Measure Urging USAF to Base New Fighter Jets at 177th Fighter Wing Clears Committee

TRENTON — Legislation Assemblymen Bruce Land and Bob Andrzejczak sponsored to encourage the military to base some of its newest fighter jets in New Jersey was advanced Thurs. by an Assembly committee.
The resolution (AR-149) urges the United States Air Force to base F-35 Lightning II fighter jets at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard in Egg Harbor Township. The F-35s would replace the older F-16s currently flown by Guard members at the base.
“In addition to air-to-ground mission experience and expertise, the 177th Fighter Wing has had three combat deployments and 14 years of Homeland Defense experience,” said Land (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), who served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. “Furthermore, the professionalism of the personnel at the facility and its model location make it a strong candidate to fulfill this important role as our nation strengthens its ability to protect the American people.”
The 177th Fighter Wing meets the United States Air Force basing criteria which include: mission requirements such as weather, airspace and training range availability; capacity such as sufficient hanger and ramp space, and facility considerations; environmental requirements; and cost factors. The military’s new 5th Generation aircraft are some of the most advanced jets in the world.
“The 177th Fighter Wing is already designed to meet the needs of the F-35 fighter jets, which means the transition from F-16s to F-35s will cost little to no taxpayer dollars,” said Andrzejczak (D- Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), who served with the U.S. Army in Iraq. “Bringing these jets to New Jersey would be a cost-effective, smart move for our military.”
Inspections to narrow down the list of prospective bases are expected to occur by Spring 2017.
The measure was advanced by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.