Graves Urges Air Force to Select Whiteman for F-35 Squadron
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sam Graves today sent a letter to the United States Air Force outlining the case for Whiteman AFB as the choice for the first Reserve-led F-35 fighter squadron. Graves, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Senator Roy Blunt and other representatives from the Missouri Delegation to set Whiteman apart from the other four sites the Air Force is considering for placement of the F-35.
"For over 50 years, Whiteman Air Force Base has provided critical support to the Air Force in its mission to protect Americans and defend the skies around the world," Rep. Graves said. "And since Whiteman opened for operation, the Airmen of the 442nd Fighter Wing have shown the elite ability to navigate a host of specialized aircraft, from the A-10 to the B-2. This, along with the infrastructure already in place at Whiteman, make it the ideal choice for the home of the F-35."
The Air Force is expected to announce its preferred and alternative location selections for the F-35 later this year. The full letter, which will be sent to Air Force Chief of State General Mark A. Welsh III, is attached to this release.
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