Menendez, Booker, LoBiondo Announce Support for NJ's 177th Fighter Wing to House Next Gen Jet

Statement

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.-02) today announced that New Jersey's 177th Fighter Wing, operating out of the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base in Egg Harbor Twp., is among the units being considered by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to house the new F-35 fighter jets. The F-35s would replace the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" currently flown by the 177th, known affectionately as the "Jersey Devils".

"The 177th Fighter Wing plays a critical role in our regional and national security and has an ideal strategic location between New York City and Washington, D.C. to defend our country's most sought after targets. The "Jersey Devils' are combat ready and have a proven track record," said Sen. Menendez. "I will continue to offer my strong support and stress the unit's strategic importance with high-ranking Department of Defense officials throughout the selection process."

"Atlantic City's Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing has the capacity, infrastructure, and strategic location to conduct both air sovereignty and air defense operations over major metropolitan areas, making it a strong candidate to host the F-35," said Sen. Booker. "I was pleased to meet with New Jersey's National Guard in November to discuss the 177th Fighter Wing's critical role in national defense and homeland security. Today marks another important step forward in the basing process, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Air Force, the National Guard, and my congressional colleagues in advocating for Atlantic City's selection."

"It is welcome news that the Air Force recognizes what we in South Jersey have long known -- the 177th Fighter Wing is the premier Air National Guard facility. The preliminary basing criteria for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter makes clear that the 177th Fighter Wing is considered a critical asset in the planning and execution of national security decisions by the Air Force. I will continue to strongly advocate for F-35s to be located in South Jersey and on behalf of the men and women of the 177th," said Rep. LoBiondo, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.

USAF has begun its process to select two Air National Guard units and one Air Reserve Fighter Wing to house the next generation of fighter jets, the F-35. The federal lawmakers say the 177th is well-positioned to be chosen among the 17 installations being considered.

The 177th plays a critical role in both the Air Combat Command's Aerospace Expeditionary Force structure and NORAD's AF Aerospace Control Alert mission. The unit has 14 years of Homeland Defense; three combat deployments, Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006, 2010), Operation Enduring Freedom (2012); and it has air-to-ground mission, expertise and experience. Additionally, there will be minimal cost to transition from F-16s to F-35s, because its newer facilities have already been designed to meet the needs of the F-35s and its older ones require only limited modifications.

USAF released its scoring criteria for this highly competitive process. The candidate installations must operate a runway 8,000 feet or longer, and will be scored under categories of mission, environmental, capacity and costs. The final basing decision is expected in Spring 2018.

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