Just how vulnerable is Southern Arizona to terrorist attack? Well, Raytheon (missile plant), Davis Monthan Air Force Base, and even the University of Arizona have all been listed as locations of concern. Throw in Fort Huachuca (U.S. Army installation), Luke Air Force Base and Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the nation’s largest nuclear provider – just a couple of hours away – and you begin to see why Arizona has reason for concern.

As a matter of fact, the Tomahawk Missiles used to strike Syria’s air base after the chemical attack came from Tucson. Raytheon Missile Systems builds the cruise missiles. Each Tomahawk can cost between 850 thousand dollars and one million dollars.

Arizona Republican Rep. Martha McSally says her efforts to save the Tomahawk missile program over the past few years allowed the U.S. Navy to complete the strikes on the Syrian airfield. The Tomahawks destroy the intended target without endangering pilots, making them a frequent choice for missions like the strike against the Syrian Air Force Base.

The Tomahawk missile program was supposed to be completely ended by 2016, but last minute budget negotiations last summer saved the program from being cut. McSally and fellow Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain successfully argued to include funding for the Tomahawk program in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act during last summer’s budget negotiations.

It was the first direct American assault on the Syrian government and Trump’s most dramatic military order since becoming president just over two months ago. Trump ordered the strikes without approval from Congress or the backing of the United Nations. U.S. officials said he had the right to use force to defend national interests and to protect civilians from atrocities.’The intent was to deter the regime from doing this again.”