Terri Sewell, Martha Roby ‘fly’ F-35 cockpit simulator
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell and Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby joined local elected officials on Thursday to receive an update on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft mission that will soon come to the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala.. Roby announced the plans for the mission in December of 2017 after Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson made the announcement. At the event, Sewell and Roby were given an overview of the economic impact the aircraft will have on Montgomery and the River Region, and were given the opportunity to experience “flying” the cockpit demonstrator to experience the capabilities of the F-35 firsthand. “I am thrilled that our district’s 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing Unit will become the first home in the Southeast to F-35 fighter jets. The F-35 builds on the legacy of military excellence displayed by the 187th Fighter Wing, which is home to the renowned Tuskegee Red Tails,” Sewell said. “Basing the F-35 at Dannelly Field will be a major boost for Alabama’s economy. This means new investments, new jobs, and a better future for our state, the City of Montgomery, and the River Region.” Roby said she couldn’t be more thrilled for the upcoming mission. “I speak on behalf of the entire River Region when I say we could not be more thrilled for our local men and women in uniform who will carry out this historic mission. We all have a lot to be thankful for and excited about, “Roby posted on Facebook. She continued, “I also got to ‘fly’ the cockpit simulator again, and I’m glad to report that I have improved a little bit since my first attempt yesterday!” The City of Montgomery and the River Region will receive approximately $3 billion in new capital investment, $70 million in new construction, and will create an estimated 1,000 new jobs because of the decision to base the F-35 at Dannelly Field. The F-35 already produces $10.7 million annually for the state’s economy, a boost generated by a total of 13 in-state supplier locations which support the F-35 program.
Martha Roby: Exciting news on the economic front
Regardless of what is dominating the news cycle on any given day, the economy is always an issue on the minds of hardworking Alabamians. The ability to get and keep a job in order to provide for your family is so important. That is why the President, Congress, and local leaders in Alabama have made growing the economy a top priority. There is a lot of exciting news happening on the economic front both nationally and locally. America’s economy is growing faster than even analysts could predict. Alabama is one of thirteen states that have reached a record low unemployment rate, the stock market is at an all-time high, and the U.S. dollar continues to climb. Successful business is the foundation to a healthy economy. A lot of people don’t realize that our effective tax rate for businesses was among the highest in the world before President Trump signed our historic tax reform bill into law. Jobs were being sent overseas and our burdensome tax code was standing in the way of small business growth. We’ve already seen the positive impact of tax reform on our economy and employees. There has been $1.66 billion and counting in new investments made by companies in the U.S. along with more than $1.57 billion in publicly announced employee bonuses to date in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Employers like Waste Management, Regions Bank, and many others have said that tax reform is the driving force behind their reinvestment and employee compensation. Alabama has not been left behind in this economic boom, and Governor Kay Ivey highlighted our growing economy in her State of the State address. The Governor and local leaders announced that Toyota and Mazda, in a joint venture, have chosen to build a new plant right here in Alabama. The $1.6 billion assembly plant will employ up to 4,000 workers. Alabama is already the fifth largest producer of cars and trucks in the U.S. with Hyundai in Montgomery, Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa, and Honda in Lincoln. There’s no doubt that Alabama’s proven success over the past two decades in automobile production made it stand out among the other states in the running. In Alabama’s Second Congressional District, Kimber Gun Manufacturing will be coming to Troy, bringing more than 360 new high-paying jobs to our community. In addition to the new jobs this development will bring, the company will invest more than $38 million into our local economy over the span of five years. This is just one of many businesses that have recognized our district’s potential and are adding to our strong manufacturing presence. As you may remember, last month Wayne Farms announced a large expansion of its Enterprise Fresh Processing Facility that will bring nearly 400 jobs to the area. Additionally, Shaw Industries Group, which employs more than 1,000 Alabamians, announced it is investing $184 million into its Andalusia manufacturing facility. The news that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is coming to Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field is also a tremendous boost to our area’s economy. Landing this mission could result in as many as 1,000 jobs and as much as $3 billion in capital investment – and that’s just the beginning. Americans are confident in our economy, and rightfully so. I’m proud of the many steps we have taken in Congress to unleash the private sector and roll back Obama-era rules and regulations that were standing in the way of growth. I will continue to fight for Alabama families and do all that I can to assist local and national efforts to keep this momentum going. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: It’s official! Montgomery lands F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission
