Contact: Melissa Subbotin 202-225-0453

Bishop Statement on F-35 Announcement

Feel Free To Share This Page Slashdot Del.icio.us Google Digg Reddit Newsvine Furl Yahoo

Washington, Oct 29 - Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01), whose district includes Hill Air Force Base, issued the following statement today upon receiving news that Hill AFB has been selected as a final candidate for basing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.  Selection of the Utah base as an F-35 candidate was a result of a Department of Defense process that evaluated more than 200 Air Force sites.  Bishop’s groundwork on the Utah Test Range Protection Act a few years ago helped protect the range, which is closely tied to Hill.  The viability of the range and its connection to Hill contributed, in part, to the base being selected today:

“While the process isn’t totally complete, this is a great day for Utah and Hill Air Force Base and marks a crucial milestone for Hill retaining a fighter mission in the years ahead.  The fact that Hill was selected from a field of over 200 Air Force bases as one of only three potential F-35 operational bases speaks very highly of Hill’s capabilities for hosting advanced fighter operations.  The advantages we have at Hill are clear, and include the fact that we took precautions early on to prevent any encroachment issues.  The base is tied so closely to the Utah Test and Training Range, which is key.  And Hill’s capacity for depot work allows us to work on and maintain the jets right there, making this arrangement a real win-win for the Air Force and the base.  Perhaps our biggest advantage in this whole process is the outstanding workforce at Hill and the support from the surrounding community. It is such a great partnership for Utah and for our national security.”

An environmental impact analysis and site assessment will take place at Hill before this basing decision is final.