Please consider attending one of the four public hearings to voice your support for the F-35 mission coming to Luke AFB. All hearings include an open house session from 5 to 6 pm, followed by a presentation and formal public comment session from 6 to 8 pm. Make sure and review the DEIS report available here before you attend.

F-35A EIS Public Hearings Schedule:

Send an E-Postcard -Voice your Support for the F-35 Mission Today

If you have not sent an e-postcard to the U.S. Air Force affirming that Luke AFB is the right location for the F-35 mission please do so by clicking here.

If you prefer to send your own letter or fax or email it yourself, please use the following:

Address for submission of letters:

HQ AETC/A7CPP,
Attn: David Martin, Air Force Contractor and Kim Fornof
266 F Street West, Bldg. 901
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4319

Fax 210-652-5649
Email aetc.a7cpp.inbox@us.af.mil

No related posts.

Help Luke retain its seven-decade tradition of training the world’s greatest fighter pilots.  The next 6-months are critical for Luke’s future as the United States Air Force evaluates the base as one of the key training sites for the F-35 Lightning II, a next-generation fighter aircraft that will replace F-16.

Please help by clicking here to send an electronic postcard to the U.S. Air Force affirming that Luke AFB is the right location for the F-35 mission.

If awarded the F-35 training mission, Luke remains strong for decades to come, and can anticipate seeing an infusion of $120-$206 million in construction-related projects over the next few years. Much of this investment will positively impact the state’s economy with local labor and suppliers of construction material. The new mission will also generate additional employment and construction jobs, wages, consumer spending and investments throughout the West Valley and state.

1. Attend a Public Hearing & Voice Your Support for the F-35 Mission at Luke AFB
2. Luke Forward F-35 Mission Update
3. Peoria Chamber gathers troops to support F-35 mission at Luke

Lockheed Martin, Edwards Air Force Base, 416th FLTS F-35 ITF, JSF, 6 ship static display, sunrise, AF-1, AF-2, AF-3, AF-4, AF-6, AF-7

The long awaited draft EIS was announced today which sets in motion the process for determining the likelihood of stationing up to 6 squadrons of F-35′s at Luke AFB.  The F-35A is the Air Force’s variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, which will replace the F-16 Falcon, F-15 Eagle and the A-10 Thunderbolt as the military’s new multi-role fighter.

The Draft EIS provides a detailed analysis of factors affecting air quality, noise and other impacts to the environment and provides an evaluation of reasonable alternatives. The environmental study is federally required when an air base is considered for a change in aircraft. The Draft F-35A Training EIS document will be available for review online at www.F-35ATrainingEIS.com.

The release of the F-35A training Draft EIS report begins the environmental review process that includes a public comment period. Public hearings will be held in mid-February in communities near Luke AFB. Citizens, interested parties and governmental agencies will also be able to submit public comments in writing to the Air Force during the public comment period, which closes on March 14, 2012. Upon completion of the public comment period, the Air Force will then publish its final EIS report in early summer prior to making its final decision. The Air Force anticipates issuing a Record of Decision (ROD) for F-35A training by July 2012. The ROD completes the EIS process.

Key Dates to Remember:

• January 20, 2012 - Public release of the F-35A Training Draft EIS
• January 20, 2012 – March 14, 2012  -   Public hearings for Luke AFB, Arizona
• February 13-16, 2012 - Public comment period for F-35A Training Draft EIS closes
• Summer 2012 - Release of Final F-35A Training EIS
• Summer 2012 - Issuance of USAF F-35A Training EIS Record of Decision

We are encouraging you to ask friends, neighbors, and relatives to register their support of the F-35 training mission at Luke online by visiting www.LukeForward.com. Thus far, nearly 21,000 citizens living in every city and town throughout Arizona have registered their support for the new mission at the air base.

We will be keeping you apprised throughout the process, and we look forward to a positive outcome!

1. Luke Forward F-35 Mission Update
2. F-35 DEIS Update from Luke Forward
3. LUKE AFB SELECTED AS PREFERRED LOCATION FOR F-35 PILOT TRAINING CENTER

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer stands outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, after attending arguments at the Supreme Court who will decide if the Arizona employer sanctions law is constitutional. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Gov. Jan Brewer will head to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for a day of meetings on Capitol Hill and a speech to a GOP women’s group.

Brewer will meet on Wednesday with members of Arizona’s congressional delegation, followed by a meeting with U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley. Gubernatorial spokesman Matthew Benson said Brewer and Donley will discuss Luke Air Force Base’s bid to be the home of the F-35 joint strike fighter.

After the meeting with Donley, Brewer will meet again with members of the delegation, and possibly with other members of Congress as well, Benson said.

On Thursday, Brewer will speak at the 2011 Women Working for Change Conference, hosted by Project Go Pink, a Republican women’s organization, in National Harbor, Md. Brewer, who will also be signing copies of her new book at the conference, will join a star-studded roster that includes former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Texas First Lady Anita Perry, author and activist Callista Gingrich, the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and seven members of Congress.

“I think it’s more an educational opportunity to again reiterate the governor’s commitment to seeing that the F-35 is sited at Luke Air Force Base, as well as some timing issues with regard to the phase-out of the F-16 and trying to make sure the F-35 and the F-16 are kind of in sync in terms of when one is phased out and the other is phased in,” Benson said.

Benson said he isn’t exactly sure what Brewer and the congressional delegation will discuss.

“I would imagine that the IRC will be a major topic of discussion, but certainly not the only issue that’s on their table right now.”

Republican members of the delegation urged Brewer several weeks ago to call a special session to oust Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission Chairwoman Colleen Mathis. Brewer and the Senate removed Mathis from office on Nov. 1.

Brewer will return to Arizona on Friday.

By Jeremy Duda – jeremy.duda@azcapitoltimes.com

1. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Steve Yamamori Love Luke AFB

F-35A Training Draft EIS Available Winter 2012

F-35 Mission Update: The United States Air Force issued the following revised schedule for the release of F-35 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). As indicated in the news release, the draft EIS has been deferred to December 2011/January 2012. The public comment period will follow the release of the draft EIS by 30-45 days. It is expected that the Record of Decision will likely come in Summer 2012.

Thank you for your continued support of the F-35 Mission and Luke AFB.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Draft EIS analyzes potential impacts on the natural, cultural and human environment associated with changes in personnel, construction of facilities, and training activities in existing military airspace and ranges to support the proposed F-35A beddown. No location will be selected until after the EIS is complete.

The Air Force conducted public scoping meetings in early 2010 to identify community concerns and environmental issues to address in the EIS. Potential noise from the training was identified as a primary community and environmental concern. As a result of those concerns as well as ongoing testing and development of the F-35A, the Air Force conducted additional noise studies. The results of these noise studies are being incorporated into the Draft EIS. Therefore, the Draft EIS, originally thought to be available in 2010, will become available in the winter of 2012.

Following release of the Draft EIS, the Air Force will host public hearings to provide details on the Draft EIS analysis and ensure the public has a fair and equal opportunity to consider and comment on the document and the proposals. The public will have 45 days to comment on the analysis presented in the Draft EIS.

Once available, the Draft EIS date of availability, the dates and locations of public hearings, and the location of public libraries will be posted. The public will be able to download the document from this website or view it at a public library. Individuals who attended the scoping meetings held in early 2010 and requested a copy of the Draft EIS will be provided with a copy once it is available. All interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to attend the public hearings and to comment on the Draft EIS and analysis.

This information has been provided by http://www.f-35atrainingeis.com/Schedule.html

1. F-35 DEIS Update from Luke Forward
2. DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY RELEASED TODAY FOR F-35 AT LUKE AFB
3. Confirm Support for the F-35 Mission at Luke AFB

In a Sept. 8, 2011 letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, McCain sets forth his concerns about transfers of F-16 squadrons from Luke to Holloman AFB, N.M., given that F-16 pilots will possibly face scheduling conflicts with Army and joint forces when it comes to use of the White Sands Missile Range at Holloman.

McCain, in his letter to Donley, asks that the Air Force consider the costs associated with the planned move of four F-16 squadrons from Luke to Holloman, and consider the savings from not duplicating facilities, and the problems that may occur with the move, not the least of which is insufficient housing for military personnel and their families. McCain is also concerned that the White Sands Missile Range may be limited in its training capability.

Both letters are printed in their entirety as follows:

U.S. Sen. John McCain wrote the following letter to West Valley Partners, c/o Chairman, Mayor Elaine Scruggs, July 20, 2011.

I want to take a moment to thank you for your unwavering support of Luke Air Force Base and to update you on the Department of the Air Force’s plans to bring the F-35 Lightning II to Luke AFB. Two recent decisions by the Secretary of the air Force reaffirmed for me the Air Force’s support for Luke AFB, as well as their awareness of the concerns of the local community.

First, despite the cost overruns and production delays encountered in the F-35 program over the last two years, in June the Air Force reaffirmed its plan to station the first F-35 at Luke AFB by August of 2013. This confirmation of the Air Force’s decision to make Luke a major training base for the F-35, as Luke has been for the F-16, demonstrates that the Air Force fully recognizes the critical value of a base that is supported by a strong community combined with a premier, dedicated pilot training range that cannot be equaled anywhere in the country.

The Air Force also recognizes that they, along with the Marine Corps and the Navy, desperately needs the F-35 fighter to be delivered on time and within a cost that can be sustained during what may be a period of declining defense budgets. I will do everything I can to both constrain the cost growth and schedule delays on the F-35 in addition to ensuring that this much needed aircraft delivers on its promises to the Air Force and finds it new home at Luke AFB. For the benefit of our military and our country, we must ensure that the F-35 program can deliver the numbers of aircraft and the capability required to meet the critical war-fighting needs of the military. We cannot afford to mismanage or fail in this critical acquisition program or continue on a path that future defense budgets will not be able to sustain.

The second Air Force decision announced in June concerned the planned transfer of two F-16 squadrons from Luke AFB to Holloman AFB, New Mexico. This transfer was originally planned to commence in October of 2011. I have questioned the Air Force on the rationale for this decision in light of our current budget climate and will continue to critically asses the plans. The Air Force decision to delay the move by 18 months is consistent with the concerns you have raised about a significant reduction to air operations at Luke AFB over an extended period of time. I know we share the view that Luke AFB has the capability to support multiple F-35 pilot training squadrons as well as four squadrons of F-16 aircraft without a detrimental impact to military training or the local community. As such, I do not support spending defense funds only for the purpose of spreading the wealth of fighter aircraft. I will continue to argue that the Air Force’s priority should be to maintain F-16 pilot training at Luke and take advantage of the priceless Barry M. Goldwater Range, which offers the best capabilities with the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Moving forward, I will continue to insist that the Department of Defense bring down the costs of the F-35 and meet the aircraft acquisition goals that are critical to the military services. I am also aware of the delays in the completion of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for Luke AFB, but I believe these delays will not affect the arrival date of the first three F-35 squadrons. I am committed to ensure that the Air Force conducts a comprehensive EIS review that will address the legitimate concerns of the communities affected by Luke AFB.

