From Yuma Sun

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.