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FB: Agree or disagree? Air Force wants public input on plan to b
ase F-35s at Eielson.
The Air Force is pressing forward on its plans move to base two F-35 squadrons at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and opening up the plans for public input this month.
The service on March 5 announced three public forums March 24-26 in Fairbanks, North Pole and Delta Junction as part of the required its environmental impact statement study required for the move.
The plan has mostly been heralded by community representatives and the Alaska congressional delegation.
“As much as the external conditions point to Alaska as a destination for these aircraft, when the U.S. Air Force hears from Alaskans they will see and hear how we have the best position, personnel, technology and quality of life for our men and women defending our nation,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a statement.
The Air Force announced last summer that Eielson was the preferred alternative because of the base’s location near a large training range and existing infrastructure on the base. The F-35As would join an F-16 aggressor squadron and KC-135 squadron already at the base.
“This notice is a giant leap towards bringing the F-35 to the most strategic place in the world – and with Russia militarizing the Arctic, these F-35s can’t arrive soon enough,” Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan said in a statement.
The meeting schedule is:
Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. North Pole Worship Center, 3340 Badger Road, North Pole.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Westmark Hotel and Conference Center, 813 Noble Street, Fairbanks.
Thursday, March 26, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Alaskan Steakhouse & Motel, 265 Richardson Highway, Delta Junction.
More information on the move is available here. http://www.pacaf-f35aeis.com/
