Rep. Valadao and Central Valley Congressmen Urge U.S. Navy to Homebase F-35 Fleet at Lemoore

Statement

This week, U.S. Rep. David G. Valadao (CA-21) was joined by Central Valley Congressmen Jim Costa (D-CA-16) and Devin Nunes (R-CA-22) urging the Secretary of the United States Navy, Ray Mabus, to execute the Navy's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to homebase the Pacific Fleet's F-35C Joint Strike Fighters at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.

NAS Lemoore has long served as the Navy's homebase for the West Coast FA-18 Hornets and Super Hornets. The air station currently hosts more than 40 aviation tenants, including the Commander Strike Fighter Wing, the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific. In February, the U.S. Navy identified NAS Lemoore as the most cost effective and preferred alternative to meet the West Coast F-35C's mission requirements.

Congressman Valadao stated, "Today the Navy is faced with many challenges as it endeavors to maintain naval air superiority across the globe and work within the fiscal realities of today's constrained federal budget. I am pleased to see the United States Navy has determined Lemoore Naval Air Station is able to best meet the mission requirements for basing the Navy's Pacific Fleet F-35C aircraft, while also being the most cost effective basing alternative.

"Additionally, Lemoore plays a critical role in the economy of the Central Valley. The estimated 751 new military and contractor personnel that will come to LNAS to support the F-35C mission, with an estimated annual payroll of $36.5 million, will inject much needed economic stimulus into a suffering region.

"I fully support the U.S. Navy's proposal to homebase the F35 Joint Strike Fighters at Naval Air Station Lemoore and look forward to working with the U.S. Navy as they work towards a final decision."

Source