(WXYZ) — Michigan's Selfridge Air National Guard Base was not selected as a base for the F-35A Lightning II aircraft, the Department of the Air Force announced.
"Sadly, Selfridge Air National Guard Base was not selected as one of those locations," said Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen, who serves as the 127th Wing and Selfridge Base Commander. "However, the base is well postured for future rounds of consideration for F-35 basing."
The two original preferred locations – Truax Field in Wisconsin and Dannelly Field in Alabama, will base the F-35A Lighning II during this round.
Selfridge was one of three additional bases there were identifed as reasonable alternatives.
"While this isn't the news we were hoping for, it's not unexpected as
Selfridge was not originally considered a preferred location when this
process began nearly three years ago," said Mammen.
This is not Selfridge's last opportunity to transition to the F-35, there
will be additional rounds of F-35 basing in the future. While F-35's will
eventually replace many fourth generation aircraft, there is a continued
need to fly a mix of aircraft into the 2040s.
"I am convinced that it is the Citizen-Airmen of the 127th Wing and the Michigan Air National Guard, along with our outstanding community support, that will keep Selfridge competitive when the next round of F-35 basing opportunities are presented," said Mammen. "We have been in the fighter business for decades and will continue to be as we focus on the future and our next 100 years."
“We are disappointed at the news that Selfridge Air National Guard Base was not selected as an F-35 base," Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller said. "For those of us who personally know the Airmen, the base and the leadership team in place at Selfridge, we are confident that the base is well positioned to be selected for the next round of F-35 basing or other critical future missions.”
