SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) South Dakota's lone representative likes the chances the state has for basing the new F-35 "Lightning II" Joint Strike Fighter in Sioux Falls. Commenting Thursday during a press conference call, Noem says the track record of the South Dakota Air National Guard's "Fighting Lobos" along with community support for the new jet to fly from Joe Foss Field are key factors. The SDANG, founded by Medal of Honor Ace Joe Foss and WWII Naval Aviator Duke Corning, has been a "fighter enterprise" for 70 years, starting with the venerable F-51 Mustang. The unit has served worldwide, having operated the F-16C Falcon since 1991.
Mayor Mike Huether says the city will "do whatever it takes" to ensure the basing here. Sioux Falls is one of 18 communities vying for jets...a delegation made the trip to Washington D.C.to deliver letters of support to Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds and Congresswoman Noem. City Council's Rex Rolfing and Community Development Director Darren Ketcham represented the community support.The U.S. Air Force will release the "short list" of candidate bases very soon, according to Representative Noem.
Learn more about the F-35 here: http://www.jsf.mil/index.htm