By Gretchen Parsons, KTVB
Full Article - KTVB.com

BOISE - The possibility of an F-35 squadron based at Gowen Field has been an ongoing push from Idaho's top lawmakers.

Boise Mayor Dave Bieter and Gov. Butch Otter sat down with officials in Washington, D.C. Wednesday to further discuss the possibility.

Boise's Gowen Field is in the running with four other locations to house a fleet of F-35s.

Of those places, Boise is the only city where political leaders have made the trip to Washington to further campaign for a squadron.

“They were very specific, you guys were the only ones taking the time and effort to meet with us and talk about these issues, so that was a very good sign and we will continue to follow that up,” said Bieter.

Bieter says almost every single official he met with was familiar with Idaho.

“That can be part of the battle, that we are talking to folks in other parts of the country, do they even know where we are? Have they been here? Do they know what it is like here?” said Bieter.

But there are still a lot of unknowns of, if and when, the new jets might come to Idaho.

“The best news is at the highest levels of the Air Force and the guard, we were assured that Gowen Field will have a fighting mission for years to come, and they have never really said that as specifically as they had said that this time,” said Bieter.

Bieter expects to hear more specifics about the F-35 campaign this summer or fall.​

By Bill Connors
Full Article - Idaho Statesman

When asked what companies are the largest employers and biggest economic drivers of the valley, we think of Micron, HP, St. Luke’s, Saint Al’s, Boise State, Albertsons, and a few others. Perhaps the Idaho National Guard Base at Gowen Field is overlooked.

But it shouldn’t be — it is in the same category.

The loss of military operations at Gowen Field would be a huge blow to this Valley. The Idaho National Guard is a major gear in the economic engine of our valley; hundreds are employed at Gowen and hundreds of local businesses serve and support the base.

In addition to the vital economic role Gowen plays in our regional economy, it is an important strategic asset in our nation’s defense. Blessed with great air space, weather, and topography, the men and women at Gowen have a 70+ year history of service to this nation’s defense around the globe.

Because of Gowen’s assets, the Pentagon has put them on a short list of potential guard bases for an F-35 Training Mission. The A-10 Thunderbolts currently based at Gowen will be phased out. Most military experts agree that a guard base without a manned flying mission is a target for a different kind of Pentagon list — a base closure list. While we advocate for any manned flying mission at Gowen, the F-35 brings maximum advantages.

The F-35 is our nation’s future aircraft of choice for decades to come. It is arguably the most technologically-sophisticated piece of equipment in our nation’s military portfolio. As such, it requires the most technologically-sophisticated maintenance and support teams. Nearby Ogden, Utah was selected to house a fleet of F-35s, and soon after, Lockheed Martin built a major technical support facility nearby. Dozens of other supporting civilian enterprises established high-tech shops in Ogden as well. The potential high-tech economic upside for Boise is undeniable. Such a mission would expand Boise’s portfolio of high-tech industries, adding additional high-paying technical career options in our valley.

The Boise Airport is one of our state’s most important economic hubs, and Gowen is a big part of that future. Around the globe, noise is a part of every airport’s daily operation and our Airport is no different as it continues to grow and expand. Unless we move the Airport 40 miles into the desert, as Denver did, there will always be neighbors inconvenienced by noise. Tolerating a few seconds of noise, a few times a day, seems like the least we can do for our neighbors in uniform.

The Boise Chamber has long-supported the men and women who serve our nation based at Gowen Field and Mountain Home, and we’d like to keep them here in our neighborhoods. Our community and our nation cannot afford to lose the military complex at Gowen Field. In the words of one local business leader, “this is the biggest economic development retention project of the decade.”

The best way to insure the long-term life of Gowen’s operations is to attract and land the F-35 Training Mission. Please join our Chamber in keeping Gowen Strong!
​
Bill Connors is president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The Idaho National Guard, along with Idaho’s Morale Welfare Recreation and Support our Troops programs held a special event Thursday evening announcing plans for an open house, Oct. 14 and 15, 2017.
 
The purpose of Thursday’s Gowen Thunder 2017 Premiere was to present the open house plan and to reveal the air demonstration teams scheduled to participate in October.
 
