Letter to the Honorable James Mattis, Secretary of US Department of Defense - Location for Air National Guard F-35 Base

Letter

Dear Secretary Mattis:

Florida is the most military friendly state in the nation and I am proud Jacksonville and the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing (FW) were selected as one of the five Air National Guard finalists for the F-35A Lightning II. There is no doubt that Jacksonville and the 125th FW are the nation's ideal choice for the basing of these aircraft.

A recent site survey found that the 125th FW meets all of the requirements identified by the U.S. Air Force. The benefits of the 125th FW include the exceptional airspace and range capacity for training, low cost for facility construction and modifications, access to joint training opportunities, and the ability to meet other regulatory criteria.

The 125th FW has strong support from the Jacksonville community who provide members of our military and their families great opportunities. Simply put, Florida's First Coast is one of the best places in the country to live and raise a family.

The Florida National Guard's 125th FW represents the best of our state and are ready to be the next Air National Guard F-35 base. Thank you for your consideration and for your dedicated service to our nation.

Sincerely,

Source