The Florida National Guard said Wednesday that the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville has been named one of the top five bases being considered by the U.S. Air Force to receive the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter Lightning II aircraft to replace its legacy F-15 Eagle.
The 125th Fighter Wing was named as one of only five bases nationwide being considered for basing the 5th generation, multi-function F-35.
The current fleet of F-15 fighters based at the 125th Fighter Wing is more than 30 years old.
If selected, the 125th Fighter Wing could see the jets arrive in Jacksonville by 2022. It would result in the continuation of more than 1,000 jobs currently at the 125th Fighter Wing.
The local air wing of the Florida National Guard is based next to Jacksonville International Airport.
Florida Senator Bill Nelson, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force earlier this year outlining why he thinks Florida is the best choice for the new aircraft.
"The military installations in Florida provide access to some of the best maritime training opportunities in the world," Nelson wrote. "The professionals of Florida's 125th and 482nd Fighter Wings are more than worthy of selection for transition to the F-35A Lighting II aircraft."
A decision could come as soon as spring 2017.
Cox Media Group