More than 100 members of Idaho’s leadership and business community, including Lt. Governor Brad Little and Boise Mayor David Bieter, along with many other civic leaders attended Thursday evening’s event.
 
“Gowen Field’s long service to our nation’s security and role in our community is worthy of celebration – Gowen Thunder is a great way to do that,” said Mayor Bieter. “I hope the whole community takes advantage of this unique opportunity to see an extraordinary show while showing our community’s great support for the men and women who serve our country.”
 
Gowen Thunder 2017 will feature two lead acts as well as many other ground shows, aerial acrobatics and static displays.
 
“I am extremely excited to announce that we will have two of the most prestigious jet demonstration teams, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and their Canadian counterpart, the Royal Canadian Snowbirds,” said Col. Tim Donnellan, 124th Fighter Wing Commander.  “This will be a great event for our community, to see an impressive air demonstration, to visit Gowen Field and speak with the Airmen and Soldiers of the Idaho National Guard and learn their role in our community.”
 
To learn more about Gowen Thunder 2017, please visit GowenThunder.org or the Gowen Thunder Facebook page.  

BY MEGAN RONK
Full Article - Idaho Statesman

As the inevitable retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft mission at Gowen Field approaches, a celebrated legacy paves the way for Idaho’s next opportunity to contribute to our national defense while enhancing our own economy.

As one of five finalists for the job of hosting a contingent of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters, the Idaho Air National Guard is ready for its next flying mission at Gowen Field.
 
Gowen Field has historically served as a training center for military aircraft, hosting nine manned aircraft missions during the past 70 years. The F-35 represents the next generation of fighter jets — armed with advanced technology that is critical to today’s armed forces — and the next great opportunity for Idaho to prove its military mettle.

Idaho’s temperate climate, ample airspace and similarity to combat environments make Boise and Gowen Field an ideal training atmosphere for the F-35 mission. What’s more, having a flying mission based at Gowen Field would have a tremendous impact on Idaho’s economy.

Gowen Field already supports more than 2,800 direct, indirect and related jobs, representing more than $136 million a year in income for the families involved and contributing more than $155 million in total economic impact. And Idaho stands to gain a significant number of additional civilian job opportunities with the new flying mission since many of the F-35 aircraft support systems are maintained by civilian contractors who would work on and around Gowen Field.

Idaho Air National Guard personnel also contribute immeasurably to the fabric of our Treasure Valley communities in ways that extend far beyond their military service. And as the population center of Idaho, the Treasure Valley provides unmatched career opportunities for our citizen soldiers and airmen — many of whom work as teachers, engineers and police officers. Not only are these men and women making an important contribution to our military, they are our neighbors, friends and family members.

Having a flying mission for the Idaho Air National Guard in Boise would provide a tremendous contribution to our national defense while helping to secure the future of an important fixture in Idaho’s economy and our way of life.

Idaho’s history of providing elite airspace and support for flying missions has helped to position Boise’s Gowen Field as a national leader for the kind of mission the F-35s would bring. Please join me in supporting this important project for our community, our state and our country.

Megan Ronk is the director of the Idaho Department of Commerce.

Full Article - Idaho Statesman
​by Dick Gardner

There is a hidden giant in the Idaho economy, whose story deserves to be told. Its name is the Idaho National Guard. 

Most folks associate the Guard with the many deployments that are part of Idaho’s contribution to national security. Or they may think of the Idaho National Guard responding to emergencies or natural disasters, as recently as this winter’s snowstorms.

The Guard’s workers are split among four civilian and seven military classifications, so that few are aware that in total the Idaho National Guard had 5,255 employees in 2014. This made it the fourth-largest employer in the state, behind St. Luke’s, Wal-Mart and Micron.

Is there a catch to this claim? Well, nearly two-thirds of the Guard consists of traditional soldiers or air personnel, the so-called “weekend warriors” who work an average of 63 days per year for the Guard. This means the total payroll of the top three employers is much higher.

