Today, U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson announced a basing decision to delay Luke Air Force Base’s fifth F-35A squadron by 18 months, from the summer of 2022 to the winter of 2023. The Air Force will make its final basing decision following compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory and planning processes. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) released the following statement.

“Today, the Secretary of the Air Force, Heather Wilson, called to inform me that delivery of the fifth squadron of F-35s to Luke Air Force Base will be delayed by 18 months due to construction. I was assured by her that Luke AFB will receive all six F-35 squadrons and that no jobs will be impacted. Rest assured that I will always fight to protect Luke AFB and will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Pentagon to ensure these commitments are fulfilled.”