Alabama getting F-35

The Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala. has been selected for a site for a new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission. Gov. Kay Ivey said at a news conference Thursday that it was a team effort. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) said in an e-mail to constituents Dec. 21 that Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson called her to inform her of the Air Force’s decision. The 187th was one of five ANG units on the short list being considered. In choosing Montgomery as one of two bases for the F-35A, it means 1,000 jobs over the next few years, a $70 million up-front investment, and a $24 million annual economic impact to the region. The Truax ANG Station in Madison, Wis., was the other selected site. (Source: Montgomery Advertiser, 12/21/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.