Senator John McCain Visits The Marine Corps Air Station Yuma And The Yuma Proving Ground

Senator John McCain is in Yuma today visiting the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and the Yuma Proving Ground.

Senator McCain will review plans for the stationing of up to five Operational F-35 Lightning (also known as the Joint Strike Fighter) squadrons, with the arrival of the first aircraft currently scheduled for 2012. The plans include completion of an Environmental Impact Statement, which will afford local communities around Yuma an opportunity to address concerns and voice support for the stationing of the F-35. Senator McCain is committed to ensuring the Department of the Navy conducts a transparent and comprehensive review of the environmental impacts from the new aircraft, and included in the assessment proposals to mitigate those impacts. In addition, the Senator will get details on the Marine Corps' request in 2011 for over $285 million, as well as an additional $366 million in the next three years, to construct new aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, support facilities, and utility infrastructure on MCAS Yuma to support the F-35 operations.

"This commitment of funds by the Marine Corps is a guarantee of a bright future at MCAS Yuma and the Yuma community that enthusiastically supports the base," said Senator John McCain. " I'm proud the next generation of Marine Aviation starts at Yuma."

The Senator will also visit Yuma Proving Ground on Wednesday to meet with Army Leadership about current and future work in support of the warfighter, including a review of test programs for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which has been one of the Department of Defense's highest priorities in efforts to thwart the threat of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The incredible work being accomplished by the dedicated team at Yuma PG to protect our military personnel serving in harm's way deserves our recognition and gratitude," continued McCain.

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