As the United States Air Force considers basing F-35 fighter jets at the 177th Fighter Wing in Atlantic City, a measure (AJR-116) to express support for the Air Force to choose Atlantic City to base the jets received final legislative approval on Monday, passing the full Assembly by a vote of 73-0-1. The bill was approved by the Senate in December 2018, 40-0.
The measure’s sponsors, Assemblymen John Armato, Vince Mazzeo (both D-Atlantic) and Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex), released the following statements:
Assemblyman John Armato: “The 177th Fighter Wing has the strength, expertise and resources to house the F-35 fighter jets. The facilities have already been designed to accommodate the jets, and the 177th has vast experience in homeland defense and air-to-ground missions. The 177th stands ready to take on this enormous responsibility.”
Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo: “Atlantic City is situated between New York City and Washington D.C., making it an ideal location for the Air Force to keep these jets. The 177th Fighter Wing plays a vitally important role in aerospace missions, and the addition of the F-35 fighter jets is sure bring more opportunities to the base.”
Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo: “The 177th Fighter Wing is a premier Air National Guard facility. With the addition of the F-35 fighter jets, the 177th will be able to boost its standing as a critical asset in national security missions. We in New Jersey would be proud to see our Air National Guard selected to carry out this important duty.”