The outstanding support your organization provides our military members at Luke AFB is invaluable. I am proud to represent you.

Dear Secretary Donley:
I write to you today about an issue that could potentially have a negative impact on Air Force pilot training, military readiness and our overall national security. I want to be clear that this correspondence should be in no way viewed as me seeking preferential treatment for the State of Arizona. I expect only such action which is in the best interests of the country.

I am concerned about a wide range of issues related to the Air Force plan to transfer two F-16 training squadrons currently assigned to Luke AFB, Arizona, to Holloman AFB, New Mexico. As you know, the Air Force recently decided to delay these unit transfers by about 18 months to mid-2013 in order to reduce impacts to pilot production during a critical phase in the upcoming year. I believe the facts warrant further consideration of the plan.

The Air Force recently estimated that the military construction costs related to the transfer would be $47 million to duplicate F-16 pilot training capacity at Holloman that already exists at Luke. I believe we have an obligation to be stewards of the taxpayer’s money and seek savings wherever they can be realized. This planned transfer appears to run counter to this obligation.

I believe that Luke AFB and the Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) have the capacity to support both the operation of the four U.S. F-16 training squadrons currently assigned to Luke, as well as multiple F-35 Lightning 11 squadrons. Both types of aircraft train primary for air-to-ground missions. In fact, Luke has hosted far more F-16 training aircraft in the recent past – more than 200 F-16s on the flight line – than is currently envisioned even if the F-35 that replaces it is delivered on time and in the quantities called for under existing plans and the remaining F-16s at Luke are phased out slowly over time.

My staff has been told that the rationale for the F-16 transfer form Luke is at least partially supported by a desire of the Air Force to maintain air-to-ground training access to White Sands Missile Range from Holloman AFB, despite the fact that the Department of the Army has insisted on part of its formal range management agreement with the Air Force that White Sands will continue to be prototyped to support a robust schedule of Army and Joint missile testing. As a result, F-16 pilot training for squadrons transferred to Holloman AFB will be required to deconflict schedules around higher-priority Army and Joint missile tests, and in addition will also need to share airspace and bombing ranges with Army Apache helicopter training based at Fort Bliss, foreign military training for the German Air Force, and dissimilar unmanned aerial vehicle pilot training from UAV units assigned to both Holloman AFB and Fort Bliss. Repeated studies by both the Air Force and Navy of competing uses at White Sands point to the potential for significant attrition of the airspace available for training student pilots, which could result in a negative impact on F-16 pilot production and slippage in the F-16 training pipeline.

Given these competing users and higher priority on testing at White Sands, will there be routine and predictable access to dedicated airspace and the air-to-ground range in order to provide the flexibility needed for a dynamic training syllabus? Delays, cancellation of planned flights or shifting the training schedule due to emerging requirements often causes flight training preparation to have to be repeated from the beginning. First-priority for training range access exists at BMGR, while in contrast, it appears that the Air Force will have access to the White Sands range only during periods when pilot training operations do not conflict with a myriad of Army and Joint test activities.

As you know, based on the recent direction by the President to reduce the Defense budget by at least $400 billion over the next twelve years, the Air Force is currently undergoing a through strategic review of all aspects of its budget and operations to find efficiencies and savings. At this critical point, I believe the Air Force can still afford the costs involved in duplicating existing F-16 flight training infrastructure and capacity, adding unnecessary airspace and range challenges, and the potential for negative impacts on flight training productivity in order to preserve access to the White Sands range. Access by the Air Force to White Sands is already assured by a multi-service agreement, and to the extent the Air Force desires to exercise those rights from time-to-time, I believe it can do so most efficiently through rotational training. Given the competing priorities and users at White Sands. I do not believe that it is possible to duplicate the existing training capacity at the Barry M. Goldwater Range at the White Sand Missile Range.

I urge you to consider the proposed F-16 transfer in light of the significant additional costs associated with duplicating the infrastructure, the personnel and operation and maintenance costs associated with the move, the potential for negative training impact, including whether there will be negative impacts on pilot training production, the concerns raised about the shortage of available housing for transferred military and civilian personnel, and the potential for conflicts over access to the airspace and capacity for air-to-ground training at White Sands Missile range. Additionally, I request that you also carefully weigh how looming Defense budget cuts will affect the jF-35 program in terms of its planned delivery schedule and ultimate numbers of aircraft to be procured before deciding whether to go forward with, and the time of, proposed transfers of F-165 from Luke AFB.

This article is made available with permission of Pueblo Publishers, Inc.

1. Yuma voices concerns and support for F-35
2. McCain cautions F-35 supporters about encroachment
3. F-35 Noise Concerns an action item for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

It is important to note that Luke AFB remains the preferred site for the F-35 active duty training mission. The revised release date for the DEIS is September 2011, with the public comment period occurring in October. The Final EIS is scheduled for release in January 2012, and the Record of Decision will follow in the March-April 2012 timeframe.

For those registered to receive e-mail, we will be contacting you in advance of the release of the DEIS to inform you of the next round of public hearings that are tentatively planned for October as well as opportunities for you to participate and continue to show your support. In the meantime, please continue to encourage friends, family and colleagues to sign up at www.LukeForward.com. We are 22,000 strong and growing!

1. Luke Forward F-35 Mission Update
2. Support Building for Statewide F-35 Luke Forward Campaign
3. Attend a Public Hearing & Voice Your Support for the F-35 Mission at Luke AFB

The Air Force in July picked Luke as its preferred site to train pilots on the next generation of war jets.

Under Gate’s Efficiencies Initiative that includes eliminating excess or troubled programs, the Air Force is expected to cut $34 billion in spending over five years.

“We have not heard from our sources back in D.C. where (the Air Force’s F-35 program) is in jeopardy of being eliminated or is delayed at this point,” said Steven Methvin, Glendale’s point person for Luke issues.

He said the Air Force continues to perform an environmental impact analysis on what placing the F-35 at Luke would mean for the region.

The Pentagon’s cost-cutting could impact the Marine’s variant of the F-35 and its delivery date, according to Charley Freericks, board chairman of Fighter Country Partnership, a support group for the base.

The Marine Corps’ short take-off and vertical landing F-35 has been placed on the equivalent of two-year probation because of significant testing problems. That aircraft will be moved to the back of the F-35-production sequence.

The F-35 Lightning II plane is designed to be used in modified forms by all branches of the military, eventually replacing various fighter jets now in use.

“Right now, we’re on track,” Freericks said. “Later this month, early next month we expect the draft (environmental study) to get published and issued.”

The study is looking at factors including noise, land use and safety at Luke and at least two other Air Force bases.

A final decision on where to place the F-35 training facility is expected by next summer.

If Luke wins the F-35, it would replace its aging fleet of F-16s.

Supporters want the F-35 to come to Arizona to ensure the Glendale base stays open. The installation is an economic engine for Arizona, pumping $2 billion a year into the economy.

A statement released by Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz bodes well for the Air Force F-35 program.

They said the savings realized by reducing overhead and support functions will be shifted to other programs, including buying more F-35 training simulators. Those simulator purchases show the continued Air Force commitment to the critical F-35 program, the statement said.

by Cecilia Chan and David Madrid – Jan. 7, 2011 from The Arizona Republic

1. F-35 STOVL expected to make first vertical landing soon
2. 2011 budget will seek nearly $11 billion for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
3. Glendale firefighters team up with Luke AFB

With today’s decision by the Air Force, Luke is poised to transition from its current F-16 training mission to become the Air Force’s F-35 “school house,” subject to completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process that is currently underway.

“Today’s announcement is great news for our region and our state and represents a major milestone and the most critical stage in the F-35 site selection process,” said Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs.

“Although we realize there is more work ahead of us, we are extremely grateful to our state’s congressional delegation, the Arizona Legislature, Governor Jan Brewer, Attorney General Terry Goddard, and citizens and businesses for working closely with us to champion and support the F-35 coming to Luke Air Force Base through our Luke Forward campaign,” Scruggs said.

The campaign was developed locally to send a clear, strong message to the Department of Defense that Arizona supports Luke Air Force Base continuing to serve as one of the country’s premier fighter pilot training facilities and to raise awareness of the critical role Luke plays in our national defense and the state’s economy.

The campaign was created by the West Valley Partners and Fighter Country Partnership.  The West Valley Partners include Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Gila Bend, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Maricopa County, Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg and Youngtown.

Gov. Brewer said the Air Force’s decision is, in part, the result of all levels of local and state governments, as well as the private sector, working in partnership on a common vision.

“We all know that Luke is the ideal location for this next generation fighter, but I also believe that today’s decision demonstrates Arizona’s ability to roll up our sleeves and work together for the betterment of our state,” she said.

“It’s critical that we continue to do all we can to preserve current and future missions at our military installations in order to keep this very important industry viable in our state.”

Luke Air Force Base and other military installations in the state collectively represent one of the largest industries in Arizona and generate more than $9 billion annually in economic impact statewide. Luke alone contributes more than 8,000 jobs and $2.17 billion annually to Arizona’s economy, according to a recent study commissioned by the state.

Fighter Country Partnership (FCP) Chairman Charley Freericks, who is co-chairing the Luke Forward campaign with Scruggs, credits community support for today’s decision.
“Local community support of military bases is very important back in Washington, and we know the tremendous Valley and statewide support for Luke Air Force Base really helped us,” said Freericks, a senior vice president at DMB Associates.

“We reached literally tens of thousands of Arizonans through our citizen and business outreach initiatives, and community support for Luke Air Force Base was overwhelming. There is no question that this strong level of support was a significant factor in the Air Force’s decision to site the F-35 at Luke.”

Today’s announcement is being made prior to the release of the Air Force’s draft F-35 basing EIS document, which is anticipated to be published in the next 30 days. The Air Force is required to conduct an environmental assessment of each potential F-35 site before making its final basing decision.

