The Vermont National Guard announced Tuesday that the controversial F-35 fighter jet will be based at Burlington International Airport.
The decision from the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force comes after years of intense debate, with proponents saying the jet will keep the Vermont Air National Guard going, and opponents arguing that increased noise from the F-35 poses a risk to public health.
Adjutant General of the State of Vermont Steve Cray spoke with VPR’s Neal Charnoff about the decision.
“I wasn’t surprised. I’ve believed for a number of years now that Vermont was the right choice for the United States Air Force to base the F-35s,” Cray said.
Cray said that the decision won’t necessarily add jobs. The Air Force will base 18 of the fighter jets in Burlington, the same number of F-16s currently at the airport. But he said that’s good news for the Vermont National Guard.
“What it does, though, is secure the mission of the Vermont Air National Guard,” said Cray.
Cray acknowledges F-35 opponents and said the Guard will continue to work with Burlington and surrounding communities.
“We live in the community, so we want to be good neighbors,” said Cray. “It’s to our advantage to work with those communities.”
