October 29, 2009 - Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) gave the following statement today upon hearing announcement by the Air Force that Luke AFB is one of the final bases under consideration to be the second training site for the F-35, Joint Strike Fighter.

Earlier this month, all ten members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz in which the Delegation reiterated Luke's ideal candidacy for the JSF, stating their belief that "Luke AFB is indeed a national asset suitable for current and future missions." The PDF of the letter is attached.

"Since 1941, Luke has produced more than 55,000 graduates from fighter training programs for the US and its allies and is truly "The Home of the Fighter Pilot."  I am so very pleased that the Air Force appreciates all that Luke AFB has contributed and continues to offer the Department of Defense.  Luke's robust and modern infrastructure provides the Department of Defense with a site that is extremely well-suited to fifth generation fighter tactics and training.  With 330 days of sunshine each year complimented by the Barry M. Goldwater Range and a network of auxiliary airfields, the Luke training environment is state of the art, adaptable, and second to none." Franks stated.

"The Arizonans who live near and work on Luke AFB know Luke is a national treasure. Knowing that pilots from all around the country, and even the world, pass through Luke and learn to fly one of the most versatile and lethal aircraft in our nation’s history, brings a certain sense of patriotism and love for our country that only people surrounding a base such as Luke have. They understand the mission and what its importance to the community as well as the country.  I speak for them today when I say any future mission, like the Joint Strike Fighter, is not just accepted, it is warmly welcomed.

"I understand the Air Force is faced with the difficult task of balancing all operational factors and making a final decision on the JSF beddown— a decision that will impact the way the Air Force trains pilots for the next 30 - 40 years.  I appreciate the Air Force's open and transparent process and I look forward to the next step of the vetting process.  I encourage all residents of the 2nd District of Arizona to stay informed as we move forward together in support of Luke AFB— transitioning to the F-35 mission is the next logical step for Luke AFB, and in light of today's announced decision, I continue to believe that Luke will continue to play a pivotal role in our nation's air defense."

The Air Force evaluated more than 200 Air Force sites against the approved criteria. Now that the candidate bases have been released, the formal environmental impact analysis process will begin, allowing communities around each candidate base to participate and provide input.  Based on the results of these efforts, the Air Force expects to announce the JSF preferred locations in late Spring 2010.  The best local source of information can be found at www.lukeforward.com.