WASHINGTON, April 4 – The Secretary of the Air Force on Monday announced that the new F-35A Lightning II fighter will be stationed in Burlington in the Summer of 2019, several months earlier than expected.  Vermont’s congressional delegation – Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch – issued the following joint statement after the announcement:

“According to the Air Force, their decision to slightly advance the timetable for basing in Burlington was driven by the need to train maintenance personnel and the tight restrictions on military construction. This decision takes advantage of the investment in personnel and facilities that we have long cultivated in Burlington and is a further vote of confidence in the skill, experience and superb reputation of the Vermont Air National Guard. 

“We continue to support the work of the Vermont Air National Guard and appreciate their work with airport neighbors to address concerns about noise.  The continued presence and national leadership of the Green Mountain Boys is a civic and financial benefit to our communities, our state and our leading airport and its facilities.”