Bob Henry, Mayor of Nampa
Idaho Press Tribune

Nampa is a community that supports our country and our military like few others. From our treasured Warhawk Air Museum to the planes on display in Lakeview Park to our annual God and Country Festival, Nampa knows the importance of honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Now we have an opportunity to reciprocate in a small way. The Idaho Air National Guard and its 124th Fighter Wing at Gowen Field have been selected as one of five finalists to base the F-35 aircraft, the planned replacement for the long-beloved A-10 “Warthogs.” The support our community displays can help influence those responsible for making the basing decision.

This is the latest chapter in Gowen Field’s storied history. Following World War II, its missions and support have vital implications on our nation’s security, through nine different flight missions to today where Gowen Field stands on the precipice of one of the most elite fighter missions in the country.

Gowen Field is on the F-35 shortlist for many reasons. Our ideal terrain, high-quality air space and world-class facilities all check necessary boxes. But what truly propels Gowen Field into strong consideration is the unmatched skill, training and capability of the airmen and women of the 124th Fighter Wing.

They are our neighbors, our friends, our family — and they have chosen to pursue their careers, raise their families and serve their country from the place we all call home. There are more than 1,300 full- and part-time Air National Guardsmen at Gowen Field, with nearly 20 percent of those men and women calling Canyon County home.

These men and women make a mark on our communities few can match. Each of their jobs at the Guard creates another job in our community. More than 1,400 indirect and induced jobs are created as a result of full- and part-time Guard employees. In sum, these 2,800 jobs represent over $155 million in annual economic output.

More importantly, when disasters like fires, floods, or other emergencies strike our state, these individuals are called upon by the governor to serve. When our nation’s security is in question, these same men and women are called upon by the president to leave their families, careers and community to serve our country.

These are individuals who have proven, time and again, that they will fight for us so we don’t have to. Now is our chance to fight for them. I encourage you to visit GowenStrong.com, click “Show Your Support” and sign up to be a supporter. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors about the importance of Gowen Field and voice your support on social media, through letters to the editor and to our congresional delegation.

Over the next several months, we have an opportunity to secure a mission that will impact our community for decades to come. It’s time to stand GowenStrong!

​Last December, the Air Force narrowed down its initial list of 18 candidate Air National Guard (ANG) bases to five, and Gowen Field was among those chosen for two future basing locations for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, along with bases in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin.
 
At the time of the announcement, the Air Force initially estimated a final selection of two “preferred” and two “reasonable” candidates would occur sometime in the spring of this year, but given the Air Force needs to complete its site visits to the candidate bases and the delay in confirming the next Air Force Secretary, it is now likely the decision will be pushed until sometime this summer.
 
On March 30th, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing for President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Air Force, former New Mexico Representative Heather Wilson. During the hearing she supported Secretary Mattis’ review of the F-35 program, but expressed doubts whether the F-18 could replace the F-35 because she believes it cannot be retrofitted to include the F-35’s stealth capabilities.  Dr. Wilson was also asked a few questions about whether the F-35 ANG strategic basing process would be moving forward as planned.  Although she did not provide a definitive yes or no answer, Dr. Wilson said that she had no knowledge of any Air Force plan to deviate from the current F-35 ANG basing process, nor did she have any plans to reopen the process if confirmed. 
 
The members of the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to approve Dr. Wilson’s nomination by a vote of 22-5, and it is expected that she will be confirmed as the next Secretary of the Air Force soon.  

Idaho Statesman
by John Evans, Mayor of Garden City

As a veteran, I can proudly say the military impacted my life in immeasurable ways. Most importantly, it has shown me the power of serving one another — whether it was my country, a fellow soldier, or the community of Garden City that I call home.

Like you, I was excited when I first heard that Gowen Field was named one of five finalists under consideration for the F-35 fighter aircraft mission. Gowen Field gives us much to be proud about as the home of the 124th Fighter Wing and the Idaho Air National Guard. Together they have built a remarkable reputation that spans more than seven decades, while strengthening our community by developing tremendous character in those we gladly call neighbors, family and friends, and through considerable economic contributions.

These contributions are especially notable as we look toward the future. Ultimately, it is not a matter of if, but when, the Air Force retires our beloved A-10 “Warthog,” which has played a critical role in the success of Gowen Field.