This federally mandated assessment, which is referred to as the EIS process, allows individual citizens and communities around candidate bases to provide input during the formal evaluation of each base.

The Draft EIS will serve as the Air Force’s notice of intent to proceed. Once the Draft EIS is released, in which Luke will be identified as the Air Force’s preferred site, public hearings will be held later this year.

Once the public hearings are held and the comment period concludes, the Air Force will release its final EIS document that will provide responses to comments received from the public.

After the Final EIS document is published, there will be an additional 30-day public review period. After reviewing comments received during this time frame and after considering any environmental impacts, the Air Force will making its final basing decision. It is anticipated the Air Force’s final “Record of Decision,” which will conclude the EIS process, will be made in early 2011.

1. Luke AFB Pilot Selected to Fly F-35 Lightning II at Eglin AFB
2. Major F-35 training mission criteria requirement met by Luke Air Force Base
3. Luke Air Force Base F-16 Fighter Pilot Instructor Captain Hubbard Selected for Thunderbirds

Sen. John McCain at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona

On Friday, U.S. Sen. John McCain told West Valley leaders in Litchfield Park that he is confident Luke Air Force Base will land the F-35 Lightning II, a new generation of stealth aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II, also called the Joint Strike Fighter, has long been regarded as the savior of Luke, a base in Glendale where F-16 pilots are trained. McCain was addressing Westmarc, a West Valley consortium of business, government and community leaders.

“I can say with great confidence, we will have the F-35 at Luke Air Force Base where training for every Air Force pilot will take place,” he said.

The Air Force is in the midst of an environmental-impact study to determine the aircraft’s effect on such things as air quality and noise. A first draft is expected in September.

Although the decision where to base the F-35 isn’t McCain’s, he is the ranking Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He is also running for re-election in a Republican primary campaign against challenger J.D. Hayworth, a former six-term Arizona congressman and conservative radio talk-show host.

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett were thrilled at McCain’s prediction.

“What jumped out at me is the F-35 is coming to Luke Air Force Base,” Scruggs said. “I liked that certainty and assuredness and no questions about it.”

Barrett said the most important economic issue facing the West Valley is the acquisition of the F-35 at Luke. Luke’s economic impact on the state is almost $2.2 billion.

“For the senator to stand up there and say he is confident that we’re going to secure the F-35 is exhilarating,” Barrett said.

Story by David Madrid @ The Arizona Republic

1. Senator John McCain Honored by Fighter Country
2. City of Surprise Supports the F-35 and the Sound of Freedom from Luke Air Force Base
3. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Flies in United Kingdom

BY JOYCE LOBECK – SUN STAFF WRITER

The future for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is rapidly approaching as development of the F-35, the nation’s new joint strike fighter, moves forward.

The air station is slated to become the first base to receive the very first of the new aircraft in spring of 2012, according to the “preferred option” and current time line, said Maj. James Combs, community plans and liaison officer for MCAS Yuma, during Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp.’s quarterly investors luncheon Tuesday.

It all hinges on the record of decision, scheduled for December. In the meantime, Combs said the environmental impact statement is slated for public release in May, to be followed by a series of public hearings to begin in mid-June.

“I’ve reviewed the EIS and it looks favorable for Yuma and (Marine Corps Air Station) Miramar,” he said. “There aren’t any outstanding concerns that I saw.”

Still, he said, it’s important for area residents to attend the public meetings and voice their concerns, issues and questions.

“The public meetings will have an impact on the decision,” he said. “Let us know your thoughts. This is the time for the community to speak up and have its voice heard.”

It will be particularly important, he said, for defense officials to hear how the community supports the military. That’s a tradition in Yuma, he noted, that is the envy of other military installations.

Julie Engel, president and CEO of GYEDC, also stressed the importance of public participation.

To that end, the Citizens Action Committee to support the F-35 will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. May 10 at the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce auditorium, 180 W. 1st St. (the old City Hall council chambers).

“We want a big showing at the forum and the public meetings,” she said. “We can’t grow more houses until we grow the economy.”

And the F-35 coming to MCAS Yuma presents a real opportunity to benefit the area’s economy.

For one thing, it will mean more aircraft and more personnel here, both military and civilian, Combs noted.

If the preferred option is approved, MCAS Yuma is slated to receive five F-35 squadrons of 10 to 16 aircraft each as well as an operational testing and evaluation squadron of six aircraft, for a total of 76 aircraft. That’s 26 more aircraft than are currently based here.

It also will mean an additional 500 personnel. And it will require a presence by civilian contractors to help with advanced maintenance, Combs said.

The goal is to have personnel start arriving the summer of 2011, 10 aircraft here by December 2012 and the first scheduled deployment in 2014, Combs said. Other F-35 squadrons would be based at Miramar.

To get ready for the F-35, an estimated nearly $500 million is being invested over three years in new infrastructure at MCAS Yuma, such as state-of-the-art hangars with greater security.

One reason MCAS Yuma is at the leading edge, Combs said, is because as a training base, the air station will need to support the F-35 for transient squadrons even if the aircraft weren’t to be based here.

Engel also noted that with Yuma centrally located among Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force bases in California and Arizona, it is in a position to support the versions of the F-35 being developed for the three military branches.

The F-35A with conventional landing and takeoff capability is being developed for the Air Force, the Marine Corps version is the F-35B with short take off and vertical landing capability, while the F-35C is being developed for the Navy with carrier landing capability.

Combs said MCAS Yuma has also been designated for a temporary training squadron if plans fall through to locate training for all the military branches at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. However, he said, lawsuits challenging Eglin are currently on hold and that base is on track.

Combs also stressed that the Marine Corps’ decision about the F-35 is independent of the other two branches, including the Air Force, which is considering Phoenix or Tucson bases. He added that Marine Corps will lead the way by receiving the F-35B in 2012, while the Navy is scheduled to begin receiving the F-35C by 2014 and the Air Force the F-35A by 2016.

Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.

1. Community Support Key to Arrival of F-35 in Yuma
2. McCain letters support F-35,
   raise concerns for F-16 move
3. F-35 Noise Concerns an action item for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

The t

The operations at Luke AFB have impacted people from all walks of life and from every state in the nation. Since 1988, Luke Air Force Base has trained 16,270 fighter pilots to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon and graduated 9,071 crew chiefs. They continue to play a critical role in protecting America’s freedom and security worldwide.

The presence of Luke and other military bases in Arizona contribute significantly to the state and local economies. Luke AFB alone contributes more than 8,000 jobs and $2 billion annually to our state’s economy. Luke’s economic impact is especially critical in light of the current budget crisis facing the state and every community in Arizona.

Our jewel to the south, the Barry M. Goldwater Range, provides highly flexible joint military service training and realistic combat missions. Each year, fighters from Luke AFB conduct more than 30,000 air-to-air gunnery and air-to-ground bombing training at the 1.7-million acre facility located between Yuma and Tucson.

The town of Buckeye and other West Valley communities have revised their development plans and/or set aside property in the area to protect Luke’s training mission. Buckeye is home to many of the brave men and women who support Luke’s current fighter training mission. Buckeye is where their families live and their children are educated. And, we hope Buckeye will be able to welcome a new generation of F-35 personnel and their families to our community as well.

In addition to protecting our nation’s defense and being an economic asset to the state, Luke AFB has a profoundly positive impact in our communities. Base personnel volunteer more than 100,000 hours annually at local schools, churches, youth sports leagues and non-profit organizations.

Our Town Council’s recent resolution illustrates the unwavering support and commitment of Buckeye residents to Luke Air Force Base – for the current F-16 training mission and as the future training site for the new F-35.

1. City of Surprise Supports the F-35 and the Sound of Freedom from Luke Air Force Base
2. Surpise Mayor Truitt Supports The F-35 Training Mission at Luke Air Force Base
3. Davis County Commission Letter Supports F-35 Squadron to Hill Air Force Base

Tuesday night’s meeting in El Mirage and last night’s meeting in Surprise each attracted big crowds of approximately 300 people. Luke supporters donning military hats, t-shirts, pins and stickers could be found everywhere at the meetings, which are being conducted by the Air Force to solicit input from citizens in preparation of the F-35 environmental study at the Glendale base.

Based on reports from other communities, such as New Mexico, Utah and Idaho, which are also under consideration to receive the Air Force’s joint strike fighter program, the Luke meetings are drawing record crowds.

“At last night’s meeting in Surprise, there was a line of people waiting to get inside the meeting room,” said Fighter Country Partnership’s Steve Yamamori, whose organization is working with 12 West Valley cities and Maricopa County to bring the F-35 to Luke. West Valley residents and others are showing up in force at these meetings to express their support for the Air Force to bring the F-35 to Luke. This strong support by local citizens is definitely going to send a clear message to decisions makers back in Washington, D.C. that Arizona strongly supports the F-35.”

Based on the criteria the Air Force will use to evaluate sites for the F-35 mission, Luke is well positioned to receive the F-35 and continue to serve as the Air Force’s “school house” for America’s fighter pilots and maintainers.
Local leaders know, however, that until a decision is made, nothing can be taken for granted, and they urge continued strong support from Arizonans statewide.

Luke has been training fighter pilots since 1941, and Arizona features the ideal climate, land, airspace and training rangers – including the Barry M. Goldwater Range in southern Arizona – that cannot be replicated anywhere in the country.

For more information on the public-scoping meetings, which run through Friday, or to register your support for the F-35 at Luke, visit www.LukeForward.com.

CONTACT: Steve Yamamori, Fighter Country Partnership, 623-882-2191

1. El Mirage Residents Support F-35, Future missions at Luke Air Force Base
2. Support Building for Statewide F-35 Luke Forward Campaign
3. City of Surprise Supports the F-35 and the Sound of Freedom from Luke Air Force Base

Residents are encouraged to attend one or more of these meetings and to complete comment forms that will be used during the process of the Environmental Impact Study conducted regarding the F-35s and the mission’s potential impact on the area. Residents’ comments are needed to assist the Air Force in making more informed decisions and can be mailed by March 25 to David Martin, HQ AETC/A7PP, 266 F Street West, Randolph, AFB, TX 78150-4319. Comment forms may be obtained at http://lukeforward.com/

According to Luke’s Web site, Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s manufacturer, in conjunction with the Air Force Research Lab, conducted an aircraft acoustics study on the F-35 in October 2008 at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The study concluded that the F-35 is only “slightly louder (less than 10 percent) than the F-16s currently stationed at Luke AFB. The study noted that acoustic levels experienced by the public depend on a number of conditions…. The Air Force is in the process of validating the study results.”

