F-35 Fighter Jet’s Impact on Montgomery

Christmas came early for Montgomery with a big announcement Thursday afternoon.
The home of the F-35 fighter jet will be in the Capital City.

This is a project that local and state leaders have been working on for about three years.

“From the highest heights in Washington to the local level we were all working together pushing the ball down the field. This is what happens when we work together,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Ronda Walker.

Walker says Montgomery will see a boost to its economy.
She says you can expect to see more people coming to our hotels and restaurants. Plus, more recognition for our military presence.

“The military is looking at Montgomery and saying, ‘what’s going on? They are doing something right.’ Not only the Defense Department, but cyber security. The DOD is really connected with cyber and they are going to take a closer look at Montgomery, so again the national news that we are making today is good for all levels of our economy, for all levels of our citizens,” said Walker.

The F-35 will replace the F-16’s currently used by the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field.
Adjutant General Major General Sheryl E. Gordon says the latest air craft technology will also be a great recruiting tool for future airmen .

Montgomery was one of 5 cities in the running to land the latest F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet. Madison, WI will also receive the F-35.

After production of the air craft, the 187th Fighter Wing is expected to receive the F-35 sometime in 2023.