Crenshaw: Air Force Approves Jacksonville International Airport As Basing Candidate For F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet

Press Release

Congressman Ander Crenshaw today (10/29) announced that the Air Force has selected the Jacksonville International Airport as one of two basing candidates for the F- 35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet. Upon learning that Jacksonville and Burlington, Vermont have been chosen as basing candidates, Crenshaw issued the following statement:

"The Air Force began this analysis with over 205 possible locations. While there are many steps left before a final choice is made, this announcement is welcome news. Moreover, it demonstrates the hard work done to prevent encroachment of our airspace and ensure our bases have modern facilities and state of art equipment," said Crenshaw. "As the basing process moves forward, I focus on ensuring that all criteria are met and Jacksonville has the best opportunity to bed down as many F-35 aircraft as possible. I am proud to have been able to assist in this effort as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and look forward to working with local, state and Florida Air National Guard officials and my Congressional colleagues."

Jacksonville will undergo an environmental impact analysis and site assessment before any final decision. The Air Force expects to announce its preferred locations in late spring of 2010.

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