The Web site goes on to explain that the takeoffs and landings, as well as flight patterns and number of daily training flights will largely remain the same. Typically Luke’s training flights occur between the hours of 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. “Flights may occur on weekends, due to training mission requirements. Luke flies between 125-150 training missions (referred to in the military as “sorties”) a day, which can result in more than 400 flights over the local area daily.”

All area residents are encouraged to attend one or more of these initial scoping meetings and to fill out a response card. Visit www.lukeforward.com for more information.

1. F-35 Public Scoping Meeting Locations and Schedule (update)
2. F-35 Public Scoping Meeting Tonight in El Mirage
3. Fighter Country Partnership CEO boosts F-35 mission during SCHOA meeting

The Air Force proposes to establish training F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) training aircraft at one or more existing Air Force installations within the continental United States. F-35A is a conventional take-off, multiple-role fighter with an emphasis on air-to-ground missions. The aircraft was designed to replace and supplement F-16 and A-10 aircraft.

The candidate basing alternatives include: Holloman AFB New Mexico, Boise Air Terminal Air Guard Station, also known as Gowen Field, Idaho, Luke AFB, Arizona, Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station, Arizona, and Eglin AFB in Florida.

For purposes of this Environmental Impact Study alternatives currently include:

• No-Action – The No-Action Alternative evaluates the consequences of not bedding down the F-35A aircraft at any of the candidate locations. Analysis of the No-Action Alternative provides a baseline, enabling decision makers to compare the magnitude of the environmental effects of no action to the effects of the Proposed Action.
• Action Alternatives – For the F-35A Training EIS, each candidate installation is an “alternative” for review in the EIS. Environmental impacts for each alternative will be analyzed for the No-Action Alternative and in six increments of 24 primary assigned aircraft.

Visit LukeForward.com to download a comment card to fill out in the convenience of your home.  You can bring the card to one of the five meetings.  Comments cards can also be completed on-line and sent via email or through the US Postal Service.  It’s quick, convenient and vital that the Air Force hears from supporters of the F-35 mission.

Tuesday, February 23 – Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort

RC Roberts Memorial Building, 11201 N. El Mirage Road, El Mirage, Arizona Google Maps Link

Wednesday, February 24th – Communiversity @ Surprise

Thursday, February 25^{th –} Wickenburg High School Media Center

Friday, February 26^{th –} Wigwam Resort and Spa

1. F-35 Public Scoping Meeting Locations and Schedule (update)
2. F-35 Public Scoping Meetings in Arizona
3. Large Crowds in El Mirage Support New F-35 at Luke Air Force Base

As mayor of Surprise, I see the positive difference Luke Air Force Base makes daily in our community. That is why I fully support bringing the F-35 training program to Luke Air Force Base.

Surprise has more flyovers from Luke’s F-16 jets than any other West Valley city. To us, the roar of those fighters is the sound of freedom.

Luke AFB is a true West Valley native. Its mission of defending freedom blossomed decades ago, when it was a training site for young WWII pilots. Many of them loved Arizona and settled here; becoming residents of the cities that eventually sprang up around Luke.

Today, many of the 8,000 active-duty personnel and their 6,700 family members are an important part of our community. We know them as neighbors, business customers and employees, students at our Communiversity, or parents and friends involved in school and community life. Without them, Surprise wouldn’t be the city of opportunity and connectedness we are today.

Luke has a $2.1 billion annual impact on Arizona’s economy. That means one thing above all: jobs. Thousands are directly employed at the base; thousands more support Luke indirectly. These jobs create demand for housing and generate consumer spending. This helps local businesses thrive and helps local governments pay for public safety and roadways. Without the    F-35, the mission of Luke is threatened, and our community could lose jobs at the worst possible time as we work to recover from this severe recession.

Surprise is working closely with Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Gila Bend, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Maricopa County, Peoria, Phoenix, Tolleson, Wickenburg and Youngtown on the Luke Forward campaign to support the new F-35 mission. You can get involved, too. Visit www.lukeforward.com to register your support and get answers to frequently asked questions about the F-35. Look for sign-up support sheets at the many businesses in Surprise that are behind the F-35 mission at Luke.

I encourage you to attend one of the five public meetings being held in Northwest Valley cities, including Surprise, February 22- 26. These meetings are part of the Environmental Impact Statement process, which will help the Air Force decide where to station the F-35. We need to let decision makers at the federal level know we want the F-35 and the mission of Luke to continue for decades to come.
Our economic future and the fabric of our community life will be much richer if Luke receives the F-35 training mission. Together, let’s show support for our brave neighbors and colleagues at Luke who defend America and make Arizona a better place.

Visit lukeforward.com to prefill the EIS comment form if you  are not able to attend any of the public scoping meetings.

About Mayor L.E. “Lyn” Truitt

Lyn and his wife, Donna, moved to Surprise in 1997. They have two children and three grandchildren. Donna has worked at the Dysart Unified School District since 2000 and daughter-in-law, Nicole, is a music teacher in the District.

Lyn has been a self-employed businessman for the past 30 years. As national training consultant for a contract delivery systems company, he trained entrepreneurs in small business ownership, management and operations. Lyn is currently owner/broker of L.E. Truitt & Associates Real Estate Consulting and a Certified International Property Specialist.

Over the years, Lyn coached a youth soccer team to two City of Phoenix titles, obtained three scuba diving certifications and served as Crew Chief on a hot air balloon team.  He traveled to England as part of a Christian outreach opportunity and considers himself a life-long learner, taking classes ranging from Greek to photography.

Lyn is a graduate of Leadership West, Class IX and his commitment to effective and ethical leadership is demonstrated through participation in neighborhood and community initiatives, support for quality education, a willingness to volunteer and dedication to our City and residents.

Participation in neighborhood and community initiatives includes leadership on the Coyote Lakes HOA and work on various community initiatives.  He was presented the Arizona Golden Rule Award for volunteerism by Secretary of State, Jan Brewer. Lyn is active with the Salvation Army Board, organizes an annual drive for St. Mary’s Westside Food Bank, and serves on the Board of West Valley Art Museum.

His support for quality education includes service on committees that worked to pass school bond issues, membership on the Dysart Tax Credit Committee, Chair of the Dysart Wall of Unity Committee and the Community Advisory Team Board.

Lyn’s passion for our community is evidenced by successful campaigns to reduce the restaurant tax in Surprise, improve Bell Road and preserve areas around Luke Auxiliary Field 1.  He served as Surprise Planning & Zoning Committee Chair.

1. City of Surprise Supports the F-35 and the Sound of Freedom from Luke Air Force Base
2. Major F-35 training mission criteria requirement met by Luke Air Force Base
3. Town of Buckeye Supports F-35 at Luke Air Force Base

Tensions between F-35 jet supporters and skeptics will have another chance to boil over next week, as the Air Force will hold a series of scoping meetings to hear the public’s concerns.

The public scoping process is intended to actively involve citizens and government agencies in helping identify the environmental issues to be addressed in the environmental analysis of the F-35 at Luke. These meetings will provide residents with an introduction to the F-35 and its capabilities and mission. Specific information on how the F-35 will be integrated at Luke as a training facility will also be covered.

Meetings are scheduled in El Mirage and Surprise. The El Mirage meeting will be Tuesday at the RC Roberts Memorial Building at Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort, 11201 N. El Mirage Road. In Surprise, the meeting will be Wednesday at the Communiversity@Surprise, 15850 West Civic Center Plaza. All scoping meetings will begin at 6 p.m.

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is planning to have a presence at the meeting in El Mirage, putting out a call to its membership to show up en masse in support of the F-35 mission. Luke Air Force Base is a $2 billion annual economic engine, the chamber said in the call to action, an economic engine the West Valley cannot afford to lose.

“As business leaders and residents we can’t afford not to show our support,” the newsletter stated. “We encourage you to invite your employees, business partners, family and friends to ensure a large turnout from the community.”

The chamber is also encouraging people to wear red, white and/or blue T-shirts to drive the point home.

The F-35 fighter jet has become the center of controversy over the past few months, with El Mirage the lone dissenter. While every other municipality in the area has voiced their support for bringing the jet to Luke, El Mirage officials have raised questions. They have expressed concern over the volume of the jets, and what effect noise pollution will have on their community. (from: Your West Valley)

1. Large Crowds in El Mirage Support New F-35 at Luke Air Force Base
2. Attend a Public Hearing & Voice Your Support for the F-35 Mission at Luke AFB
3. Support Building for Statewide F-35 Luke Forward Campaign

Unfortunately, there have been many opinions that were misconstrued as facts that could potentially hurt the opportunity to have Luke AFB chosen as the new JSF training base for the Department of Defense.

As mayor of Surprise, I want to state my full support for bringing the F-35 training program to Arizona.  Surprise has more flyovers of aircraft than any other West Valley city and we hear the roar of those jets as the sound of freedom.

Others have misstated the F-35 being twice as loud as the current F-16s that we have at Luke AFB, but the official Department of Defense tests completed in October 2008 at Edwards Air Force Base concluded that the F-35 is approximately 10% louder than the F-16s currently flying at Luke AFB.

The Environmental Impact Statement process that will be conducted at Luke will also consider the noise generated from the F-35 as part of its site-specific data collection.

Beyond the mechanics of the F-35, I also want to highlight the impact of the military on our local community.

With the close proximity of Surprise to Luke AFB, many of the 8,000 active-duty personnel and their 6,700 family members have chosen to live and work in Surprise.  Their impact on our city—through the contributions they make as employees at local businesses, to their children in local schools to their choice to reside in Surprise—cannot be negated and truly shows the close relationship that Surprise and Luke AFB share.

Without these brave men and women serving our country and playing an active role in our community, Surprise would not be the wonderful city that we all call home.  We welcome them as our neighbors, co-workers, students and customers and look forward to Luke AFB being a thriving partner to our south long after the F-16 program is phased out in 2025.

Luke AFB was here in the West Valley long before neighboring cities began cropping up and we should all unite in our support of continuing Luke’s contribution to our region and to the entire state of Arizona.

The economic impact of $2.1 billion annually that Luke contributes to Arizona’s economy cannot be dismissed, as we all benefit through small and large business cultivation, revenue generation and an increase in the quality of jobs created by the presence of Luke in our backyard.  This will only increase in the years to come if we continue to show a united support of our “hometown Air Base.”

