NJ Federal Lawmakers to USAF: Reconsider ACY Fighter Jet Decision
Exclusion of the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base from consideration to house the new Air Force F-35A fighter jets draws quick and unified response from New Jersey's entire Congressional delegation.
Spurred by Representative Frank LoBiondo (R-2), his 11 House colleagues from both sides of the aisle, and U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (D-NJ) added their signatures to a missive to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James.
The final five under consideration, of the 18 previously reviewed, are:
- Dannelly Field Air Guard Station, Montgomery, Alabama
- Gowen Field AGS, Boise, Idaho
- Jacksonville AGS Florida
- Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Detroit
- Truax AGS, Madison, Wisconsin.
In building the case not just for the F-35A, but for any future fleets, lawmakers underscored the Egg Harbor Township installation's strategic position, infrastructure readiness, cost efficiency, and the estimable combat record of the 177th Fighter Wing.