Los Angeles, CA (April 25, 2011) — David A. Herbst, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer of Mercury Air Group, Inc., a global leader in the aviation services industry with business operations in more than 60 locations worldwide, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Southwest Defense Alliance (SWDA).

Founded in 1997, San Diego-based SWDA works to preserve and enhance critical defense missions and assets in the Southwest Defense Complex, which includes important military test and training facilities in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Texas. These facilities represent the most extensive array of test and training ranges, laboratories, weapons expertise and technological research and development installations in the world.

Brigadier General (ret) Ashley Hall, Chairman of the SWDA said, “We are honored to have a gentleman of David’s experience, talent and reputation as a member of the board of the Alliance. As we continue our work to protect the bases, facilities, ranges and industrial infrastructure of this Nation, David’s well known and respected intellect and eloquence will add a powerful voice to our efforts”.

Herbst has previously served as President of the El Segundo Chamber of Commerce, located in El Segundo, CA and home to the Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), The Aerospace Corporation as well as offices, research and development facilities belonging to Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and many others. Los Angeles Air Force Base houses and supports the headquarters of the Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center. El Segundo is often referred to as the “epicenter” of the America’s aerospace industry.

In 2003, Herbst played a key role in the Nation’s first ever land swap of Department of Defense property with private property, which resulted in a new Los Angeles Air Force Base being built without taxpayer funding. He was also instrumental in creating the LAAFB Regional Alliance, which successfully advocated for saving the LAAFB from the last round of base closures.

“I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve on the SWDA Board because of my deep respect for our armed services and the partnership the private sector plays in helping keep our national security strong,” said Herbst, adding, “It is also a privilege to serve on a Board with so many retired generals and admirals who have given their entire careers in service to our Nation.”

Herbst is also a member of the Board of Directors of Maytag Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Mercury Air Group, Inc. Founded in 1950, Maytag Aircraft provides essential operations and maintenance services ranging from aircraft refueling and air terminal and ground handling to base operating support for the U.S. Government at multiple international and domestic locations. Prior to joining Mercury, Herbst was a Senior Vice President & General Manager of MWW Group, one of the Nation’s top ten public relations firms.