It’s been wonderful to hear positive feedback and support from our Surprise-based businesses in the last few weeks. Many of these businesses have voiced their support for the mission at Luke AFB and stated that they would not be in business without the support of the military personnel who have become loyal customers.
Our business community is rising up to show their support for continuing the mission at Luke and bringing the F-35 mission here by writing letters of support, putting support sign-up sheets out for their customers to sign, providing discounts for those with military identification cards and enthusiastically asking how they can continue showing their support for bringing the F-35 to Arizona.

I invite you to join me and these Surprise business owners in voicing your support of the mission at Luke AFB and bringing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission to Arizona by going to www.lukeforward.com.  In addition to adding your support through that website, you can also find answers to questions you may have about the technical aspects of the F-35 aircraft or the JSF mission coming to Arizona.

1. Surpise Mayor Truitt Supports The F-35 Training Mission at Luke Air Force Base
2. Town of Buckeye Supports F-35 at Luke Air Force Base
3. Goodyear’s city council recognizes the importance of Luke Air Force Base and the F-35 mission

Local, State Leaders Work Together to Make Arizona A National Model for Protecting Military Bases

West Valley and state leaders have been working together to take proactive steps in preserving and enhancing the long-term mission viability of the state’s military installations.

Their actions may soon pay off as Luke Air Force Base is one of several Air Force bases being considered for the upcoming F-35 training mission.

Since the first successful state legislation was passed in 1978, there has been a coordinated and continuous approach to establishing compatible land uses around military bases in Arizona, including Luke.

State laws establish compatible land uses and other protections within noise contours and accident potential zones that ensure that responsible land-use planning and development occurs around Luke.

The state legislation reflects the tremendous commitment local, regional and state leaders have in protecting military installations statewide from development encroachment, according to Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, who recently traveled to Washington to brief top Air Force officials on Arizona’s strong support for Luke’s mission.

“Luke is a critical economic asset and a point of pride for all Arizonans. I am committed to leading the fight to enforce state laws protecting the base from encroachment and will continue to work with state, local and federal officials to secure the F-35 training mission at Luke.”

The Arizona Legislature has taken a variety of proactive steps in to protect Luke and other military airports in the state, including the establishment of:

• Enhanced notification requirements of proposed development in the vicinity of military airports.
• Increased disclosure on the sale of land within the vicinity of military airports.
• A chart of compatible land uses within high noise and accident potential zones.
• Sound attenuation standards for development near military airports.
• Statutes prohibiting natural gas storage facilities within nine miles of military airports.
• Zoning protections around auxiliary fields to mirror those around primary military airports.
• A “Military Installation Fund” used to buy land near bases or finance infrastructure improvements.
• Notification to potential homebuyers interested in purchasing homes that are under military training routes of military activity overhead.

When state legislation led to the establishment of noise contour lines around Luke, state and local leaders had the foresight to make the area within the noise lines larger in order to provide the flexibility to accommodate new aircraft and changing training missions.

For example, the current noise contour lines are almost twice as large that what is necessary for Luke’s current F-16 training mission.

In addition to the state statutes already in place, West Valley cities surrounding Luke have protected 32,788 acres from development that would be incompatible with Luke’s training mission.

“Goodyear is proud to be known as ‘The Protector of Luke’s Southern Departure Corridor,’” said Goodyear Mayor Jim Cavanaugh. “More than 90 percent of the high noise contour areas around the corridor are in Goodyear and properly zoned now to protect Luke’s mission. We also spent $3.5 million — 10 percent of the city’s operating budget — to buy Duncan Family Farms in 2003 and make sure the departure corridor remains indisputably clear.”

Today, Arizona is recognized as a national model in protecting military facilities. But, in order for this success story to continue, both the public and private sectors must continue to be aggressive in supporting efforts to protect and continue the mission at Luke, Cavanaugh said.

1. Understanding the real dollar impact of Luke and other military operations in Arizona
2. F-35 public information sessions for Jacksonville Air National Guard Station in Florida
3. Major F-35 training mission criteria requirement met by Luke Air Force Base

1. Why is the Air Force planning to phase out the F-16 fighter jet from its fleet, and what does this mean to Luke AFB’s current training mission?

The Air Force began using the F-16 in 1979 and plans to keep the aircraft in service for at least another decade. The planned replacement for the F-16 is the F-35 Lightning II, which is the military’s new and improved fighter jet. Establishing a second F-35 training base at Luke AFB is the next step in the military’s development and national protection. Eglin Air Force Base in Florida has been selected as the Air Force’s first training base for the F-35.

Regarding Luke AFB’s current training mission, the Air Force has not released a specific date yet as to when the F-16 will be retired from the base. But it is possible that Luke will continue to have some F-16s until 2025 or beyond in order to continue supporting the training missions of other ally countries that have purchased F-16s from the U.S.

2. What will be the benefits if Luke AFB is selected for the F-35 mission?

First and foremost, it will enable Luke AFB to continue playing an integral role in our military’s air defense and security systems. Locally, there will also be direct benefits to residents and businesses in the West Valley, metro Phoenix area and the state of Arizona. The new training mission will generate additional civilian employment and construction jobs, wages, consumer spending and investments. Luke AFB can also anticipate receiving an immediate investment from the federal government of $125-$150 million in construction-related projects. Much of this investment will positively impact the state’s economy with local labor and suppliers of construction material.

Also, Luke’s military personnel and their families will continue spending money in our local economy, so the new F-35 mission will contribute significantly to our housing, retail and hospitality industries. In addition, Luke AFB purchases a large amount of goods and services locally, and those contracts are with companies throughout Arizona. Thus, the F-35 mission will bring with it decades of sustainable recession-proof economic benefits to the Valley and state.

3. Why should I care about protecting the future mission of Luke AFB?

There are several reasons why each and every one of us living in Arizona should care about the future mission of Luke AFB, and here are just two: First, the men and women who volunteer to enter the military and serve our country are, without a doubt, America’s heroes and go to work each day to protect our freedom and security.

As we know all too well, we’re living during a time in history when the world is a very fragile, unstable place. We are currently involved in two wars and there is ongoing civil unrest in other parts of the world as well. Unfortunately, there are countries who do not believe in granting the same rights and freedoms to its people that we take for granted here in the U.S. So now, more than ever, it’s critical that our military personnel are prepared to respond when the need arises. And, in order to be prepared, our military personnel must receive the best training possible.

The Air Force base that has the experience and knowledge necessary to provide the best training for our new F-35 fighter pilots is located right here in the West Valley. Since Luke AFB began operations in 1941, the base has trained and graduated more than 55,000 fighter pilots. Also, Arizona has the ideal climate, land, airspace, training ranges, facilities and infrastructure needed to train and fly the next generation strike fighter. Thus, securing the F-35 training mission is the next logical step for Luke to continue to serve as one of the Air Force’s premier training bases for decades to come.

Second, Arizona’s military industry is one of the largest industries and economic generators in the state. Collectively, these military bases employ 83,000 active duty personnel, reservists and civilians and generate $9.1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy. Just as we would do all we can to keep the state’s largest employers and revenue generators right here in Arizona, we need to do everything possible to protect Luke AFB and our other military bases in Arizona. This is especially important in light of the current economic challenges facing our state.

4. Will the takeoffs/landings or flight patterns change if Luke AFB becomes a F-35 training base? Will the number of daily training flights change?

It is anticipated the takeoffs/landings and flight patterns, as well as the number of daily training flights, will largely remain the same. The only difference will be the new F-35 aircraft. Luke currently flies between 150-175 training missions (referred to in the military as “sorties”) a day.

5. Are there any noise issues relating to the new F-35?

The site-specific data collected during the environmental impact study, which is required by federal law, will include noise generated from the F-35.

The only current noise data available is from an acoustics study that was conducted on the F-35 by Lockhead Martin (manufacturer of the F-35), in conjunction with the Air Force Research Lab. The study was conducted in October 2008 at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Utilizing more than 170 microphones to collect data, the study found the takeoff and flyover noise generated from the F-35 comparable to the F-22 and F-18, and slightly louder (less than 10 percent) than the F-16, currently stationed at Luke AFB. The study noted that acoustic levels experienced by the public depend on a number of conditions, including topography, weather (temperature, humidity and wind), time of day, observer location in relation to the aircraft, length of time listener is exposed to aircraft, etc.

6. Will additional land-use restrictions be required around the base if Luke AFB is selected for the F-35 training mission?

When the state of Arizona established noise contour lines around Luke AFB through statutory regulations, elected officials had the foresight to make the area within the noise lines larger in order to provide the flexibility to accommodate new aircraft and changing training mission requirements. The current noise lines around Luke AFB are almost twice as large then what is necessary for the F-16. Due to the region’s and state’s proactive approach in protecting Luke, it may not be necessary to expand the existing noise lines in order to accommodate the F-35.

7. Currently, what types of development can occur within the restricted land-use areas?

Arizona’s Compatible Land Use Plan for military airfields is structured into seven separate zones that are based on the high hazard and noise guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) program. Compatible uses and the recommended intensity of these uses differ within these seven zones. These compatible uses range from wholesale trade and distribution to manufacturing and industrial processing. Other allowable uses also include business/commercial, professional services, communications facilities and utilities, among others.

8. How can I show my support for Luke Air Force Base as a future training site for the     F-35?

First, register your support online at www.LukeForward.com. Next, contact your state legislators and federal congressional representatives to express your support for the F-35 training mission at Luke AFB. To find out who your state and federal representatives are, visit www.azleg.gov and click on the “How Do I Find” button. Citizens can also voice their support of Luke AFB when the federal government seeks public comment from community stakeholders during “public scoping meetings” that will be held as part of the environmental impact study. The future of Luke AFB depends largely on the community support it receives from people like you. So be sure to let your voice and the sound of freedom be heard!

1. Luke Air Force Base Serves as the “School House” for Air Force Fighter Training
2. City of Surprise Supports the F-35 and the Sound of Freedom from Luke Air Force Base
3. Town of Buckeye Supports F-35 at Luke Air Force Base

The Yuma community received some reassurance Tuesday that the Marine Corps Air Station will be at the forefront of military technology in the coming years.

A representative of the local base, Lt. Col. Geoffrey Olander, told a community support group that indications are that MCAS Yuma will get its first F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in May 2012. That is based on current timetables and preferred basing plans by the military.

Much yet needs to be done, however. Various basing options are still being considered by all the military branches that will use the latest-generation fighter, and environmental impact hearings need to be held. Final decisions are planned for December.

