Eglin to temporarily host Navy backup F-35C fleet, replace RW 12/30 arresting barriers

  • Published
  • By Team Eglin Public Affairs
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force recently signed an Addendum to the Eglin Base Realignment and Closure 2014 record of decision for two temporary actions - shifting the primary runway to Runway 01/19 (RW 01/19) and allowing a temporary increase in previously limited F-35 operations for the construction-related closure of Runway 12/30, and the Department of the Navy's proposal to add 15 backup aircraft inventory (BAI) F-35C aircraft at Eglin AFB.   

Both actions will commence by May 1, 2015, with completion of runway construction anticipated no later than August and departure of the additional Navy aircraft anticipated by December 2017.

"Closing Runway 12/30 may slightly increase noise over Valparaiso for a few months. However, we will take every possible action to mitigate noise, including directing departures south, away from Valparaiso, when conditions allow," said Mark Pohlmeier, acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations. "No additional flight operations from those analyzed in the No Action Alternative in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement will occur because of the addition of the Navy aircraft."

In the first action, Eglin's Runway 12/30 will be upgraded by replacing the outdated BAK-9 arresting barrier system to the MB-100 textile brake system. Each end of the runway will take approximately 45 days to complete replacement of the barriers. During this time, Runway 01/19, the north/south runway, will be the primary runway for all air traffic with measures taken to minimize noise impacts to the greatest extent possible.

Eglin will also become a temporary host to 15 Navy BAI F-35C aircraft starting in May. The 15 aircraft will relocate to Naval Air Station Lemoore in up to three years after required construction is completed, and will only be operated at Eglin when necessary to backfill one of the Navy's 15 primary aircraft assigned already at the base.

"We have a great partnership with the Navy's VFA-101, and this is an opportunity for us to help our teammates without adversely impacting the local community, whose support is so important to us here at Eglin," said Col. Monte Cannon, vice commander of the 96th Test Wing. "These additional aircraft will ensure that the Navy can bring this incredible combat capability online as efficiently as possible."

The Navy defines BAI as aircraft over and above the primary aircraft assigned to permit scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, modifications, inspections and repair without reduction of aircraft available for operational missions. Under the plan, the maximum number of F-35C aircraft at Eglin AFB will not exceed 30, to include both primary and backup aircraft.