Tucson News NowPublic hearings for environmental impact of F35 in Tucson

Public hearings for environmental impact of F35 in Tucson

Posted: Updated:
Posted by Sarah Cantey - email
Source: armybase.us Source: armybase.us
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -

Tucson is in the running to house a new pilot training center for the F35 fighter jet.

Major Gabe Johnson, Chief of Public Affairs for the 162nd Fighter Wing with the Arizona Air Natl. Guard, said  TIA is not competing with Luke Air Force Base to house to jets. It would be a shared agreement between the two.

The proposed pilot training center and housing of the F35 is to train pilots and personnel to safely operate the fighter jets. Air Force is looking at four locations for training purposes TIA, Luke, New Mexico and Idaho.

It would replace or supplement the existing F16 jets at TIA.

"Nothing last forever. The F35 is suppose to replace all those aircraft so as the Air Force slowly but surely retires all F16 completely out of the inventory… the F35 is suppose to be the follow on aircraft for that. So we're talking here about sustaining our flying mission in Tucson through 2035 and beyond," Johnson said.

The air force has scheduled three public hearing to get comment on the potential environmental impact of the F35 in Tucson.

Today's meeting will be at the Windmere Hotel in Sierra Vista.

There is another meeting tomorrow at the Holiday Inn and Suites near the Tucson airport.

The third meeting is scheduled for Thursday at the Tucson Jewish Community Center at River and Alvernon.

All meetings will start with an open house information session at 5 p.m. followed by a presentation and comment session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A  decision for where the F35 will be housed has not been made yet. A final decision is anticipated to be reached in the fall.

Tucson has a lot of the specifics they are looking for like excellent weather to fly year round. Unparallel air space and ranges for ‘live exercises'.

Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.

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