It’s official: The F-35 is coming to Alabama! After a multiyear selection process, the Alabama National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery has been chosen for the U.S. Air Force’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson called me to inform me of the decision. I firmly believe Montgomery and the 187th are uniquely qualified to carry out this special mission. This is a historic win for Alabama and the River Region. I could not be prouder of the men and women of the 187th for how they demonstrated their capability to take on such an important mission. The F-35 is the military’s most cutting-edge war machine that will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighters like the F-16 Falcons currently flown by the 187th. Landing this mission is a tremendous boost for the River Region community and the entire state. It could bring as many as 1,000 jobs, $70 million in up-front facility upgrades, and as much as $3 billion in capital investment in Montgomery. It also further enhances Alabama’s already significant military footprint. Over the last few years, I’ve been working with a partnership of unit commanders, community and state leaders, local business leaders, and Alabama’s congressional delegation to bring the F-35 to Montgomery. A lot of hard work went into this process, and many thanks are in order. I’d like to thank Brig. Gen. Randy Efferson, Col. William Sparrow, Mayor Todd Strange, Governor Kay Ivey, my colleagues in the Alabama congressional delegation, and the F-35 Task Force for their incredible teamwork in showing the Air Force all our area has to offer. There’s no question that our community’s firm support for our military installations and units made a big impression on the key decision makers. We anticipate that the first F-35s will arrive in Montgomery within five years, and we are expecting 18 aircraft. Before this happens, some improvements to Dannelly Field will be made, including the development of a simulator facility and modifications of existing infrastructure. As the legacy unit for the Tuskegee Airmen “Red Tails,” the 187th Fighter Wing has an incredibly proud history. With this announcement, we know this unique unit has a very bright future with the F-35. I’m looking forward to hearing the sound of freedom roaring over the River Region soon. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating this fantastic news for our area. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Montgomery lands Air Force’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission
For over two years, unit commanders, community and state leaders, local business leaders, and Alabama’s congressional delegation have worked together to bring the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala. On Thursday all of their efforts paid off when the U.S. Air Force announced Montgomery landed the coveted mission. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson made the announcement that the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing was chosen as the home for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet mission. “I am thrilled and very pleased that the 187th Fighter Wing has been chosen as the home for the new F-35 fighter jet,” Governor Kay Ivey said of the news. “This announcement is huge for the River Region, it is huge for Alabama and is certainly a welcome gift for us as we approach Christmas. The decision to send the F-35 to Montgomery is a testament to the quality of our people and our workforce, and further cements Alabama’s reputation as the leading aerospace state in the nation.” The F-35 is the military’s latest fighting machine and will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighter planes, which are currently in use. The 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard currently includes a squadron of F-16 fighter jets, a combat communications group, an RC-26 reconnaissance aircraft squadron, and an eagle vision unit. The 187th was one of five Air National Guard units on the short list to receive the F-35. “The Alabama Air National Guard is dedicated to excellence in protecting both our state and nation,” Alabama Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon commented. “We look forward to adding the F-35 to our slate of tools available to enable us to carry out our mission.” “Today is a historic day for Alabama and the River Region,” added Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby who worked to bring the project to her District. “I could not be prouder of the men and women of the 187th for how they demonstrated their capability to carry out this special mission. There’s no question that our community’s firm support for our military installations and units made a big impression on decision makers. With today’s announcement, we know this unique unit has a very bright future with the F-35.” The F-35 decision builds on the long and proud history of the 187th Guard Unit which is also home to the historic Tuskegee Airmen Red Tail Fighters. As a result of the decision, the City of Montgomery and the River Region will receive approximately $3 billion in new capital investment and $70 million in new construction. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who also represents part of Montgomery in Congress, joined Roby in celebrating the decision with her District. “What amazing news! I am thrilled that our district’s t Unit will become the first home in the Southeast to F-35 fighter jets,” said Sewell. “I am so proud of the unit commanders, federal, local and state leaders, and all those in Montgomery and the River Region community for working together to win the F-35 competition. The F-35 builds on the legacy of military excellence exhibited by the 187th Fighter Wing, which is home to the famed ‘Red Tails.’” Ala. Sen. Richard Shelby agreed, and said he looks forward to seeing the success of this new project. “This announcement by the Air Force is excellent news for our state and a true testament to Alabama’s work in the defense sector,” said Shelby. “The strong support of the community, along with the proximity of Dannelly Field to several other major military bases, saving both time and money, led Air Force Secretary Wilson to choose Montgomery for the new F-35A fighter jet program. I am extremely proud of the operational strength of the 187th Fighter Wing, and I look forward to seeing the success of this new undertaking.” Once production is concluded, the 187th Fighter Wing will receive the F-35 as a replacement of the F-16. The delivery of the F-35 fighter jets is slated for 2023.
