F-35 EIS to be released

The Air Force will file a draft Environmental Impact Statement Jan. 20 for the proposed establishment of a second F-35 pilot training center. The Air Force and Air National Guard bases under consideration are Boise Air Terminal Airport Air Guard Station, Idaho; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Luke AFB, Ariz.; and Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station, Ariz. Luke is the Air Force's preferred alternative, but no final decision has been made. The draft statement opens a 45-day public comment period ending March 14. There will be 13 public hearings near the bases. (Source: AFNS, 01/19/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the initial training site.