Sens. Scott joins Graham, South Carolina delegation in pushing Air Force to select McEntire as home base for F-35A

WASHINGTON - The South Carolina congressional delegation is urging the Department of the Air Force to make McEntire Joint National Guard Base (JNGB) home to the F-35A aircraft. U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) and U.S. Representatives Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.-03), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.-02), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.-01), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.-05), James Clyburn (D-S.C.-06), Russell Fry (R-S.C.-07), and William Timmons (R-S.C.-04) on the letter.

The delegation wrote to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and expressed their strong support for McEntire JNGB's selection as the Air Force considers future basing locations for the F-35A. They argued that South Carolina Air National Guard leadership has worked in lockstep with South Carolina state and federal leadership to position McEntire JNGB as the ideal candidate to host the F-35, citing the 169th Fighter Wing's consistent readiness and proven combat capability.

"The South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing is a national model for excellence and readiness. After a decade of strategic preparation, the 169th Fighter Wing has the infrastructure and personnel to welcome F-35s. Add in a state and community that have unwavering support for our military, and you've got a match made in heaven," said Sen. Scott. "It would be in the best interest of our nation to have a base of such high caliber serve as home to some of the United States' most critical military assets."

"McEntire Joint National Guard Base is uniquely equipped to house the F-35A and that is no accident. The South Carolina Air National Guard leadership has worked in concert with our state's leadership at all levels to ensure McEntire is ready to receive the F-35A. In addition, the 169th Fighter Wing has proven itself, excelling in both quality of personnel and mission completion. I'm proud to lead the South Carolina delegation along with Representative Sheri Biggs to urge Secretary Meink to send F-35s to South Carolina," said Sen. Graham.

"I am proud to lead this letter with Senator Graham to showcase why South Carolina is best fit for the F-35 mission. McEntire Joint National Guard Base has spent decades building purpose driven infrastructure and a top-rated airspace. As a member of the Air National Guard, I know that this, coupled with our strong personnel readiness and proven combat record, makes South Carolina's base uniquely ready to meet this moment," said Rep. Biggs.

"Serving at the forefront of our homeland defense and in operations, such as Operation Epic Fury, the 169th Fighter Wing has proven time and time again their experience and capability while flying legacy F-16s. The F-35 would emphasize McEntire Joint National Guard Base's abilities and increase their versatility," said Rep. Wilson.

"South Carolina has long been a cornerstone of America's national defense. We joined our colleagues in urging the Air Force to bring the F-35 to McEntire Joint National Guard Base because South Carolina has earned this mission. The 169th Fighter Wing has spent decades proving it's among the best in the nation, and McEntire is ready to lead the next generation of air dominance. Bringing the F-35 to McEntire would strengthen America's military, equip our warfighters with the world's most advanced fighter aircraft, and secure our state's role as a cornerstone of America's defense for decades to come," said Rep. Mace.

"South Carolina has always answered the call when our nation needs us, and the Swamp Foxes embody that proud tradition. Bringing the F-35 to McEntire would strengthen our national defense, support our Airmen and their families, and carry that legacy forward. McEntire is ready for the next generation of American airpower, and I'm proud to stand with our delegation in making that case," said Rep. Norman.

"I am proud to represent McEntire Joint National Guard Base in the House of Representatives, and I am pleased to join members of our state's delegation in urging for the selection of the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing as a home to the F-35A fighter jet," said Rep. Clyburn. "South Carolina's military installations play a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation and supporting our national defense and servicemembers. I know that this proud tradition would contribute to a strong foundation to support the next generation of aircraft."

"No facility in the country is better equipped or more operationally ready to host the F-35A than McEntire Joint National Guard Base," said Rep. Fry. "The 169th Fighter Wing has the proven combat record, world-class infrastructure, and strong community support needed to lead the future of our fighter force. Selecting McEntire for the F-35A is an obvious choice to deliver the absolute highest return on investment for our Air Force and national defense."

"American airpower demands the very best, and South Carolina is ready to deliver. McEntire and the 169th Fighter Wing have the infrastructure, experience, and combat-ready force to execute the F-35 mission from day one. It is time to bring the world's most advanced fighter aircraft to South Carolina. The F-35 belongs at McEntire," said Rep. Timmons.

The full letter can be read here.