From: Griffin, Adele (LeMieux) [Adele_Griffin@LeMieux.senate.gov]

Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:28 AM

Subject: FW: LeMieux: Jacksonville Air National Guard a Finalist for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters

Good news for Jacksonville!

Adele Griffin

North Florida Regional Director

U. S. Senator George LeMieux

1650 Prudential Drive

Jacksonville, FL  32207

(904) 398-8586

For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 29, 2009

LeMieux: Jacksonville Air National Guard a Finalist for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today announced that the Jacksonville Air National Guard is a finalist for stationing 18 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters – the military’s next generation aircraft. Jacksonville Air National Guard was selected as a finalist after more than 200 Air Force sites were reviewed.  The Secretary of the Air Force approved Jacksonville based on a variety of criteria including available airspace, airport operations, and the surrounding community.

“Jacksonville is a natural and strong candidate for a number of reasons,” said Senator LeMieux, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “We have the military assets, we have qualified people, and a supportive community that welcomes the military investment. This is a promising and positive development for Jacksonville. In addition to underscoring our region’s military strengths, bringing the Joint Strike Fighter to Jacksonville will create jobs.”

The Air Force is expected to announce a final decision in early 2011. The Jacksonville location will have an environmental impact analysis and site assessment before the Secretary of the Air Force makes his final decision.  Earlier this year, Eglin Air Force Base was confirmed as a training facility for all Joint Strike Fighter pilots and is set to receive at least 59 aircraft.

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