People living on and around the Lemoore Naval Air Base fear the worse-case-scenario is near.
CBS 47’s Lemor Abrams visited the base and has more on the impact.
It was business as usual at the Lemoore Naval Air Base Friday.
But around the small military town, service men and women went about their day with a hint of fear.
“Obviously things are going to be changing,” said Petty Officer Ashley Cyrus.
Petty Officer Ashley Cyrus fixes and tests aircraft engines on the base.
Growing up on a trailer in Evrett Washington, she tells me she wanted a chance to prove herself, and have the opportunity to go to college, so she's put the last decade of her life into the military.
But with the threat of budget cuts, hope is fading.
“They pay for my college while I'm in the military and I'm always thinking in the back of my head, that's going to be one of the first things they take,” Cyrus said.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says defense spending cuts could shrink naval operations, and reduce combat readiness.
The impact is also affecting those who serve the military...
Daniel Cantu was a handyman on the base and worries there won't be work left for him.
“It's just kind of hard to find jobs out here that pay you good, and the base they pay you way better,” he said.
Liquor Store Manager Brent Martinez also works at the lounge next door.
After three decades in the community, he's seen it all... except this.
“If they close this base up here, this town would go away there wouldn't be a Lemoore probably,” he said.
Although cuts won't be felt right away, Cyrus fears she'll be among the first to take a hit.
“The people who don't make as much money…the airmen, the thirds, the seconds, the firsts...we're the first to see the impact,” she said.
We made contact with the Spokeswoman at the Lemoore naval air base.
But they say they won't be able to comment until possibly next week.
