Vermont Business Magazine Air Force officials announced today that the Burlington Air Guard Station located in South Burlington is expected to receive its first F-35A aircraft in Fall 2019, a year earlier than originally planned, according to a statement released by the Vermont National Guard. The advancement of the aircraft delivery to the Vermont Air National Guard will allow the Air Force more time to grow its active-duty maintenance force while capitalizing on the strengths of the Total Force.
"The Air Force is experiencing a shortage of experienced, active-duty fighter aircraft maintainers," said Lieutenant General John B Cooper, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support. "Delivering F-35s to an Air National Guard base before standing up a new active duty unit will allow us to take advantage of Burlington's experienced fighter aircraft maintenance force as we transition from legacy aircraft to the F-35A."
The change is just one of many measures the Air Force is taking to help manage the shortage of trained fighter aircraft maintainers.
The Air Forced announced in December 2013 that the Vermont Guard was selected for the F-35 base, which generated a rousing ceremony at the facility on the far side of the Burlington International Airport. VBM photos.
The Vermont Air National Guard is currently sending approximately 45 members of the 158th Fighter Wing on voluntary limited active recall to train maintainers and intelligence personnel on F-35 systems. This is an ongoing effort to prepare Airmen for the future mission, to assist the Air Force with ongoing manpower issues, and to ensure the 158th Fighter Wing maintains their readiness levels.
"We are a proud partner with the total Air Force and this is a testimony to the hard work of men and women of the 158th Fighter Wing," said Maj Gen Steven A. Cray, the adjutant general, Vermont National Guard. "Our Airmen are prepared to proficiently execute the missions handed to them by the Air Force and we are proud to be the first Air National Guard base to receive the F-35."
The Air Force said the men and women of the 158th Fighter Wing have been diligently working through basing timelines and preparing themselves to receive the next generation joint strike fighter, but the change to the timeline will have little impact on the plans in place.
"We have been moving forward with planning for the arrival of the F-35 since the Record of Decision made in December 2013," said Brigadier General Joel Clark, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Vermont National Guard. "Our dedication to the mission and the professionalism of our Airmen have allowed us to remain flexible to meet the needs of the total force."
Clark went on to say that Airmen are expecting to receive new training and are looking forward to the opportunities that the F-35 will bring.
"This initiative will benefit the Vermont National Guard, create jobs, and spur economic development in Chittenden County and surrounding areas. As I have said before, the decision to locate this newest generation of planes in Burlington is a testament to the professionalism of our Guard. I proud to be the Governor of the state with the finest National Guard in the nation," said Governor Peter Shumlin.
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