Air Force seeks public input

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Larry Schneck
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Over a thousand West Valley residents attended public hearings this week seeking input from the community on a draft Environmental Impact Statement for potential F-35A basing at Luke.

"What we saw is an example of the tremendous support for the base," said Col. Robert Webb, 56th Fighter Wing vice commander, after the hearing Monday evening in Litchfield
Park. "The elected officials in the Valley are engaged with the Air Force and are very interested in the base's future."

The draft EIS is part of the U.S. Air Force proposal to establish a Pilot Training Center for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. Luke is the preferred alternative site for the aircraft to be based for training, although a final decision is not expected until this summer.

The Air Force has taken two years to prepare the draft EIS, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The document is available at public libraries in El Mirage, Gila Bend, Glendale Main, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Northwest Surprise Regional and Wickenburg and online at www.F-35ATrainingEIS.com.

After the hearings this week, comments will still be accepted via mail or e-mail until March 14.

"The information is collected and sent to Air Education and Training Command and the Air Force to be reviewed and used in making the final basing decision," Webb said.

Other potential JSF training locations include Boise Air Terminal Airport Air Guard Station (Gowen Field), Idaho, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station, Ariz. These locations are also holding public hearings.

"The hearings give the public the chance to have its opinion heard," said John Nelson, Arizona Legislative District 12 representative, who also attended Monday's hearing. "You're going to get a variety of opinions. A majority of the people spoke in support of the proposal."

Other local leaders who attended the hearings include Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and U.S. Congressman Trent Franks.

The purpose of the proposal is to efficiently and effectively provide formal training that supplies qualified aircrew to feed and sustain the F-35A aircrew force. The jet would replace or supplement existing F-16 and A-10 aircraft and complement the F-22 Raptor.

Training would use existing training airspace and ranges, which permits flare countermeasures, supersonic flight and the use of munitions.