Representatives of the Massachusetts Air National Guard apparently got an earful at the July 11 public meeting on its plan to lower the level at which fighter aircraft can fly training missions over western Maine. The Kennebec Journal reports that residents of Franklin County in Maine “expressed sound opposition” to the proposal. It still must pass muster with the FAA, too, after the Air Guard completes a required environmental assessment. The Massachusetts ANG’s 102nd Fighter Wing has the lead, but ANG units in New York and Vermont use the airspace, as well.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…