Landing the F-35 in NJ

The best place in America is at the 177th Fighter Wing in Atlantic County.

Our Mission

Landing the F-35 in NJ Coalition is committed to bedding the F-35A Lightning II at the the 177th Fighter Wing (FW), stationed at Atlantic City Air National Guard (ANG) Base, New Jersey.

The F-35 belongs at the 177th Fighter Wing in Atlantic County New Jersey because of its unparalleled strategic location. Bedding the F-35 at the 177th FW will allow the United States Air Force to maintain its air dominance capabilities and allow service members to conduct their missions while protecting the country’s most vital governmental and economic regions.

Why is the 177th Figher Wing the best place in America to base the F-35A?

Strategic Location

The 177th FW is strategically located between New York City and Washington D.C., an area that accounts for almost one-third of the nation’s population. It is the ideal location to put the most advanced weaponry to combat any challenging threats to our country’s most targeted cities.

Outstanding Track Record

The 177th FW has a strong record of worldwide deployment with tasking in Iraq 2010, Afghanistan 2012, Korea 2014, and Korea 2017. It was also named 2019 Outstanding F-16 Alert Unite of the Year.

Low Cost Transition

Minimal investment is required to make the 177th FW operation to accept the F-35. Newer facilities at the installation have already been designed to meet the needs of the F-35, and its older facilities require only limited modifications to become 5th Generation capable. The base also has a recently constructed air support operations squadron building ready for F-35 air-to-ground integration.

Highly Supportive Community

There is widespread support for basing the F-35s at the 177th FW. Landing the F-35 in New Jersey Coalition has received tremendous support from the public and private sectors.

Impact to Local Economy Annually

The 177th FW currently adds an estimated $109.6M to the New Jersey Economy, supporting approximately 3,000 jobs, generating $165.3M in wealth. The basing of the F-35 will increase the full-time workforce and further stimulate the economy.

Proximity to the William J. Hughes Technical Center

The 177th FW, the William J. Hughes Technical Center, the National Aviation Research & Technology Park, and the Atlantic City Airport are intricately linked and benefit from their proximity to each other, which would further increase the F-35’s economic impact mission in the state of New Jersey.

About the 177th FW

The 177th Fighter Wing, known as the Jersey Devils, is located at Atlantic City International Airport, in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. This Air National Guard Unit has has been protecting America’s skies at this location since 1958.

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Community Impact

Participate in programs that add value to our communities. Our Community Role is supported by the following 177th Fighter Wing Core Competencies and Responsibilities:
– Environmental Stewardship
– Positive Role Model Support
– Patriotic Encouragement
– Valued-Added Event Sponsorship and Participation
– Opportunity and Educational Gateway

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Airmen Assigned

Operating Budget (millions)

Economic Impact (millions)

FAQs

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With such a vital mission at stake, defending our nation's most vital government and economic regions, the Wing must be considered for an upgrade to the newest technology and perform available — the F-35s.

– Congressman Donald Norcross, August 2019

“Despite its coverage of two of the nation’s largest cities (New York City and Washington D.C.) and a wide swath of Atlantic coast, this is an F-16 Squadron. It was passed over for the newer F-35 jets that have been deployed elsewhere. This vital upgrade should be expedited, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that this facility gets what it needs

– Congressman Jeff Van Drew

The 177th Fighter Wing is ready to go on active alert at all times to support the East Coast's air defense in the event of a threat. What better location to place these stealth multirole jets than a base that is always ready to protect our country at a moment's notice?

– Assemblyman John Armato

It is our hope the Air Force will realize the benefits of choosing the 177th as the base for these jets, including the fact that it is located practically equidistant from two major U.S. cities – Washington, D.C. and New York City.

– Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo

The hard-working and highly trained members of the Air National Guard stationed at the 177th are ready and able to handle the responsibilities of housing these jets at their base. Bringing the F-35's to Atlantic County would help ensure a robust presence of the Department of Defense in our state for decades to come.

– Assemblyman Joe Danielson

We always thank our women and men in uniform and the civilians that work alongside them for their service in defending our freedom and security. But, we also must thank them for keeping our communities strong and vibrant. And, working together with our military partners, we intend to keep them as a vital part of our communities, too.

– Joint Statement from Governor Phil Murphy and Congressman Donald Norcross

F-35A Videos

Latest News

Lockheed Martin’s Greg Ulmer Provides F-35 Update to HASC

by Michael Chait | Apr 25, 2021

Greg Ulmer, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics participated in a House Armed Services Committee (HASC) joint Readiness & Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittee hearing on April 22 related to the F-35 program. The hearing consisted of two...

The F-35 is Combat Ready and Combat Proven

by Michael Chait | Apr 25, 2021

Did you know the F-35 is proven in combat with six services having employed the aircraft in combat operations or NATO missions? Highlighted below are some of the ways the F-35 is delivering impressive results for the warfighter today. The U.S. Air Force’s 34th Fighter...

U.S. Air Force: F-35 is the ‘Cornerstone,’ ‘Core’ Airplane

by Michael Chait | Mar 16, 2021

Senior U.S. Air Force leaders recently reemphasized their support for the F-35, calling the 5th Generation fighter the “cornerstone” of the Air Force’s tactical capability. The remarks were intended to clarify recent erroneous media coverage claiming that the “Air...