President-elect Trump's latest tweet regarding new Navy jet hits close to home

Naval Air Station Lemoore is slated to be the home of the F-35C, and in his Thursday morning tweet, Trump suggested that Boeing, one of the manufacturers of the new jet, might build more FA-18 Super Hornets instead. The FA-18s are currently the backbone of Naval aviation.

Eventually NAS Lemoore could be the future home of 100 of the new jets. They could also be a big boost for the local economy as new aviators and sailors relocate to Lemoore, but it will take time for all the jets to transition to the local base.

Local congressman David Valadao chimed in as well. Valadao issued a statement to The Leader indicating his support for the new plane, which will replace the aging fleet of Hornets.

"It's important to recognize the difference in capabilities between the F-35 and the F-18,” stated Valadao. “While implementation of any major weapons initiative is sure to face obstacles, I remain committed to ensuring our sailors at NAS Lemoore have access to the best training, equipment, and technology so that they may safely fulfill their mission."

Others believe Trump may just be blowing off steam, letting the public know that he’s serious about saving money for the American taxpayers. “It certainly seems reasonable and responsible to send up a flare, declaring that time and cost overruns will not be considered part of typical government contracting by his administration,” said John Lehn, president of the Kings County Economic Development Corporation. “It seems his comment was more likely a warning flare than a distress call.”

Lehn added that from an economic impact standpoint, NAS Lemoore’s mission will remain the same, regardless of what airplane is stationed here. “We have heard nothing to suggest that mission has changed,” he said. He added that NAS Lemoore is a major contributor to the economy of Kings County and the surrounding region, with an annual impact of over $1 billion, and the Kings County EDC will continue to “offer community support for our base, and the men and women of our nation’s military who work tirelessly that we might enjoy the benefits of freedom.”

The F-35 program is one of the most expensive department of defense weapons program in the nation’s history, and ultimately the F-35 could cost the U.S. taxpayers upwards of $400 billion. The new jet has suffered from cost overruns, technology problems and numerous delays, issues that prompted Trump’s latest tweet.

However, the first F-35Cs are due to arrive in Lemoore in early 2017, and it would be difficult for Trump to abandon the program. Congress usually has the final say in the procurement of new defense department programs. Much of the new aircraft is comprised of parts built in many states, supporting thousands of jobs, and local congressmen would be loath to cancel defense programs vital to their districts.

Naval Air Station Lemoore is the country’s largest jet fighter base, supplying aircraft to the Navy’s several aircraft carriers. Local Navy brass said over 2,000 personnel will be moved to the base to help maintain and service the new aircraft.