MCAS Yuma appears to have a leg up in the process because of the urgency of replacing the aging vertical takeoff Harrier jets currently used by squadrons here. The Harriers will be replaced by a version of the F-35 that has similar capabilities.

“We need to stay on our timeline,” said Olander. “The Harriers are running out of their service life.”

Replacing the Harriers is critical to the continued high readiness of the Marine air wing to support the defense of our nation.

MCAS Yuma also plays a major role in training units from other bases, due to the good flying weather and top-notch range facilities here. That will continue as the F-35 is transitioned into various units.

The pending arrival of the F-35s also has important implications for the community economically.

Olander noted there will be “hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure” changes at the base to support the new fighter. The impact on our community will be significant in terms of civilian jobs and the continued presence of the Marines here.

Community support could be a key element in making all this happen and ensuring a place for the base here well into the future. That is why a local community group has formed to support the F-35 transition and assure the military of our readiness to receive the aircraft.

1. Yuma voices concerns and support for F-35
2. Luke community thankful for your support
3. Support Building for Statewide F-35 Luke Forward Campaign

State and county leaders put their competing interests aside and agreed on a pact that protects Luke Air Force Base from encroachment and improves the chances of landing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The agreement signed last week by Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney General Terry Goddard and adopted unanimously by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors largely prohibits new single-family development around the base, its auxiliary fields and other military installations. It ends years of legal wrangling by the state and county.

The deal strikes a balance between property rights and protecting the $2.1 billion economic engine that is Luke. It indemnifies the county against potential lawsuits from property owners. The state will fight the county’s legal battles.

“This is true consensus,” Goddard told an audience of Valley leaders on Thursday. “Let me repeat that because true consensus is hard to come by. This is true consensus.”

The agreement ensures Luke remains competitive as Air Force officials weigh where to land the F-35. Later this month, the Air Force will conduct a series of public-scoping meetings in the West Valley regarding the F-35 at Luke.

Brewer, Goddard and county supervisors sent a clear and well-timed message to Washington, D.C.

We stand ready for the F-35.

1. Luke Air Force Base protected by Governer and Attorney General from encroachment
2. Major F-35 training mission criteria requirement met by Luke Air Force Base
3. Military base protected from encroachment with new agreement

The legal agreement to prevent residential encroachment around Luke Air Force Base and its auxiliary facilities represents a major victory for the citizens of Arizona.

The settlement is significant in several respects:

• It brings Maricopa County into compliance with state laws enacted to protect military airports from encroaching development. Those laws were passed to safeguard not only state military installations, but also the health and safety of residents living nearby.
• It improves Luke’s chances to be chosen as a training base for the next generation of Air Force jets, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. That decision stands to have a substantial impact on Arizona’s economy since the base contributes more than $2 billion a year to the State.
• It shows what can be accomplished when a commitment to serve the greater good prevails over political and policy differences. I commend the members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and Gov. Jan Brewer for their roles in helping work out the final agreement.

The Luke controversy goes back to 2004 when the State Legislature and the Governor signed into law development requirements to ensure adequate buffer zones around the State’s military bases. All local governments in Maricopa County, with the exception of the county itself, complied with the law. The county continued to issue nearly 100 residential building permits in areas with high accident and noise potential surrounding Luke and its related facilities.

Two years ago, I issued a legal opinion affirming the Legislature’s intent to protect Arizona’s military bases and followed up with a letter to the Maricopa County Board asserting its legal obligation to protect Luke from residential encroachment. When the board indicated it would not comply, I filed a lawsuit asking the court to require the county to take the steps required by state law. The county countersued, asking the court to strike down the 2004 law.

One year ago, Maricopa County Superior Court ruled in our favor on nearly every point in our lawsuit, but the county remained unwilling to give up all aspects of its legal challenge.

The agreement reached this week resolves the lawsuit and should stop residential development near the base. A key to the settlement was the State’s willingness to partner with the county and be the first line of legal defense against any potential lawsuits filed by property owners who still want to build in the high-risk zones around Luke.

Air Force officials have left no doubt that encroachment could trip up Luke’s bid. In a recent letter, Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force Chief of Staff, wrote that continued development within the high noise and accident potential zones “is incompatible with military flight operations” and had “cast a bit of a shadow” on Luke’s otherwise excellent standing.

The criteria set for making the F-35 decision make the importance of this settlement clear. The Air Force created a 100-point system based on the following: weather and airspace (60 points), cost (5 points), capacity (25 points) and environment (10 points). In the latter category are two sub-categories, air quality (3 points) and encroachment (7 points). Resolving the encroachment dispute should enable Luke to gain most, if not all, of those 7 points and could give the base the highest score.

Ever since its opening in 1941, Luke has played a vital role in our nation’s security and our State’s economy. It has trained more than 55,000 pilots during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and more recently, the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, more than 95 percent of the Air Force’s F-16 pilots are trained at Luke, confirming its status as the country’s premier fighter pilot training base.

We don’t want that to change. The settlement reached this week should help maintain Luke’s prominent mission far into the future.

Terry Goddard is the attorney general of Arizona.

1. Luke Air Force Base anti-encroachment pact protects base for F-35 mission
2. Surpise Mayor Truitt Supports The F-35 Training Mission at Luke Air Force Base
3. Luke Air Force Base protected by Governer and Attorney General from encroachment

One Valley company is already benefiting from the Department of Defense’s plans to replace the military’s existing fleet of fighter jets with the new F-35 Lightning II.

Honeywell Aerospace (NYSE:HON), headquartered in Phoenix, provides critical technology for approximately 14 aircraft systems on the F-35, including the power and thermal management system. This first-ever integrated system combines auxiliary power, environmental controls, engine start and emergency power into a single system with significant weight savings for the aircraft.

A first for any aircraft, the integrated system was developed and produced at one of Honeywell’s Phoenix facilities.

The F-35 also employs more electric architecture developed by Honeywell. This advanced technology offers a dramatic contrast against conventional systems, including:

• Savings in aircraft weight of about 1,000 pounds
• Savings in aircraft length of about 10 inches
• Significantly increased reliability
• Savings in aircraft life cycle cost

In addition, Honeywell is providing a variety of other systems for the F-35, including the on-board inert gas generation system, wheels and brakes, radar altimeter, lighting, inertial navigation system/global positioning system, air data transducers and engine fan duct heat exchangers.
These systems are designed and built by Honeywell employees from more than 17 facilities including Clearwater, Fla., Minneapolis, Minn., Rocky Mount, N.C., South Bend, Ind., Torrance, Calif., Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson.
In addition to Honeywell’s work on the F-35, several small businesses in the Valley were recently awarded approximately $12 million in contracts. The businesses are located in Chandler, Mesa and Phoenix. Most of the work involves repatching cracked runaways and making electrical systems at the base more energy efficient.

Luke is expecting to award an additional $1.7 million in contracts to local businesses by the end of the year to complete three more projects.

The F-35, also known as the joint strike fighter, is designed to replace the military’s aging fighter inventories, including the Air Force A-10s and F-16s, the Navy’s F-18s and the Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and F-18s.

The joint strike fighter program is the largest defense program in U.S. history.

1. West Valley cities near Luke make sacrifices to ensure freedom for all Americans
2. Luke’s Future Is Training F-35 Fighter Pilots
3. JEC Innovation Awards in the production of the F-35 stealth fighter

A dispute between the state and Maricopa County over residential construction near Luke Air Force Base may soon be over if a negotiated agreement makes it to the county Board of Supervisors.

It would be good news for Luke proponents, who are working to bring the F-35 Lightning II to the base, which they believe is the logical place to put an aircraft that replaces Luke’s aging F-16 jet fighters. Luke pumps $2.1 billion a year into the state’s economy.

The agreement would be signed by Gov. Jan Brewer and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, then would have to be approved by county supervisors. The supervisors could call a special meeting to consider the agreement this week.

Goddard stressed that the draft agreement is a work in progress, but he sent it to Brewer on Wednesday night for her approval.

Brewer said she was confident a deal acceptable to all was imminent.

“We’re hoping to have a good, strong positive message to send to (the Department of Defense) very soon that basically Arizona stands together, and we’re united and supportive of Luke Air Force Base,” she said.

Goddard said the agreement would ensure that the county approves a zoning ordinance preventing new single-family homes within the noise and accident-potential zones of Luke, its Auxiliary Field 1, and Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field.

Brewer and U.S. Sen. John McCain met with Supervisor Max Wilson several months ago to ask him to help end residential encroachment, said Scott Isham, Wilson’s chief of staff. Some of Wilson’s constituents have opposed development restrictions around Luke, however, saying their private-property rights would be harmed and their property values diminished.

Wilson would not comment for this article, but he sent an e-mail that said, “I am optimistic that now with Gov. Brewer taking a leadership role in the Luke Air Force Base issue for the state, we can put the political posturing behind us and lock up the F-35.”

Goddard sued the county in August 2008 to stop it from issuing building permits for new homes in Luke’s restricted areas.

The county countersued, asking the courts to strike down as unconstitutional the law that prevented building in those areas. The county maintained that landowner property rights prevented the denial of building permits in the restricted zones.

The court ruled in favor of the state in February, but a fight over a narrow strip of land prolonged the battle.

“It is my opinion that it (agreement) would settle the lawsuit,” Goddard said.

The potential for encroachment of homes on the base and its facilities works against the state’s attempts to land the F-35, also called the Joint Strike Fighter.

Air Force officials have asked residents, local government representatives and community leaders to help shape an environmental analysis study that begins the process for an environmental impact study. The EIS examines issues relating to land use, airspace and safety, air and water quality, noise, socioeconomic, biological and cultural resources.

The military will use the environmental impact study to help determine which base lands the F-35, a stealth air-to-ground fighter.

Goddard said the agreement he has sent to the governor meets the health and safety needs of Luke and protects the base.

He noted that the Air Force has a criteria sheet used to grade potential bases for the F-35. The competition is tough, and every point Luke can gain is critical to landing the F-35, he said.

Rusty Mitchell, Luke’s director of Community Initiatives Team, said the base can’t comment on the F-35.

The conclusion is here

1. Military base protected from encroachment with new agreement
2. Luke Air Force Base anti-encroachment pact protects base for F-35 mission
3. Major F-35 training mission criteria requirement met by Luke Air Force Base

Presentations have also been made to citizens groups in such communities as Surprise and Sun City West. In addition, Luke Forward representatives have staffed informational tables at events in Glendale and Goodyear.

