3 bases eyed for F-22 training unit

Two bases in Northwest Florida and one in Virginia are being considered for the permanent basing of the F-22 training unit. The Air Force issued a notice in the Federal Register of March 26 to advise the public of its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed action to permanently bed-down its F-22 Formal Training Unit (FTU). The unit had been based at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., but was temporarily moved to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., after Hurricane Michael damaged Tyndall, currently being rebuilt. With this notice, the Air Force is initiating its scoping process and inviting the affected public to attend meetings near Langley Air Force Base, Va., Eglin and Tyndall. The dates, times and locations for the scoping meetings will be announced locally, but no later than May 15. The EIS will assess the potential environmental consequences of the proposed action to bed-down the F-22 FTU at Langley, and the No Action Alternative, which consists of continuing F-22 FTU operations from a combination of Eglin and Tyndall. There is only one F-22 FTU and it consists of F-22 aircraft of the 43rd Fighter Squadron and its associated T-38 aircraft in the 2d Fighter Training Squadron at Tyndall. (Source: Federal Register, 03/26/19)