However, let’s not belittle the economic role of the Idaho National Guard. Its wage rates are strong by state standards, and it provides a second paycheck that helps 3,411 families pay mortgages or college tuition, or keep a spouse at home with young children. The benefit package provides health insurance, education support for both Guard member and children, and a retirement pension if 20 years are served. 

As for the impact on the Idaho economy? The Guard provides over $250 million per year in direct impacts. With the multiplier effect of indirect and induced impacts, the Idaho National Guard had $485 million in total economic output in 2014. Total employment impact is 10,742 jobs, or 1.2 percent of total Idaho employment. A rough estimate of the total fiscal impact of the Guard is that it generates $17.4 million in various state tax revenues. Only $6.5 million of state funds were appropriated to the Guard in 2014, so the organization represents a significant revenue generator for Idaho.

This study will soon be updated using 2016 data. The economic footprint of the Guard will increase as several new developments increase the capacity of the Orchard Combat Training Center to host units for training. Future improvements could mean hundreds of millions of dollars invested in Idaho, mostly just south of Boise. Construction impacts are one-time, but increased Guard capacity means increased annual impacts.

When you see fighter jets speeding overhead or military equipment rumbling next to Pleasant Valley Road, please remember that the National Guard is not only contributing to our nation’s defense, but also is a major player in Idaho’s economy as well.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Idaho congressional delegation welcomed the news that Gowen Field in Boise is among five candidates to become the home to a new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter squadron. The decision by Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James was announced Dec.7. 

Gowen Field and the Idaho Air National Guard ranked highly among 18 candidates, based on factors including weather, training infrastructure, cost, facilities and environment.

The other four finalists are Dannelly Field Air Guard Station in Alabama, Jacksonville Air Guard Station in Florida, Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan and Truax Field Air Guard Station in Wisconsin. Two Air Guard stations will be selected to support 18 to 24 aircraft.

 The Air Force will conduct two-week site visits to each of the five candidates in the coming months and plans to select two “preferred” and two “reasonable” alternatives in the Spring of 2017. Those four bases will receive a complete Environmental Impact Analysis before the Secretary issues a final decision, expected in Spring 2019.

Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, and Rep. Raúl Labrador all commented on the positive nature of the announcement.

“Today’s announcement confirms Gowen Field is an premier location for operations of the U.S. Air Force’s next generation fighter,” Crapo said. “Our state has a long and proud tradition of supporting our military and contributing to the nation’s defense, and we have the capabilities and air space optimal for an F-35 flying unit. As the Air Force moves ahead with the basing selection process, I look forward to continuing to offer my unwavering support for Idaho’s Air National Guard.”
​
Risch added “I am pleased that Gowen Field is a candidate for the Air Force’s new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Idaho Air National Guard would be a strong choice for the new F-35 due to Idaho’s world class ranges, available airspace for training, and the unparalleled support throughout the community. Idaho has been home to a range of cutting-edge aircraft and I look forward to continuing this tradition.”

Online Source

(BOISE) – The Department of the Air Force announced today that Gowen Field is one of five installations being considered as a potential location to base roughly 18 F-35.

Before a final decision is made by the Air Force, several key steps are required, such as a facility validation inspection and an Environmental Impact Study, which will include a public comment period. 

“Gowen Field being considered for the F-35 is a true testament to the Airmen of the Idaho Air National Guard and the high performance standards of our world class organization,” said Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter.  “Gowen Field has been home to nine different types of fighter aircraft over the past 70 years. We expect the longstanding tradition and culture of flying fighter aircraft to continue.”

The entire decision process could take up to two years.  If selected, the Idaho National Guard may not see the aircraft arrive at Gowen Field until the 2021/2022 timeframe.  However, there are many factors that make determining a precise timeline difficult.

“Now that considerations are narrowed to these five locations, we anticipate an Air Force validation team in the coming months to come assess and validate that our facilities can accommodate the aircraft,” said Maj. Chris Borders, Idaho National Guard spokesperson. “And the Environmental Impact Study is very in-depth, collecting and analyzing data, to include public opinion that will be gathered during town hall meetings, which will be incorporated into the decision-making process.”
​
The F-35 is the premiere fighter aircraft of the U.S. Air Force and has been identified to perform a number of roles, to include close air support- a primary function of the A-10. 

