Media
Maintaining military superiority
August 13, 2018
America’s national security relies on our military maintaining its absolute superiority — in the air, on the ground and at sea. Now, as tensions continue to mount between Iran and the United States, it is more important than ever to ensure the brave men and women fighting to keep the peace and protect the values of democracy overseas are equipped with the most sophisticated, advanced technology we have to offer.
That’s why I’m heartened to see the defense funding process in Washington moving forward at a steady clip with strong support for vital national defense and security programs like the F-35 Lightning II program. Nowhere do we understand the importance of strong foreign policy and national defense — as well as the significance of the F-35 — than right here in Arizona. It is not something we can take for granted, nor should we. Emerging countries overseas are investing in next-generation aircraft, hoping to match our air superiority. We cannot and will not allow that to happen. Continuing to fund the F-35 will ensure that we will remain unmatched in the air.
The F-35 is just a classic example of plain old, American-made ingenuity. So much so in fact that it was recently featured on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the administration’s Made in America event, which highlighted products from across the country built by American workers. The full-scale model of the F-35 joined NASA’s Orion spacecraft and dozens of other products highlighting the best of American innovation, technology and manufacturing. It shows that this administration is not only committed to keeping those who serve our country in the safest equipment possible, but also committed to providing quality American jobs.
Luke Air Force Base plays a significant role in the F-35 program as well as providing an invaluable training ground for U.S. Air Force pilots and America’s global allies to learn how to operate and maintain the stealth fighter jet. Luke Air Force Base has welcomed and trained pilots from countries such as Australia, Italy, Singapore, Norway and Germany. Their training is especially crucial now as the first F-35s have already been used in actual combat operations as announced recently by the Israeli Air Force. We cannot afford to risk the security of America or its allies by allowing this program to fall short of its mission. There are too many enemies abroad who wish to destroy our country and the values we uphold.
Moreover, while the aircraft itself helps provide unparalleled capabilities to keep our troops and allies safe, the F-35 program helps advance the men, women, families, and mission of Luke Air Force Base. That is why it is so critical to maintain and increase production of this state-of-the-art aircraft. Here in Arizona, it supports 7,320 direct or indirect jobs and contributes roughly $646 billion in economic impact.
These jobs are high-technology, high-skilled jobs that are long-term and play a vital role in creating a workforce that communities build around. No one knows this more than the Fighter Country Partnership, which is an organization that supports the men, women, families, and mission of Luke Air Force base. They were integral in gathering hundreds of leaders from around the state into a partnership to support the F-35 bringing its mission to Luke Air Force Base. The group stands tall as an example of the great things that can be accomplished when a community comes together to support our military. Nationally, the F-35 supports 194,000 jobs directly or indirectly, generating $31 billion for the U.S. economy annually.
We need champions in Congress who understand the importance of the F-35 program to Luke Air Force Base, to Arizona’s economy, and to our national and global security. As someone who has spoken out in support of critical defense issues, I helped pass the NDAA out of the House and will continue to be as vocal of a supporter of the F-35 program as other Arizona leaders and groups have been. The Arizona delegation has long stood together in support of Luke Air Force base and the missions there. We will continue to do so.
The threats America and its allies face globally are constantly evolving; our technology and ability to defend and protect ourselves should as well. We owe it to our troops serving our country around the world to equip them with the unmatched capabilities, lethality, and survivability that the American-made F-35 offers. Congress must keep pressing on and pass a strong defense appropriations bill that recognizes the vital role this program plays in our national defense as well as our local economy.
That’s why I’m heartened to see the defense funding process in Washington moving forward at a steady clip with strong support for vital national defense and security programs like the F-35 Lightning II program. Nowhere do we understand the importance of strong foreign policy and national defense — as well as the significance of the F-35 — than right here in Arizona. It is not something we can take for granted, nor should we. Emerging countries overseas are investing in next-generation aircraft, hoping to match our air superiority. We cannot and will not allow that to happen. Continuing to fund the F-35 will ensure that we will remain unmatched in the air.
The F-35 is just a classic example of plain old, American-made ingenuity. So much so in fact that it was recently featured on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the administration’s Made in America event, which highlighted products from across the country built by American workers. The full-scale model of the F-35 joined NASA’s Orion spacecraft and dozens of other products highlighting the best of American innovation, technology and manufacturing. It shows that this administration is not only committed to keeping those who serve our country in the safest equipment possible, but also committed to providing quality American jobs.
Luke Air Force Base plays a significant role in the F-35 program as well as providing an invaluable training ground for U.S. Air Force pilots and America’s global allies to learn how to operate and maintain the stealth fighter jet. Luke Air Force Base has welcomed and trained pilots from countries such as Australia, Italy, Singapore, Norway and Germany. Their training is especially crucial now as the first F-35s have already been used in actual combat operations as announced recently by the Israeli Air Force. We cannot afford to risk the security of America or its allies by allowing this program to fall short of its mission. There are too many enemies abroad who wish to destroy our country and the values we uphold.
Moreover, while the aircraft itself helps provide unparalleled capabilities to keep our troops and allies safe, the F-35 program helps advance the men, women, families, and mission of Luke Air Force Base. That is why it is so critical to maintain and increase production of this state-of-the-art aircraft. Here in Arizona, it supports 7,320 direct or indirect jobs and contributes roughly $646 billion in economic impact.
These jobs are high-technology, high-skilled jobs that are long-term and play a vital role in creating a workforce that communities build around. No one knows this more than the Fighter Country Partnership, which is an organization that supports the men, women, families, and mission of Luke Air Force base. They were integral in gathering hundreds of leaders from around the state into a partnership to support the F-35 bringing its mission to Luke Air Force Base. The group stands tall as an example of the great things that can be accomplished when a community comes together to support our military. Nationally, the F-35 supports 194,000 jobs directly or indirectly, generating $31 billion for the U.S. economy annually.
We need champions in Congress who understand the importance of the F-35 program to Luke Air Force Base, to Arizona’s economy, and to our national and global security. As someone who has spoken out in support of critical defense issues, I helped pass the NDAA out of the House and will continue to be as vocal of a supporter of the F-35 program as other Arizona leaders and groups have been. The Arizona delegation has long stood together in support of Luke Air Force base and the missions there. We will continue to do so.
The threats America and its allies face globally are constantly evolving; our technology and ability to defend and protect ourselves should as well. We owe it to our troops serving our country around the world to equip them with the unmatched capabilities, lethality, and survivability that the American-made F-35 offers. Congress must keep pressing on and pass a strong defense appropriations bill that recognizes the vital role this program plays in our national defense as well as our local economy.