a reality at White Sands to increase our capabilities,” Lueckeman said.
He followed by talking about future endeavors to include modernization efforts to strengthen energy and water resilience across WSMR, expanding the nano grid, and building a new White Sands School. He also highlighted two upcoming events, the Trinity Site Open House scheduled for Oct. 17 and the Bataan Memorial Death March scheduled for March 20, 2027.
“The event (Trinity Site Open House) reinforces transparency, education and our connection with the public.”
In closing, Lueckeman said that WSMR is a national strategic asset. “It is essential to our national defense and we appreciate your continued partnership.”
The commission is tasked with evaluating federal plans for military base missions, assisting community organizations that support base viability, and promoting military mission expansion, retention, and recruitment. It also plays a key role in planning for potential base closures or reductions, helping stimulate private or public sector development in affected areas. The commission works closely with the Office of Military Base Planning and Support, which administers programs like the Military Base Impact Fund to support infrastructure projects near military bases.
The commission is administratively attached to the New Mexico Economic Development Department, which provides administrative support.
It consists of twelve members: eleven appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, including the lieutenant governor, nine representatives from counties with military bases, and two at-large members from other counties. The governor appoints a chair from among the members, and the commission meets at least quarterly.

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