F-35 Fighter Jets Arrive in Montgomery
It’s a big day for the Montgomery region as the Alabama Air National Guard’s new F-35 Lightning II fighter jets land at Dannelly Field.
Friday, local and state officials gathered for a ceremony to welcome them to the 187th Fighter Wing.
It’s been a long time coming. The F-35 fighter jets are finally here carrying with them a tradition of excellence for a new generation.
“Man, this bird is amazing,” said Col. Brian Vaughn of the 187th Fighter Wing. “It can do things no other airplane can do. The technology leap that it is, is truly a generational leap. So a lot of times we compare the old F-16 that was phenomenal airplane, still very combat capable today, to the old flip phones we used to carry around in our pockets with what we have on this ramp today is an iPhone 15.”
There will be a total of 20 jets with 1400 members of the wing that support the airplanes, along with 40 pilots. It will bring a greater economic impact to the River Region.
“What an operation unit like this means, it means jobs. It means an economic impact to the Montgomery region that is almost unheard of. These are high tech, high paying jobs we have here at the guard and also our government contractors, and a lot of subcontractors that will be coming to support the airplane,” said Col. Vaughn.
The red tails painted on the F-35’s are a historic tribute to the Tuskegee Red Tails, the famed WWII squadron, which lives on as the 100th Fighter Squadron within the wing.
“It’s a clear reminder that our state is at the forefront of defending freedom, not just for ourselves but future generations,” said Governor Ivey in her ceremony speech.
Right now, there are five F-35 fighter jets in Montgomery, with more due to arrive this summer.
