VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released a statement to voice her support for bringing F-35C Lightning II joint strike-fighter aircrafts to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana. This week, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson announced their intent to present a resolution to the Virginia Beach City Council on July 2, 2024, to formalize their support for basing more modern aircraft at the East Coast Master Jet Base.
“I have had numerous conversations with Navy Leadership to advocate for the basing of F-35s at NAS Oceana. As a naval aviator who is married to a naval aviator, I believe that it’s time to look to the future of NAS Oceana’s strategic mission and work to bring the military’s newest aircraft to Hampton Roads. Starting the process early allows for the numerous studies and regulatory requirements to be completed by the time additional F-35s are assigned to a home base.
“Currently, the overwhelming majority of F-35s coming online are going to NAS Lemoore. While it is imperative to continue the build up of our west coast assets to combat threats in the Indo-Pacific, we can’t ignore the need to equip our warfighters on the East Coast due to increased conflicts in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. I can’t think of a better location than NAS Oceana.
“With new platforms and technology comes a new mission and additional resources to support it! This has fueled my advocacy efforts as NAS Oceana is in need of long overdue funding to support critical upgrades and revitalize the installation. We must continue to protect our defense budget and prioritize the quality of life for the men and women who serve in our all-volunteer force.”
“Virginia Beach is honored to be home to the U.S. Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base and I believe this resolution will go a long way to showing the Navy that Virginia Beach is invested in keeping Naval Aviation at the forefront of our community for generations to come. I remain committed to working on the House Armed Service Committee to advocate for a better future for NAS Oceana!”
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