Recent News
April 18, 2023 - The Department of the Air Force announced the preferred locations to receive two of its newest fighters.
The 104th Fighter Wing (104 FW) at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Westfield, Massachusetts, was named as the preferred location to receive the F-35A Lightning II, which would replace their F-15C aircraft. The preferred alternative for the 159th Fighter Wing (159 FW) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) New Orleans and the 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno, California, is to replace their F-15C/D aircraft with F-15EX Eagle IIs. In the preferred alternatives, the new squadrons would consist of 18 F-35As at the 104 FW installation and 18 F-15EXs each at both the 144 FW and 159 FW installations. In other alternatives being analyzed, the squadrons would consist of up to 21 primary aircraft at each location.
The announcement of preferred alternatives to host the next F-35As and the F-15EXs at their respective bases came after conducting site surveys at each location, assessing the location’s ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity, while accounting for community support, environmental factors, schedule, and cost. Before a final decision is made, the Department of the Air Force will continue conducting environmental impact analyses at each base, which is expected to be completed in summer 2024.
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This U.S. Air Force and National Guard Bureau project website provides the latest information on the Air National Guard F-15EX Eagle II & F-35A Lightning II Operational Beddowns Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The National Guard Bureau and Department of the Air Force invite the public to learn about its proposal to locate F-15EX or F-35A aircraft at alternative locations. Please review this site for:
- information on the status and schedule of the EIS
- documents and references available for review
- opportunities for public involvement
- methods to submit comments during the designated public comment periods
This website will be updated throughout the project. Please check back often for updates.
Public Scoping Period
Public involvement is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Analysis Process. The public has an important role in providing input during this process to help the National Guard Bureau make more informed decisions about implementing this proposal.
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the National Guard Bureau initiated a public scoping period on July 19, 2022, in preparation for developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts of implementing the proposal to beddown the F-15EX and F-35A at alternative locations. The National Guard Bureau is requesting the public's input on the scope of the EIS. Comments were due by September 2, 2022, but comments submitted after September 2 will still be reviewed and considered throughout the process.
To submit a public comment, please click here to access the Comment Form.
To add your name to the mailing list to receive notifications about the project, please click here to access the Mailing List form.
How to Submit Written Scoping Comments
The National Guard Bureau requests and welcomes your scoping comments. Comments were due by September 2, 2022, to be considered in development of the Draft EIS, but comments received after September 2 will still be reviewed and considered throughout the process. Comments can be submitted by one of the following methods:
- Via the online comment form
- Email to NGB.A4.A4A.NEPA.COMMENTS.org@us.af.mil
- By U.S. mail to:
EIS Project Manager
National Guard Bureau
NGB/A4AM
Shepperd Hall
3501 Fetchet Ave.
Joint Base Andrews MD 20762-5157
Public Scoping Meetings
Public scoping meetings were held virtually and in-person at each alternative location on the dates below.
In-person Public Scoping Meetings
The in-person public scoping meetings have concluded. A fact sheet and meeting posters are available on the Documents page for viewing. The in-person public meetings were held Aug. 9, 2022, in Fresno, California; Aug. 10 in Lemoore, California; Aug. 16 in Belle Chasse, Louisiana; and Aug. 18 in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Virtual Public Scoping Meetings
The virtual public scoping meetings have concluded. Click on each meeting below to access the recording.
Virtual Scoping Meeting:
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022
Click here to access the recording.
Virtual Scoping Meeting:
Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022
Click here to access the recording.
Virtual Scoping Meeting:
Fresno Air National Guard Base and Naval Air Station Lemoore, California
Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022
Click here to access the recording.
Individuals who were unable to attend the public scoping meetings can access project information and submit comments on this website.
Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations or members of the media with a query may send an email to NGB.A4.A4A.NEPA.COMMENTS.org@us.af.mil.