Idaho Statesman​

The recent deployment of Idaho Air National Guard members based at Gowen Field has reinforced that installation’s importance to our community and its role in our national security. The deployment of the 124th Fighter Wing to the Middle East to combat ISIS serves as a stark reminder of the work still to be done to secure a long-term flying mission for Gowen and the men and women stationed there, many of whom are Boiseans.

As you may have heard, the U.S. Air Force plans to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog,” the primary aircraft stationed at Gowen Field. Though Congress continues to oppose retiring the A-10 — praised by both the pilots who fly them and the ground troops they support — it is clear the ground-attack jet will be retired one day. That leaves Gowen Field’s long-term fate unclear, despite its record as an ideal candidate for a new flying mission.

However, we are cautiously optimistic that we have turned the corner in the effort to keep Gowen and its $155 million annual economic impact as a major part of Boise’s future. For example, as part of the assessment of Gowen Field’s mission, the Air Force at one time planned to move its operations and personnel to Mountain Home Air Force Base. Those plans have been abandoned, in no small part due to the efforts of community leaders across our city and state who came together to form Gowen Strong. This group with nearly 2,800 followers helped convince the USAF of this community’s support of the approximately 1,300 Guard members who serve at Gowen.

We fully appreciate concerns some have about a change in mission at Gowen — especially those worried about the potential for more noise if a plane like the ultra-modern F-35 Lightning II is stationed there. As a point of policy, the city of Boise supports a long-term, stand-alone mission for Gowen. But the ultimate decision rests with the Air Force, and its process will include many factors, including the variety of impacts on the community. While some preliminary work has been done on the “what if” noise scenarios, the Air Force’s process for coming to a decision is still in the early stages.

Since Gowen Field was established in the late 1940s, when Jimmy Stewart trained and flew there, its mission has changed as military priorities have evolved. From its first active duty deployment in the Korean War to current efforts in the Middle East, Gowen Field has remained home to an air combat mission for the Idaho Air National Guard and has been the home to nine different fighter aircraft. Now it is time to look to that next mission, and we are committed to ensuring that Gowen Field serves a similar role in the future.

Until a long-term mission for the 124th Fighter Wing at Gowen is secured, my office, along with everyone who has come together to keep Gowen Strong, will continue to make Gowen Field’s case to all who will listen.

Dave Bieter is serving his fourth term as mayor of Boise.

Mayor David Bieter and the City of Boise today renewed support of the community’s military families through its “Our Troops, Our Families” initiative.

The program, reactivated with news of the six-month deployment of the Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing to the Middle East, provides military families with a variety of free family recreational activities at city venues, like swimming pools, Zoo Boise, Idaho Ice World, fire stations and city community centers. 

“These men and women, our neighbors, are leaving their jobs, homes, families and community behind to fight extremism on our behalf,” said Mayor Bieter. “While these tokens of appreciation are small compared to their sacrifice, I believe we have an obligation to these service members and their families to make their separation a little more tolerable. We truly hope they enjoy and take advantage of these events.”

More than 500 members of the 124th Fighter Wing were deployed last month as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led effort to eliminate ISIS and the threat the terrorist group poses to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community.

“In order for the Idaho National Guard to be successful in our mission, we rely on the support from our families and our community,” said Maj. Gen. Gary L. Sayler, Commanding General, Idaho National Guard. “Our personnel must be able to deploy with a focus on the mission, knowing that our families and the home front are in good hands. ‘Our Troops, Our Families’ is key to our mission’s success.  We are truly fortunate to come from a community such as ours; one that continuously supports the mission.  For that we’re very grateful.”

Opportunities for military families include:

• Family Fire Station Saturday (May 14, 1-5 p.m.) - Families are invited to be special guests at Boise Fire Department Station 15 (3676 E. Warm Springs Ave.) and Station 14 (2515 S. Five Mile Road)
  
• Computer Saturday (May 21) – Families can make reservations to bring their computer to experts from the City of Boise’s Information Technology Department for trouble-shooting and repairs. Please call (208) 384-3767 for an appointment. Also, Neurilink, also will have complementary webcams on-hand to allow family member to Skype with their deployed loved ones.
  
