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NASA confirms plan to move P‑3 operation to Langley; Wallops airfield RFI planned
Summary
NASA officials told the Accomack County Board of Supervisors that headquarters has decided to relocate the facility’s P‑3 aircraft operation to NASA Langley; NASA will issue a public request for information (RFI) to seek operators or uses for Wallops Airfield and expects a transition to take 18–24 months.
NASA Wallops leadership told the Accomack County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 18 that a headquarters decision will move the center’s P‑3 aircraft operation to NASA Langley, and that the agency will seek public input on future uses for Wallops Airfield.
Dave Pierce, identified in the meeting packet as the Wallops director, said the relocation is part of a long-running fleet consolidation meant to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. "The decision was part of a long running effort to consolidate the aircraft fleet across NASA into 3 regions," Pierce said. He added that the Wallops aircraft‑office transition "may take somewhere between 18 to 24 months to complete."
Pierce told the board NASA will issue a request for information to identify potential customers or operators for the airfield and hangars. "This RFI will help NASA evaluate future options," he said, and added that there is no timeline for that RFI yet. He said NASA will continue to coordinate with county officials through county administrator Mike Mason and with the U.S. Navy, which uses Wallops for field carrier landing practice.
Supervisors pressed staff on the airfield’s long‑term funding if the P‑3 mission leaves. One supervisor summarized the concern: "What you're telling me is NASA's walking away from a free operating air operation to move aircraft ... a hundred miles?" Pierce acknowledged institutional budget pressures at NASA but stressed that the agency is pursuing alternatives and remains in contact with the Navy.
Pierce confirmed the Navy contract supporting the airfield runs through 2033 and that the reimbursable work helps underwrite operations. At the meeting he said the Navy provides "roughly $2,000,000 a year for the maintenance and upkeep of the airfield itself." He said NASA’s goal is to preserve the airfield as a regional asset and to protect ongoing missions, including Navy operations and research park access.
Why it matters: Wallops is a regional economic and operational asset; losing an in‑house aircraft operation could shift maintenance and operating costs to local stakeholders unless another operator or service provider is found. The RFI will be a key next step; county officials asked NASA to keep the board apprised as the agency develops transition plans.
The board did not take action on the issue at the meeting; Pierce said he would provide updates to the county administrator as information becomes available.
