Natural State News

The acting Secretary of the Air Force John Roth has selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith for a long-term pilot training center of F-16 and F-35 fighter planes.

The base will house and train pilots for F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased from Singapore, Switzerland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales program, Talk Business & Politics reported. 

"This decision strengthens AR’s role in our national defense. Proud that @usairforce and Singapore recognize what we’ve known all along: Fort Smith is the ideal location for this mission. Thanks to the tireless efforts of many, this is a win for the community and the entire state," GOP Sen. John Boozman wrote in a tweet.

Other finalist for the location included Hulman Field (Indiana), Buckley Air Force Base (Colorado), Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (Texas) and Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Michigan), Talk Business & Politics reported. 

After the Air Force conducted a survey done virtually of each site, the new Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith was selected. 

The training center could bring about $1 billion economically to the Fort Smith metro community, according to the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“This is an absolute game-changer for Fort Smith,” Tim Allen, chamber president and CEO, said in a statement, as reported by Talk Business & Politics. 

“The selection process was extremely rigorous. The months-long, meticulous, behind-the-scenes effort between the congressional delegation, Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s office, the city and the Chamber positioned us perfectly to secure this project. Welcoming this new mission, these families, and the talented military team that will be making their new home here, will mean wave after wave of economic growth for the area for years to come.”

The decision was likely to be based on objective military factors rather than politics Former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James told Talk Business & Politics in early April.