Martha Roby: Final push for the F-35
For two years now, a partnership consisting of unit commanders, community and state leaders, local business leaders, and Alabama’s congressional delegation have been working together to bring the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery. The 187th is one of five Air National Guard units on the short list being considered, and the Air Force is expected to make its final decision in the coming weeks. The F-35 is the military’s most cutting-edge war machine that will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighters like the F-16 currently flown by the 187th. Landing this mission would be a tremendous boost for the River Region community and the entire state, both economically and from a military standpoint. As the Air Force nears a decision, I’ve been making a final push emphasizing to top Air Force officials five key advantages that I believe set Montgomery and the 187th Fighter Wing apart as the ideal candidate for this coveted mission. First, there is cost and time efficiency. Dannelly Field offers the Air Force the least expensive option to base the mission at $19.2 million. Additionally, the 187th Fighter Wing can accept new aircraft on the fastest timeline because their facilities need very little work and pilots can utilize the F-35 simulators located just three hours away at Eglin Air Force Base. Second, the 187th is in close proximity to other Air Force assets. After Air Force officials visited Montgomery in their review process, they described the 187th as “well suited” for the F-35 mission because of its proximity to other Air Force Strategic Command units. The site visit report states, “Available assets in the local flying area include: F-15C, F-16CG, A-10, F-22, ADAIR (T-38), F-35, KC-135, AC-130, CV-22, and U-28 in the local area. The ability of the F-35 to integrate with all these assets on a daily basis maximizes overall capability of the USAF.” Third, the 187th does not have a Homeland Security alert mission. Unlike other units under consideration, the 187th Fighter Wing is not on call to scramble its aircraft in the event of a domestic Homeland Security alert. If the Air Force selected a unit with this type of alert mission for the F-35, a new unit would have to be trained, equipped, and prepared to take on the alert mission, which would result in an expensive force structure shift. Fourth, the 187th Fighter Wing doesn’t have a “double move” potential. Other units under consideration fly A-10 and F-15 aircraft, which are set to remain active, so sending the F-35 to those units would require the Air Force to find a new home for their current aircraft. The 187th Fighter Wing flies the F-16 Falcon, which is scheduled to be retired, so our unit would not require the time and expense brought on by the redistribution of aircraft. Last, but certainly not least, the 187th Fighter Wing has tremendous community and state support. The Montgomery community and our entire state are working together to support the potential F-35 mission by making efforts such as investing in the Montgomery Regional Airport and providing a tuition assistance program for Guardsmen. In fact, I want to thank all of our local leaders from Montgomery’s Mayor and City Council to the County Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and media who have all supported the effort. Our community and state support could not be stronger, and I truly believe it can make a difference in this decision. To follow up on our discussions, I detailed all this information for the record in a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, who is the chief decision maker. As she prepares to make her decision, I want her to have all the correct information, especially as it concerns strengths that help make our case. Whatever the outcome of the F-35 decision, I can confidently say that we gave it everything we had and left it all on the field. As your Representative in Congress, I will continue to support the critical military installations and programs in our state. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Donald Trump targets F-35, but aircraft means jobs in 45 states
President-elect Donald Trump is vowing to corral the “out of control” cost of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. But congressional Republicans and Democrats, aware of the tens of thousands of jobs the aircraft generates in 45 states, will be wary of any plans by Trump to cut the program. A Monday morning tweet from Trump targeting the F-35 doesn’t explain exactly how he’ll save billions of dollars in military purchases while also honoring a campaign vow to rebuild the armed forces. Once Trump is in office, he can propose deep cuts to the F-35 or even elect to cancel the program altogether. But Congress, not the president, controls the government’s purse strings and makes the final decisions about the budget. Built by defense giant Lockheed Martin, the nearly $400 billion price tag for the F-35 makes the program the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons acquisition ever. Despite the huge cost, the program has strong bipartisan support in Congress, where lawmakers view the aircraft as essential to national security. After Trump’s tweet, Lockheed Martin’s shares tumbled, wiping out nearly $4 billion of the company’s market value. The F-35 program made up 20 percent of Lockheed’s total 2015 revenue of $46.1 billion. U.S. government orders made up 78 percent of its revenue last year. “Whoever has this airplane will have the most advanced air force in the world. That’s why we’re building the F35. That’s why it’s important to not only the U.S., our partners and our partners like the Israeli Air force to have this airplane,” said Jeff Babione, general manager of the F-35 program, at a base in Israel. Israel and several other U.S. allies are also buying the F-35, expanding the program’s international footprint. Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited Israel on Monday as Tel Aviv received the first two next-generation F-35 fighter jets that will help preserve the country’s military edge in the volatile Mideast. The F-35, which uses stealth technology to avoid being detected by radar, is being built in different configurations to be used by the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The Navy’s version, for example, is designed to take off and land on an aircraft carrier. Current plans call for the United States to buy nearly 2,500 F-35s. Close to $13 billion will be needed annually between 2016 and 2038 to hit that procurement number, according to the Government Accountability Office. While the F-35 had massive budget overruns early on, the cost has stabilized and even dropped a bit following tough negotiations between the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin, according to Todd Harrison, a defense budget expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Trump is unlikely to squeeze more blood out of this rock,” Harrison said. Lockheed said that it has worked to lower the price of the F-35 by 60 percent and expected the aircraft to cost $85 million each in 2019 and 2020. But the company’s estimate appears to omit the price of the engine and the cost of development. When those elements are added in, the cost per F-35 in current-year dollars is closer to $138 million, according to Harrison. Companies from 45 states are involved in the F-35’s production, with Texas, Georgia, California, Arizona and Florida playing the leading roles in testing and manufacturing the jet fighter. The company is teamed with more than 1,250 domestic suppliers to produce thousands of components ranging from highly sophisticated radar sensors to parts of the aircraft’s fuselage, according to Lockheed Martin. Overall, the F-35 program is responsible for more than 146,000 U.S. jobs, the company said. The Lockheed Martin plant where the F-35 is being built is located in Texas Republican Rep. Kay Granger‘s district. She’s vice chair of the defense appropriations subcommittee. Rep. Mac Thornberry, the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, represents the district next door to Granger’s. In a statement Monday, Granger hailed the F-35 delivery to Israel, calling the aircraft “what we need to keep our two countries safe in these dangerous times.” Thornberry’s committee has supported buying more F-35s than the Obama administration had asked for in its budget request. The F-35 will replace an aging inventory of U.S. aircraft that many lawmakers believe are becoming increasingly unsafe to fly. Claude Chafin, a committee spokesman, said Thornberry “shares the president-elect’s determination to have the Pentagon get weapons in the hands of our troops faster, while being better stewards of the taxpayer dollar.” The tweet on the F-35 marks the second time in a week Trump has blasted U.S. aircraft spending. Last week, he tweeted that costs to build new presidential planes by Boeing Corp. were “out of control” and ended the tweet with “Cancel order!” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
U.S. defense secretary in Israel as country gets F-35 jets
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter was visiting Israel Monday as it prepared to receive the first two next-generation F-35 fighter jets that will help preserve the country’s military edge in the volatile Mideast. The F-35 is the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program, with an estimated cost of nearly $400 billion. Israel is among a small number of allies to get the plane. Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said the fighter jets “present another component in maintaining air superiority in our region” and expressed gratitude to Carter, who was welcomed with a military honor guard at a Tel Aviv army base. The jets were supposed to touch down in Israel in the early afternoon, but the Israeli military said their arrival was delayed due to weather conditions in Italy. Neither U.S. nor Israeli officials provided further details. The deputy commander of the Nevatim Air Force base in southern Israel said the new fighters will give Israel an upper hand over its neighbors for years to come. “We are going to be very strong for a long time, having these airplanes. And Israel has to be strong in this region for its existence,” said Col. Asaf, who could be identified only by his first name in line with military regulations. “It’s a message for everybody that Israel will keep on holding the high-end technology in this area.” The purchase of the F-35 elevates the entire Israeli air force to a higher level, the colonel