“The feedback from business leaders and citizens has been extremely positive,” said Jerry McCoy, deputy director of marketing/communications for the city of Glendale, who is helping with the Luke Forward campaign. “We  had 300 people show up for a meeting in Surprise and another 250 people for a presentation in Sun City West. Everyone attending these meetings wants to know what they can do to help us in this effort.”

With the recent announcement that Luke is one of five bases nationwide being considered to receive the new F-35 mission, it is anticipated the Air Force will soon begin holding public “scoping” meetings in advance of its  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process at Luke and the other candidate bases. Both the scoping meetings and the eventual EIS process will allow citizens and communities around the candidate bases to provide input during the formal assessment of each base. Based on the results of the EIS, the Air Force is expected to announce its F-35 preferred basing locations in late spring 2010 with the release of its draft EIS.
Once that process is completed, the Air Force will issue its “record of decision” and announce its fi nal basing decision. This announcement is anticipated to be made in early 2011.
The Luke Forward campaign was developed by the West Valley Partners and Fighter Country Partnership. The West Valley Partners include Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Gila Bend, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Maricopa County, Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg and Youngtown.

For more information on Luke Forward or to schedule a business or community presentation, call 623-882-2191 or visit www.LukeForward.com.

1. Large Crowds in El Mirage Support New F-35 at Luke Air Force Base
2. Peoria Chamber gathers troops to support F-35 mission at Luke
3. LUKE AFB SELECTED AS PREFERRED LOCATION FOR F-35 PILOT TRAINING CENTER

1. Monday, March 1, at Sunnyside High School Foyer/Auditorium, 1725 E. Bilby Road, Tucson, Arizona;
2. Tuesday, March 2, at San Carlos High School Cafeteria, Milepost 270 Highway 70, San Carlos, Arizona;
3. Wednesday, March 3, at Easter Arizona College Gila/Galiuro Room, Activities Center, 1014 N College Avenue, Thatcher, Arizona;
4. Thursday, March 4, at Bisbee High SChool Cafeteria, 475 School Terrace Road, Bisbee, Arizona;
5. Friday, March 5, at Roskruge Elementary School Auditorium, 501 E. Sixth Street, Tucson, Arizona.

1. F-35 Public Scoping Meetings in Arizona
2. F-35 public information sessions for Jacksonville Air National Guard Station in Florida
3. F-35 Public Scoping Meeting Locations and Schedule (update)

Lt General John F. Regni, USAF (retired)

Alternative Missions for Luke AFB?  Not hardly…

This summer, my wife and I moved to the West Valley after 36 years of commissioned active duty service in the United States Air Force.  I have been following with great interest the deliberate planning process for determining the F-35 Lightning II aircraft base assignment; in particular the issues arising from and by the elected officials and citizens of El Mirage.  While it is both impressive and heartwarming to see the large number of people with genuine and unwavering support for the men and women in uniform–and for continuing the vital training missions of Luke AFB–it has also been rather interesting listening to the public discussion on jet noise.  Now, the latest notion being put forward is rather than have F-35s at Luke, the community should enter a dialogue with the Air Force on altering the mission of Luke AFB to ones that do not have jet noise.  Let me outline why that would be a bankrupt strategy and puts at risk the $2.17 billion of economic impact to the Valley of the Sun and to Arizona.

First on jet noise. There seems to be a significant amount of confusion and misinformation being bandied about at El Mirage town meetings.  For example, a group concerned about jet noise visited Eglin AFB in Florida and obtained a recording of aircraft landing at the end of Eglin’s runway and only 100 feet above ground.  They later played those tapes to the citizens of El Mirage at a town meeting with speakers on full blast—of course, it was ear-splitting.  Next they insinuated that is what    F-35s will sound like over El Mirage. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, you would hear that level of sound if you stood on Northern Avenue at the end of the Luke runway directly underneath jets less than 100 feet overhead.  But El Mirage is 4-and-one-half miles from the end of Luke’s runway, and the pattern for flight overhead is not 100 feet but 1,500 feet above ground level.   In the upcoming months as part of this deliberate process on F-35 basing, there will be a public release of the actual noise level and contour maps for the surrounding communities.  I urge people to wait for the science and the facts; then have productive discussions on the similarities, differences and impacts of moving from F-16s to the F-35.

As to altering the mission of Luke AFB—an established fighter training base continuously since World War II—let me outline a macro view of the United States Air Force and its specific mission areas, and offer my opinion on which alternative missions might instead come to Luke.  The short answer is I see none.  It is F-35 or little else.  Let me explain.

Our United States Air Force provides to our sovereign nation military effects and power across three domains:  air, space and cyber.  Cyber is the Air Force’s newest mission and it entails defensive and offensive measures to protect vital computer networks, communication systems and links so the military would never be blinded by potential enemies and adversaries.   Space missions include the Global Positioning Systems (for example, your navigators in your car, golf cart or cell phones use the constellation of Air Force GPS satellites to determine your location and route), early warning, weather, and reconnaissance satellites, and more.   Air missions include air dominance and air superiority, global reach, global power including close air support to soldiers on the ground, ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) and more.  The Air Force has six distinctive capabilities it brings to the joint service fight: Air and Space Superiority, Global Attack, Rapid Global Mobility, Precision Engagement, Information Superiority and Agile Combat Support.

Today, Luke AFB (including its Goldwater Range, Gila Bend and Auxiliary 1 fields) trains fighter pilots and maintenance personnel, and does so from the largest fighter wing in the USAF.  Luke AFB directly supports the capabilities of Global Attack, Precision Engagement and Agile Combat Support and to some degree Air Superiority.

How would Luke fit for other active duty mission areas and capabilities?

- Cyber missions are headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with Cyber Wings at Lackland AFB in Texas and Robins AFB in Georgia.  While the 56^th Communications Squadron at Luke does have the responsibility of implementing directed measures to ensure local computer systems are protected, the headquarters, planning, policy, programming and budgeting of Cyber will come from the Pentagon and San Antonio.  I envision no global Cyber missions for Luke.

- Space Command is headquartered at Peterson AFB in Colorado.  Satellites are controlled from Schriever AFB in Colorado.  On each coast, we have space launch bases—Patrick AFB (Cape Canaveral) in Florida and Vandenberg AFB in California.  Los Angeles AF Station manages a majority of the space acquisition programs.  I see no Space missions for Luke.

- Nuclear missions are in the Global Strike Command with its headquarters at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana.  Nuclear capable bombers are at Barksdale, Minot AFB in North Dakota and Whiteman AFB in Missouri.  Global Strike Command also controls the inter-continental ballistic missile forces with missile silos at Malmstrom AFB in Montana, FE Warren AFB in Wyoming and Minot AFB in ND.  I envision no nuclear assets at Luke AFB.

- Air Mobility Command provides the strategic and tactical airlift with C-17s, C-5s and C-130 aircraft and the tanker refueling force of KC-135s and KC-10s.  While headquartered at Scott AFB in Illinois (adjacent to and part of the US Transportation Command, also at Scott AFB), its bases are logically on the coasts.   Eastern ports of embarkation are Dover AFB in Delaware, Charleston AFB in South Carolina and McGuire AFB in New Jersey.  Western ports and bases include Travis AFB in California, McChord AFB in Washington, Elmendorf AFB in Alaska and Hickam AFB in Hawaii.   Air Mobility Command also maintains an Enroute Structure of bases across the Atlantic, Pacific oceans and into the warzone.  C-130s for tactical intra-theater airlift are often co-located next to Army bases like Pope AFB next to Fort Bragg in North Carolina, as well as in the European and Pacific theaters.  I see no mobility missions for Luke.

- ISR—Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance—involve an array of manned aircraft systems and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).  Robins AFB in Georgia is home to the JSTARS system, Tinker AFB in Oklahoma (as well as Elmendorf Alaska and NATO Geilenkirchen in Germany) is home to the AWACS system.  Beale AFB in California houses the U-2 system and the Global Hawk RPA while Predator and Reaper RPA are operated from Creech AFB in Nevada, and soon from Cannon AFB and Holloman AFB in New Mexico.  I see no ISR mission for Luke.

- The Air Force’s elite special operations are based at Hurlburt Field in Florida and also at Moody AFB in Georgia and Kirtland AFB in New Mexico.  I see no special ops work for Luke.

- Pushing the envelope with flight test is Edwards AFB across great expanses of flat desert and dry lake beds in California.  I see no opportunities for the Flight Test Center at Luke AFB.

- In Air Superiority, think F-22.  Training for those fighter pilots is at Tyndall AFB in Florida and the operational bases have already been determined at Langley AFB in Virginia, Holloman AFB in New Mexico, Elmendorf AFB in Alaska and Hickam AFB in Hawaii.  The Air Force will only have 186 F-22s and they are all spoken for.  None will come to Luke.

- Precision engagement missions are accomplished with F-16s, F-15Es and A-10s.  Luke, Seymour-Johnson AFB in North Carolina and Davis-Monthan AFB  in Tucson are the respective fighter training bases for those systems. Active duty A-10 bases include Davis-Monthan, Moody AFB in Georgia, Eielson AFB in Alaska, Osan Air Base in Korea, and Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.    Active duty F-15E are based at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho, Elemendorf AFB in Alaska and RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.  Active duty operational F-16 wings are well established at Shaw AFB in South Carolina, Hill AFB in Utah, Aviano Air Base in Italy, Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, Osan and Kunsan Air Bases in Korea, and Misawa Air Base in Japan.  The Air Force has already determined the F-16 and A-10 replacement—the F-35—will have operational wings at bases other than Luke.  Eglin AFB in Florida is already designated as a joint training base for the F-35, and Eglin’s proximity facilitates Navy needs.  Luke remains in competition for the second training base.  That flying training mission is the only one penciled in as a possibility for Luke.  Other active bases being considered are Eglin AFB in Florida and Holloman AFB in New Mexico.

The bottom line is Luke’s future is training fighter pilots in the F-35. F-35s at Luke would continue its historical mission, continue the best military-community partnership I have seen across the USA, and from an economic standpoint, continue to provide the $2.17 billion foundation to the West Valley, broader Phoenix and Arizona’s economy—especially important as we work through these toughest of economic times.  The remaining multi-missions of the United States Air Force are well-established at bases and communities and performing superbly.  It would be fiscally irresponsible to relocate well-established infrastructure elsewhere for other than mission-essential reasons.  It would also ask Peter to pay Paul by uprooting missions from other USA communities.  Notions by some to go down those paths of changing the mission of Luke AFB are unrealistic and put much at risk.