• Third Thursday Family Pool Parties (every third Thursday in June, July and August, 6-10 p.m.) – Families are invited to city pools for field games, picnic-style dinner and swimming.
  
• Idaho Ice World (June 18 and Aug. 13, 6-10 p.m.; 7072 S. Eisenman Road) – Family hours are from 6-9 p.m., while youth-drop off is from 6-10 p.m. A dinner reception will be held from 6-7 p.m. and military families will have exclusive use of the rink from 7-9 p.m.
  
• Parents’ Night Out (July 9, 6-10 p.m.) – Parents can drop off their third- to eighth-graders for an evening of supervised activities at the Fort Boise Community Center (700 N. Robbins Road) Dinner, activities, a movie on a big screen and art activities will keep the children busy while parents enjoy an evening break.
  
• Parents’ Day Out (July 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Art camp (8 a.m.-noon), lunch and other activities await third- to eight-graders at Morley Nelson Community Center (7701 W. Northview Street).
  
• Zoo Boise Day (July 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.) - Free admission to all military members, their families, veterans and retirees with a valid military identification or other proof of service.

‘Our Troops, Our Families’ website.

The City of Boise is also looking to partner with local restaurants or catering companies to provide food for military families at these events. To learn more or offer support, please contact Diana Lachiondo, Director of Community Partnerships at dlachiondo@cityofboise.org or (208) 384-4406.

Mayor Bieter called upon the larger community to join the city in finding ways to support military families during the deployment. 

“We must do more,” Mayor Bieter said. “I strongly urge everyone in our community, from local businesses to individuals, to do whatever they can to lend a hand with the military families in their area. Whether it’s volunteering to do the weekly shopping, delivering a prepared meal or just raking your neighbor’s lawn, there are many ways we can repay these families for their service to our nation.”

BY KRISTIN RODINE
krodine@idahostatesman.com

Family members and loved ones whistled and cheered at Boise’s Gowen Field late Tuesday night as eight busloads of troops waved goodbye and shook hands with Idaho Gov. Butch Otter and other officials before boarding chartered aircraft bound for various undisclosed locations.

More than 200 men and women in the Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing deployed late Tuesday night to support combat operations in the Middle East.

They represent “the main body of the deployment,” which over the next few months will have sent more than 500 Idaho Air Guard members overseas, spokesman Maj. Chris Borders said. That’s the Idaho Air Guard’s largest deployment since 2008, when Idaho troops went to Afghanistan, he said.

This time, their destinations — even the route for the chartered Boeing 777 that transported them from Gowen Field to the spot where they will board military aircraft — are secret.

“Our airmen are already trained and ready,” Borders said. “They’re on their way.”

Few details of the mission have been released, except that the 124th will be part of Operation Inherent Resolve. This is the Idaho Air Guard’s first major deployment in the U.S.-led fight against the Islamic State.

Because of the nature of that militant group and the threat it poses, this deployment is being handled with heightened security, Borders said.

The troops headed overseas include pilots, maintenance crews, security officers, medical personnel and support staff. The average deployment will last about 180 days, spokesman Maj. Chris Borders said.

Virtually all units within the 124th Fighter Wing will provide personnel and/or equipment to this effort, Borders said.

The deployment will include the Air Guard’s squadron of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, a fighter jet that has been used extensively against Islamic State militants since last fall.

For Tuesday night’s departure, family members gathered inside a set of concrete barriers across the tarmac from the chartered plane as the airmen strode from bus to plane. A line of some 20 state, local and National Guard officials shook their hands. Some family members held signs, and their cheers and hollers competed with the aircraft engine noise. Media members were assigned their own barrier-lined area about 50 yards away from the families.

The deploying troops spent time with their families at Gowen that evening, then attended a mandatory briefing in a separate building before being taken to the plane.

The fighter wing’s more than 1,000 personnel are mostly part-timers who work in Idaho communities as policemen, firefighters, doctors, office workers and more, Borders said.

This deployment, once complete, will represent about half of the total manpower of the 124th, he said: “That’s what makes this so significant to us.”

http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/military/article71514342.html