said, adding that four Israeli pilots have been trained to fly the planes and that more will be shown how to use them. “This specific airplane is going to be a very good one for the next decades,” he said. In November, a senior Israeli air force official described the arrival of the F-35 as a game-changer, citing its various cutting-edge systems, which would preserve Israel’s ability to act freely in hostile airspace. He cited its long-range capability, its provision of critical data in real time and a stealth system that can evade or delay detection by the world’s most sophisticated radar systems. Speaking on condition of anonymity under military briefing guidelines, he said it would take “more than a few months” for the first planes to be operational. In recent years, Israel has reportedly carried out long-range airstrikes as far away as Sudan, and is believed to have struck Hezbollah-bound weapons shipments in neighboring Syria. Israel has also hinted in the past at making plans to strike Iran, some 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) away, if the Islamic Republic presses forward with its nuclear program. The threat of Israeli action in Iran has dropped since last year’s nuclear accord. The Pentagon’s F-35 program has been criticized by members of the U.S. Congress over testing problems, delays and cost overruns. International buyers include Britain, South Korea, Israel, Italy, Australia, Canada, Turkey and Japan. While the planes were stuck in Italy, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump lashed out against the program. “The F-35 program and cost is out of control,” he tweeted. “Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th,” he wrote. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office announced last month that his Security Cabinet approved the purchase of 17 additional F-35s. In all, it said, the acquisition will bring the number of planes the air force will receive to 50. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Montgomery makes the short list for F-35s stealth fighter jets
The U.S. Air Force announced Wednesday Montgomery-based 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field Air Guard Station could be the future home to roughly 18 F-35s. The airfield is one of five installations still under consideration. Before the Air Force makes its final decision there will be an Environmental Impact Study along with a public comment period. The entire decision process could take up to two years. If selected, the F-35s might not arrive at Dannelly Field until 2021 or 2022. Alabama 7th District. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has been among those in Alabama advocating the 187th and Dannelly Field for the F-35 assignment. “I am excited that the 187th Fighter Wing, located at Dannelly Field, has made it through the first round of cuts by the Air Force to receive the coveted new Joint Strike Fighters,” said Sewell. “The 187th Fighter Wing has an unparalleled legacy of excellence worthy of praise and our continued investment.” Sewell continued, “I continue to be a strong advocate for the 187th National Guard unit in my district. As a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that confront our nation. As such, I understand the importance of the 187th being awarded these new fighter jets to our mission of maintaining air-superiority and providing effective air-cover for our men and women deployed in combat zones.” Sewell’s not the only Alabama politician fighting for the the F-35s. 2nd District. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby is also dedicated to bringing the jet fighters to the Yellowhammer State. “Alabama’s 187th Fighter Wing is an excellent candidate for the F-35 program, which is evident by its placement on this short list,” Roby opined. “The F-35’s next-generation capabilities will give American aviators unquestioned air superiority in combat situations around the globe, and I have no doubt the men and women of the 187th will excel in their mission if selected for this program. The 187th Fighter Wing has long been a point of pride for our state, from its impressive combat track record in recent conflicts to its proud history as the legacy unit of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen.” According to Sewell, beyond being a point of pride for the state, the selection of the Dannelly Field would make a positive economic impact on River Region’s economy. “It is also imperative that the 187th remains a viable installation as an economic driver for the River Region,” Sewell explained. “State estimates show that the military footprint in Alabama provides 177,000 direct and indirect jobs and an economic impact totaling $17 billion, 12% of the State’s GDP. Consequently, changes to the force or structure of the military in Alabama are felt across the State, and particularly in areas where installations are located, such as Montgomery, Alabama.” The F-35 is the military’s most cutting-edge war machine that will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighters like the F-16 currently flown by the 187th. The other bases being considered are Jacksonville Air Guard Station in Florida, Gowen Field in Idaho, Truax Field Air Guard Station in Wisconsin and Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.