Let me close by mentioning several key initiatives involving community leaders and the public, and provide an opportunity to voice support for Luke AFB and the F-35 mission.  The Governor, both US Senators, every US Congressman from Arizona, 14 mayors from the Valley’s cities and many more have publicly stated their strong support for the F-35 and for its basing at Luke.  If you want to also be heard, I suggest you go to LukeForward.com and register.  It is free.  Today, 11,334 people have registered at that site as supporters of Luke and the F-35.  While that is a sizeable number, now is not the time for “The Silent Majority” to be silent—support statistics will be presented to the Air Force team that will visit the Valley over the coming months to evaluate all the factors, including community support.

Another organization and website I call your attention to is Fighter Country Partnership at FighterCountry.org.  They have been a viable organization for more than a decade, and organization dedicated to the men, women, families and mission of the United States Air Force in Arizona.  Fighter Country partnership has been at the leading edge with mayors and business leaders to ensure a living partnership, including bedding down the F-35.  If you agree that Luke is an important element of the Valley of the Sun, please take a look and be involved—now!

By Lt General John F. Regni, USAF (retired)

1. Jim Cavanaugh – The future of Luke Air Force Base
2. Major F-35 training mission criteria requirement met by Luke Air Force Base
3. LUKE AFB SELECTED AS PREFERRED LOCATION FOR F-35 PILOT TRAINING CENTER

The Marana Town Council has proclaimed its support of the efforts to bring the F-35 Lightning II to the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport.

Tucson is on the “short list,” with Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix and others, to become a training site for pilots on the F-35. “We’re not in competition,” said Col. Gregory N. Stroud of the Air National Guard. “We believe the F-35 and Tucson are a perfect fit.”

The F-35 is the successor fighter aircraft to the F-16, and is “critical to the future defense of our country,” Stroud told the council last week. Pilots from some two dozen nations and the U.S. come to Tucson for F-16 training. “Remember how strategically important this is,” Stroud said.

The 162nd is the largest Air National Guard fighter wing in the country, and is the 39th largest employer in Southern Arizona. It has 1,540 personnel, a payroll in 2008 of $106.62 million, and an estimated $280 million annual impact, Stroud said.

If the F-35 is flown for training in Tucson, “it won’t mean growth,” Stroud said. “The F-16 will eventually go to the boneyard.” Training on the new aircraft “would maintain the wing.” It could also bring up to $150 million in construction projects to the region, Stroud said.

The new plane is “quite advanced,” Stroud said. “The technology really leaps ahead. This is quite possibly the last manned military fighter aircraft this country will ever build.” Plans are to build 1,763 of the planes by 2035. The first 250 should be finished much earlier. “If we keep passing every hurdle, we could get this airplane as early as 2013,” he said.

Stroud is aware of the controversy over F-35 noise. “I think the public should wait until the scientific data is out there,” he said. The F-16 is “the quietest aircraft we have.”

“I appreciate any public support you can give our effort,” said Stroud, citing the nation’s future defense as well as the community’s economic stability.

“To me, it’s an absolute no-brainer,” said Councilwoman Roxanne Ziegler. “We’ll just help you in any way we can.”

“We want to do all we can to support you in this very important project for Southern Arizona and our country,” Councilman Russell Clanagan said.

The Air Force is expected to make a decision on sites for F-35 training by this fall, with a “record of decision” in early 2011.

The council had previously sent a letter to Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup supporting the F-35 in Tucson.

1. Public F-35 Meetings in Tucson
2. Town of Buckeye Supports F-35 at Luke Air Force Base
3. F-35 will provide vital boost to Tucson economy

The meetings are hosted in communities near the Glendale base and its operations. Luke is one of five bases on a short list to train pilots on the Joint Strike Fighter, the next generation of fighter jets.

The meetings are for governmental agencies and residents to help identify the scope of issues to be addressed during the environmental study of Luke. The study could take up to a year to complete.

Attendees at the meetings also will get an introduction to the F-35, its capabilities and mission, and how it will be integrated at Luke, according to Luke Forward, a state coalition of supporters to land the aircraft at the base. Luke pumps $2 billion a year into the state’s economy.

The Air Force is expected to make a final decision in early 2011 on where to site the jets with delivery of the aircraft beginning in 2013.

Public Scoping Meeting Schedule:

1. F-35 Public Scoping Meetings in Arizona
2. F-35 Public Scoping Meeting Tonight in El Mirage
3. Fighter Country Partnership CEO boosts F-35 mission during SCHOA meeting

1. Fighter Country Partnership announces new Executive Director / President
2. F-35 Public Scoping Meeting Locations and Schedule (update)
3. Peoria Chamber gathers troops to support F-35 mission at Luke

By Carolyn Dryer

Certainty and resolve stood out at the annual meeting of Fighter Country Partnership Saturday night; however, a word of caution came from U.S. Sen. John McCain.

The senior senator from Arizona removed any arrogant attitude about Luke as the bed-down base for the F-35. He said encroachment is at the top of the list when it comes to evaluating for final placement of the military’s newest jet fighter. Encroachment will play a major role as part of the environmental impact study, which is set to commence next month.

“We’ve got work to do with county supervisors and El Mirage,” McCain said.

He said those two entities must be satisfied, yet the most vital training in the United States must be preserved. He said the Navy, Marines and Air Force are trying to find a place on the East Coast to train.

“There’s no place else in the continental United States where they can do that training,” he said.

Although employment and impact on the Arizona economy are important factors for locating the F-35 mission at Luke Air Force Base, McCain said the most important need is “to defend this nation against enemies, foreign and domestic.”

He said the cost of the F-35 is going up, but the environmental impact study and scoping process go on. He said the military will be flying F-16s for a long time, but the F-35 is the force of the future for the Navy, Marines and Air Force.

“Its capabilities are literally unbelievable,” McCain said. “The F-16 is a fantastic aircraft; the F-35 is marvelous.”

McCain said the F-35 would be noisier than the F-16, but did not say how much noisier. He said the public scoping and evaluation process would be the same in every part of the country that is being considered as a bed-down training base for the F-35.

“No procedure or process will be avoided,” McCain said.

He said he felt confident about Luke’s chances for being named a training base for the F-35 because officials have restrained encroachment.

McCain was presented with the Wing Coin and Chairman’s Award by Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing Commander, and Charley Freericks, Chairman of Fighter Country Partnership’s board of directors. The award was given in recognition of McCain being a champion of Luke during his years of public service.

McCain spoke to the importance of community support organizations like Fighter Country Partnership that help keep Arizona’s military installations open and active.

Neubauer thanked McCain for speaking at the gathering of more than 250 Fighter Country Partnership members and guests at the annual meeting. He noted the 27,000 sorties, 35,000 hours of flight, the training of 350 new pilots and 400 crew chiefs that took place at Luke in 2009. He told the crowd that Luke trains 95 percent of all the fighter pilots for the Air Force, and has deployed 600 down range to 17 different countries.

“It’s a busy place in large part because Luke Air Force Base is a national treasure,” Neubauer said.

He said the reasons for its stature is because of the infrastructure, air space, weather and community partnerships, friendships, kinships and brotherhood. Neubauer praised Fighter Country Partnership for the support it gives to airmen and their families, which he called “priceless.”

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen in my 28-1/2 years of service,” Neubauer said. “You speak on our behalf.”

He thanked Fighter Country Partnership for its ability also to set the record straight, educate the public and advocate.

“I couldn’t be more proud than I am to live and serve all of you,” he said.

Freericks briefed the audience about the Luke Forward campaign, which officially kicked off Oct. 14 at the state capitol. Freericks said since the campaign began, almost 14,000 people have registered their support and $15,000 has been raised for the campaign, 22 organizations and 1,500 people have been briefed. To register support, go to www.lukeforward.com.

Freericks said the primary focus today is the environmental impact study, and he called it a complicated, long-lasting review.

Rusty Mitchell, director of the Community Initiatives Team at Luke, said he has been around long enough to see the evolution of Luke, Fighter Country Partnership and Talon.

“I can’t tell you the difference, what it means to have the senior senator from Arizona here,” he said. “It speaks volumes.”

Mitchell said people would hear a lot of false, inaccurate information about the EIS. The first step was taken Dec. 28 with a notice of intent, Mitchell said. Next is a series of scoping meetings, open house events with no formal presentation at five locations. Experts will be present to talk to participants about infrastructure, noise, water, air range and space issues.

At the open houses, people can submit their concerns, and the contractor hired to take comments will work up the EIS document. Then, sometime in late fall, a draft EIS will be published and sent to all cities involved in the F-35 base siting process. Individuals will be able to download their own copy of the EIS.

Once the draft EIS is released, public hearings will be held, at which time, individuals can again make comments, which will be gathered and made part of the final environmental impact statement about 14 months later.

“Until that order is signed in 2011, there’s no decision,” Mitchell said. “Until the process is complete, there’s no decision.”

Scoping meetings are set to take place Feb. 22 to 26, and they will be advertised in all major newspapers, Mitchell said.

Steve Yamamori, CEO and Director of Fighter Country Partnership gave a financial review of the organization’s fundraising activities and projected revenues for 2010.

In 2009, the organization raised $97,180 for services on base; 87 cents of every dollar went to services (Luke Days brought in $121,000). Revenues in 2009 were $349,403 and projected revenues for 2010 were set at $213,000.

1. John McCain confident Luke Air Force Base will receive the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter
2. Luke Air Force Base protected by Governer and Attorney General from encroachment
3. Senator John McCain Honored by Fighter Country

If awarded the F-35 training mission, Luke can anticipate seeing an infusion of $125-$150 million in construction-related projects. Much of this investment will positively impact the state’s economy with local labor and suppliers of construction material. The new mission will generate additional employment and construction jobs, wages, consumer spending and investments throughout the West Valley and state.

The F-35 mission will also bring with it decades of sustainable economic benefits, which Luke AFB provides the Valley and state of Arizona.

Arizona has the ideal climate, land, air, training ranges and facilities needed to train and fly the F-35. Securing the F-35 training mission is the next step to ensure the long-term viability of the base for the next half-century.

For more information about the F-35 Lightning II program please visit the following links:

• Lockheed Martin
• US Department of Defense

1. Arizona is recognized as a national model in protecting military facilities
2. Understanding the real dollar impact of Luke and other military operations in Arizona
3. Glendale fire chief gets top honor in Arizona