Public meetings on F-35 begin

  • Published
  • By Capt. Gerardo Gonzalez
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Open house scoping meetings begin today to give residents the opportunity to learn about the F-35A Lightning II and the environmental impact statement that will assess the suitability of Luke Air Force Base to serve as a training site for the aircraft.

Air Force officials last October named Luke and 10 other installations as candidates for the new fifth generation, single seat, single engine jet fighter that is slated to replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

"This is an opportunity for all members of the public to get involved in the process," said Rusty Mitchell, 56th Fighter Wing Community Initiative Team director. "The meetings will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the proposal and provide input to help define the proposed action."

The scoping meetings will be an open-house information session for people to learn about F-35A training, the EIS process and to speak with Air Force personnel one-on-one. Information on opportunities for public involvement throughout the process will also be provided.

The four other bases selected as candidates for training are: Boise Air Terminal Air Guard Station, Idaho; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Holloman AFB, N.M.; and Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station. The six bases selected as candidate bases for operations are: Burlington International Airport Guard Station, Vt.; Hill AFB, Utah; Jacksonville International Airport Air Guard Station, Fla.; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; Shaw AFB, S.C.; and McEntire Air Guard Base, S.C.

Meetings will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the following locations on the days indicated:

Monday, Feb. 22: Gila Bend Unified School District, 308 N. Martin Avenue, Gila Bend

Tuesday, Feb. 23: Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort, RC Roberts Memorial Building, 11201 N. El Mirage Road, El Mirage

Wednesday, Feb. 24: Communiversity at Surprise, 15950 W. Civic Center Drive, Surprise/Sun Cities

Thursday, Feb. 25: Wickenburg High School, Media Center, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg

Friday, Feb. 26: Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park