Posted on 12/22/2017 6:44:53 AM PST by equaviator
Macomb County’s Selfridge Air National Guard base has lost its bid to house a fleet of next-generation warplanes.
Selfridge was one of five U.S. bases competing to host the new F-35 fighter jets.
But the Air Force announced Thursday it chose bases in Wisconsin and Alabama as winners in this round.
A bipartisan group of Michigan political leaders lobbied hard in Washington to land the F-35 and boost Selfridge’s long-term prospects.
Despite this setback, those leaders now say Selfridge proved itself a top contender for future opportunities.
“Although we are disappointed Selfridge was not selected to house the F-35 fighter jet, we are confident our hometown air base will be part of future fighter missions,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, calling it “a source of pride” that Selfridge made the final round of five.
Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell, who represents the Macomb County district in Congress, said the decision “is far from the end of the road for Selfridge. This process confirmed what we already knew: Selfridge is among the top five bases in the country, and it has world-class support from the surrounding community.”
“Selfridge is a strong contender for future conversion to the F-35, and I will continue working to ensure the base maintains a fighter mission for years to come,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat.
Peters also applauded the Air Force’s renewed interest in the A-10, a workhorse aircraft that had been scheduled for phase-out. Selfridge is home to the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, which has flown the A-10 Thunderbolt in combat missions since 2009.
“But the Air Force announced Thursday it chose bases in Wisconsin and Alabama as winners in this round.”
I was just going to post about this!
We’ll take the (supposedly) $100-million dollar BOOST to our local economy!
Now...how to keep the Socialists in Charge of, ‘The People’s Republik of Madistan’ from blowing it on beer and hookers! ;)
Sorry for your loss, but happy for our gain especially since my son-in-law is a member of the 187th Fighting Wing and is currently serving overseas. It made their Christmas over there much better!
Fighter Wing...I meant to type...grrr
Selfridge has an interesting history. I had a pilot log book from a 1920’s Pulitzer Air Race from there. Sold it to the National Air & Space Museum a few years ago. They said they normally don’t buy stuff but that Barron Hilton had given them a donation. They had just restored the aircraft and I had the log book so it was match.
I think they jumped the gun on this one. Dannelly Field (AL) & Truax Field (WI) are the preferred locations. However, the environmental analyses and impact studies have just started. JAX, BOI, and Selfridge are still being considered. Lots can change through the process.
Selfridge may be in line for receiving new KC-46s, though.
Nice!
However, I would think it is a lousy F-35 base as there is no close bombing run areas, I doubt they would allow the lake to be used as such (part of Selfride’s history).
Hope they keep the base operational as I may be relocating to the area.
This will be at Volk Field, I presume?
De Toilet looks already bombed out. No one would notice a little more.
Truax Field, outside of, ‘The People’s Republik of Madistan’ last I heard!
I remember when the Wisconsin ANG was flying F-89Js (Lead Sleds) along side of the USAFs F-102s in the early 60s.
I worked for The Adjutant General at Truax Field in the 80’s and again in the 90’s.
I’ll admit to playing a FEW games of darts and consuming a FEW adult beverages at, ‘The Landing Strip’ on Truax, LOL!
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