Arizona State Senate
1700
W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
Sen. John Nelson, R-12
602-926-5872
Press Release
July 29, 2010
U.S. Air Force Selects Luke AFB for F-35 Training
Decision
would mean jobs, economic benefits to West Valley
(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) – The U.S. Air Force today
announced Luke Air Force Base is the preferred training location for the new
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. A final decision by the Air Force will come after an
environmental impact assessment, which could take several months.
“This is exciting news for the West Valley, and the state,”
says Sen. John Nelson, whose district includes Luke AFB. “There is no doubt the
strong community support we saw leading up to this decision played a key role.”
“This has been a real team effort, from my colleagues at the
Arizona Legislature, to our congressional delegation, Gov. Brewer, local
leaders and Fighter Country Partnership,” says Sen. Nelson, Republican from Litchfield Park.
“While not being able to pre-judge the final decision, the
proximity of Barry M. Goldwater Range, great community support and flying
conditions certainly supported this preferred decision.”
Military operations are a vital business industry. A recent
report from The Maguire Company showed the military provides $2.1 billion in
annual payroll and retirement benefits, and over $3 billion in direct economic
output. If you include businesses that military operations support, the
industry creates 96,000 jobs and $9 billion in economic output.
Luke trains F-16 pilots to protect our shores and carry our
military mission throughout the world. As Chair of the House Counties,
Municipalities and Military Affairs & Vice Chair of the Senate Veterans
& Military Affairs, Sen. Nelson has led the charge to defend and protect
those who defend and protect us.
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For more information, contact:
Mike Philipsen
Communications Advisor
Arizona Senate Republican Caucus
Office: (602) 926-3796,
e-mail: mphilipsen@azleg.gov
