Interior Alaska Comes Together to Bring F-35s To Fairbanks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/13/2014
ANCHORAGE — Mark Begich’s new radio ad highlights Fairbanks’ big win: two new squadrons of F-35s coming to Eielson Air Force Base. Begich advocated to bring the planes to Alaska after fighting to keep F-16s at Eielson, a fight that saved 3,000 jobs.
In the ad, Fairbanks City Council member Renee Staley tells the story of Alaskans coming together to secure the planes, including Begich’s work.
“But it’s also a story of Alaskans coming together – Democrats and Republicans – to convince the Air Force that Interior Alaska was the perfect training ground with so much space to work in. It means one point three billion dollars a year for Alaska … nearly two thousand military personnel and their families and new missions for our bases. It’s the biggest economic boost for Fairbanks since the pipeline,” says Staley.
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Begich stood up for Eielson to keep the F-16s and to bring the F-35s to Alaska. Senator Begich previously released an ad on his efforts to save the F-16s by putting the promotion of a three star general on hold.
Since joining the US Senate, Begich has been a steadfast fighter for Alaska’s military families and bases. He successfully fought alongside Senator Murkowski, Congressman Young and all of Interior Alaska to bring the F-35s to Fairbanks, a decision announced just last week. Begich was also successful in restoring benefits for the Alaska Territorial Guard, delivering Tricare coverage for military dependents up to age 26 and securing over $500 million in military infrastructure improvements.
Read More About Begich’s Record of Results for Alaska’s Military HERE
Transcript:
Renee Staley: This is City Councilmember Renee Staley. And when I saw Mark Begich take on the Pentagon to keep our squadron of F-16s at Eielson, I became a big fan. It saved 3,000 jobs. Now, we just learned that Eielson is getting two squadrons of F-35 fighter jets. Mark’s been working on that for years. First on the Armed Services committee, where he capped the cost of each plane, so the squadrons make financial sense for the country. But it’s also a story of Alaskans coming together – Democrats and Republicans – to convince the Air Force that interior Alaska was the perfect training ground with so much space to work in. It means one point three billion dollars a year for Alaska … nearly two thousand military personnel and their families and new missions for our bases. It’s the biggest economic boost for Fairbanks since the pipeline. Mark Begich understands we get things done for Alaska when we work together. It’s why I’m voting for him.
Begich: I’m Mark Begich, running for US Senate and I approve this message. Paid for by Alaskans for Begich.
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