Singapore Considers Fort Smith as Base for F-16 and F-35 Pilot Training Program
24 Maret 2021
Dignitaries from Republic of Singapore & Air Force officials tour Fort Smith
FORT SMITH, Ark. — Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith is one of three bases being considered for a multi-national pilot training program, according to Mayor George McGill.
"In my opinion, it's the best location for that mission," said McGill.
Dignitaries from the Republic of Singapore and Air Force officials toured the base and the city. In conjunction with the Regional Chamber of Commerce, the city welcomed and provided the delegation with a police escort throughout Fort Smith.
In July 2020, U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton, John Boozman as well as Rep. Steve Womack announced the Air National Guard base was among a handful of bases across the country that was being considered for a new multi-national pilot training program for F-16's and F-35 fighter jets.
The jets are from the United States and foreign pilots will be trained how to fly them.
Ebbing Air National Guard Base is the home of the 118th Wing, also known as the Flying Razorbacks. If the base is chosen for the new mission, it's currently unknown if it would be separate from the 188th, which is currently tasked with flying unmanned aircraft as well as conducting surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions. Until 2014, the 188th flew A-10 jets and prior to the A-10 pilots flew F-16 fighter jets.
"Having a fixed-wing mission at that airbase has always been a part of our DNA. I think it would be very welcomed to see that again," said McGill.
In addition to touring facilities at the airbase, the Singapore delegation was most interested in the quality of life in Fort Smith.
"They were concerned about the community in which those families would live and the quality of education. The timing was very good, in the sense they had an opportunity to see all the major construction that is happening on our school campuses. That was very impressive," said McGill.
The economic impact of the new training mission is estimated to range from $800 million - $1 billion. A time frame has not been disclosed for when a final decision will be made concerning the training program.
(4029News)
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