News Release

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) announced today that Shaw Air Force Base and McEntire Air National Guard Base will be a major base of operations for the Air Force’s newest fighter, the F-35A Lightning II, also known as the “Joint Strike Fighter.”

Spratt said the Air Force is planning to announce on Thursday that it will begin the initial basing process for the fighter.  Shaw/McEntire will be one of two operational bases in the country.  The other will be Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

“This is great news for Shaw, McEntire, Sumter and the state of South Carolina,” said Spratt, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee who has worked to build Shaw into a state-of-the-art base over the years.  “Shaw/McEntire will be just one of two bases of operations for the fighter in the US. And that indicates the Air Force is committed to Shaw and believes it will continue to be a premier base well into the future.”

Spratt said the operational squadron will combine active duty and National Guard component personnel to maximize flexibility and combat capability.

According to Spratt, the other initial Joint Strike Fighter locations include Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, for primary maintenance and flight training; Nellis AFB, Nevada, and Edwards AFB, California, for flight-testing; and Hill AFB, Utah, and Kadena Air Base, Japan, for operational squadrons.

Spratt said the F-35A Lightning II basing plan will create a synergistic "Total Force" mix of Active, Guard and Reserve units.  The Total Force mix provides the best possible team to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States.

Spratt said the Air Force is expected to start taking delivery of F-35A aircraft in 2009 with planned deliveries continuing beyond 2025.

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