Alabama Air National Guard welcomes F-35 fighter jets

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December 12, 2023

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is celebrating the arrival of the new fighter jets that have arrived in the Yellowhammer State.

Last week, the 187th Fighter Wing has received its first F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, which were shown off at Dannelly Field.

“Very excited to see the arrival of Alabama’s first F-35 jets and the continuation of the Red Tails legacy,” Rogers (R-Saks) said. “This is huge for our state and further solidifies Alabama’s place as a leader in defense.”

Very excited to see the arrival of Alabama’s first F-35 jets and the continuation of the Red Tails legacy. This is huge for our state and further solidifies Alabama’s place as a leader in defense. https://t.co/H7Xa9oDLsa

— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) December 11, 2023

The Air National Guard unit is replacing the F-16s with this next generation aircraft. They also plan on painting the tails red in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen.

“It is an honor to be able to fly one of the first F-35′s home,” Lt. Col. Richard Peace said in a press release. “I have always looked up to the Tuskegee Airmen and can confidently say we will continue their legacy using the F-35’s. Everyone at the wing has been hard at work preparing for this moment and it is finally here. I am excited to see everyone and to be back after months of pilot training preparing for this special day.”

Gov. Kay Ivey also celebrated the news.

Let’s welcome the first F-35s to Alabama! #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/cs8YeWG5sh

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) December 6, 2023

Montgomery Chamber Chief Officer for Military Affairs Scott Rizer said this will have a $2 billion impact on the local economy, creating many new jobs.

“The F-35 comes with a lot of jobs,” Rizer said. “In fact it’s at least 1,400 jobs when you start including defense contractors.

The 187th Fighter Wing will receive 20 of the jets in the next five years, with construction costing about $112 million.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

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