Arizona's Luke Air Force Base gets F-35 mission
Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - The Department of Defense has chosen Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz., for the new pilot training center for the F-35 fighter jets.
The 71-year-old base west of Phoenix was competing with bases in Tucson, New Mexico and Idaho for the F-35 mission.
Glendale officials said the Air Force will station 72 F-35s at Luke for the training of both U.S. and foreign pilots.
Air Force officials said in a statement that Luke was chosen because of facility and ramp capacity, range access, weather, as well as capacity for future growth.
Arizona leaders had lobbied for the F-35s to ensure Luke's economic vitality with a strong mission as the F-16s used for training have been drawn down.
Glendale officials said Luke could receive up to $125 million in federal funds for construction-related projects.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.