Pulaski Times

There was a significant event in the skies above Fort Smith last month as two F-35s made their journey from a Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas, to Ebbing Air National Guard Base. This marked an important milestone for Arkansas's role in national defense.

The U.S. Air Force announced Ebbing as the new home of a pilot training center for allies in March 2023. The arrival of the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft from Poland signifies the return of a manned flying mission to Arkansas after ten years.

The Arkansas Congressional Delegation, along with state and local leaders, has been instrumental in securing this designation and ensuring necessary investments are made for hosting U.S. instructors and allied partners.

"I have been honored to shepherd legislation through the Senate allocating funds over multiple years to prepare Ebbing," said the Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee.

In Fiscal Year 2024, $83 million was allocated for adapting the airbase for its new role, including constructing facilities like a three-bay hanger. Additional funding is expected in FY2025 to extend capacity for pilots from various countries.

The approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 included authorization for an Academic Training Center at Fort Smith. President Biden signed this bill into law in late December.

"This initiative is also a tremendous asset that will improve America’s national security," emphasized another statement from the subcommittee member.

Passing the FY25 NDAA was deemed crucial due to its policies strengthening military efforts amidst global tensions involving nations such as China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

"I am proud to support those efforts...and will continue advocating for a strong defense," concluded the statement regarding Arkansas's contributions to national security.