Today the Idaho Air National Guard is one of the top employers in the state, providing more than 1,300 direct, 600 full-time and 700 part-time jobs. It contributes more than $155 million each year to our economy, directly and indirectly. Additionally, many in the Guard are those with full-time jobs as teachers, police officers, construction workers and other key roles.

Their contributions remind us that service is not a one-way street. Just as we need the airmen and women to protect our country and keep our local economy strong, they need our voices when rare, tremendous opportunities like the F-35 mission arise. The Air Force wisely takes an exhaustive approach to evaluating potential sites for their missions, which includes public feedback. This means your voice matters and can help shape the future of Gowen Field, the Idaho Air National Guard and the 124th Fighter Wing.

We need you to step up for those who are willing and ready to serve. Gowen Field is an ideal location for a new mission. The economic impact of such a mission — or the lack of one — is significant. This is especially true when the F-35 mission has the potential to generate more jobs and economic impact than Gowen Field is already responsible for today.

I stand with our Guardsmen in support of the F-35 mission at Gowen Field and encourage you to visit gowenstrong.com/show-your-support to learn more about what the Guard, and a long-term fighter mission, mean to our state and community.

Idaho Statesman Editorial Board Opinion

The prospect of a combat aircraft mission at the Idaho Air National Guard base at Gowen Field should be nothing new.

Boise has been host to nine different types of military fighter aircraft over the past 70 years. Our Air Guard personnel in the 124th Fighter Wing — who are also our neighbors — have served valiantly in many wars and conflicts around the world. Some were thrust into harm’s way during Middle East missions last year. Though many returned, some could still be there in support of our national interests.

Such air missions and Gowen Field are inseparable — and inspirational to everything else that Idaho and the Treasure Valley are about. And that’s why we offer our support for the F-35 mission.

We understand the apprehension some have about Boise airspace being tapped for a supersonic fighter jet. No one should sugarcoat the reality of winning this mission and the full spectrum of impact, considering everything from the negatives of noise, to the huge positives for our economy. Studies show Gowen Field is responsible for 1,300 “direct” jobs, a total of 2,800 “local jobs” and a total economic impact of $155 million.

Today we find ourselves at a crossroads. The A-10 Warthog mission will be phased out in the next few years. For Boise and Gowen Field to maintain the mutually beneficial arrangement, it must win a new mission soon. Boise is in competition with Air Guard locations in Alabama, Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin. Two sites will be chosen for the F-35, which includes an 18-to-24-jet squadron, about the same complement we have with the A-10s today. A decision could be made as soon as August.

Though location, airspace and facilities are among the key considerations the Air Force and the Department of Defense will consider before awarding the mission, so is one other key factor: community acceptance and support.

Put us at the front of the line of enthusiasts. The past teaches us that being selected for a new fighter mission is key to our local economic and national security. Though some might argue for a “softer” or theoretical “noncombat” mission and a transport aircraft, the dangerous world we live in dictates otherwise. Even considering all of the expense and setbacks in its development, the F-35 — which prices out at roughly $95 million per jet (Navy and Marine Corps versions cost more) — is the best bet for our fighter air defense future.

When we hear the A-10s and other visiting aircraft over the Treasure Valley, we are among those who hear the sound of freedom — but we are neither naive nor oblivious to the environmental and noise impacts that will accompany the F-35. We’ve heard from many reasonable people concerned about jet noise, potential pollution and loss of home value.

Though the opposition has valid points, we feel the best opportunity to address the challenges of an F-35 mission is when the government conducts a study and produces an environmental impact statement, which would spell out environmental issues and mitigation measures. The EIS is required before any final decision is made. There are possible options: the purchase of severely affected homes; the potential for a third runway at Gowen Field that redirects takeoffs and landings away from population areas; flying techniques that can lessen noise. The first F-35s would not arrive until 2021 or 2022.

Air Force personnel will visit Gowen Field in early summer to gauge its suitability. We feel they will be impressed with the facilities and air space, and the history of the community to embrace these fighter missions.

We’ll do our part to send a clear message that we welcome the F-35s. If Boise is selected, we’ll do our part to advocate for the best ways to manage any impact the new mission will have on life here in the Treasure Valley — while making those who serve feel at home.

Join us in taking this process one step at a time: win the mission; work to make it a good fit; continue our military heritage by establishing the 10th fighter jet mission at Gowen Field..

We think our future depends upon it.

Unsigned editorial board opinions express the consensus of the Statesman’s editorial board. To comment on an editorial or suggest a topic, email editorial@idahostatesman.com.