Military studying possibility NAS Lemoore could house Air Force, National Guard jets

By The Leader Staff
A U.S. Navy F-35 at Naval Air Station Lemoore
A U.S. Navy F-35 at Naval Air Station Lemoore

While no decisions have been made, a press release from Naval Air Station Lemoore stated that the local air station could be the home to National Guard and Air Force squadrons. The National Guard Bureau (NGB) and the Department of the Air Force are both preparing Environmental Impact Statements that could lead to the local navy base housing Air Force and National Guard jets.

Indeed, no firm decisions have been made. A press release indicated that there are four proposed alternative locations, which include:

  • The 104th Fighter Wing at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, Westfield, Massachusetts.
  • The 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
  • The 144th Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
  • The 159th Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, Belle Chasse, Louisiana.

The F-15EX and F-35A aircraft are being acquired to support the Air National Guard (ANG) mission. These aircraft would replace the legacy fighter aircraft (F-15C/D) at the selected locations.

Public Meetings

The NGB is holding public scoping meetings where the public can learn about the proposal, talk to project team representatives, and provide written comments, concerns, or input regarding the proposal. Public scoping meetings will be held virtually and locally on the dates below.

These informational meetings are a forum for the NGB to collect public comments and answer questions regarding the proposal, alternatives, and environmental resources to be studied for potential impacts.

All members of the public and press are invited to attend the public scoping meetings to be held:

In-Person Meeting

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

LTA Portuguese Hall

470 Champion St.

Lemoore, CA 93245

Virtual Meeting

Thursday, August 25, 2022

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PDT

Please visit the website for information on how to join the meeting:

www.ANGF15EX-F35A-EIS.com 

Interested parties can also submit public comments in written format by September 2, 2022, to be considered in preparing the Draft IES.

Submissions can be accomplished in a variety of ways:

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