The Air Force has selected NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, as the preferred location for the first Air Force Reserve F-35 base. The base is slated to begin receiving its strike fighters in the mid-2020s. “We selected the Air Force Reserve unit in Fort Worth because it is the location that meets all of the necessary training requirements at the lowest cost,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James in a Jan. 12 release. “Additionally, the location will provide mission synergy and access to an experienced workforce for recruiting as a result of its proximity to the F-35 manufacturing plant,” which also is based in Fort Worth. Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Homestead ARB, Fla.; and Whiteman AFB, Mo.; are the reasonable alternative sites. The Air Force also is continuing with site surveys at Dannelly Field AGS, Ala.; Gowen Field AGS, Idaho; Jacksonville AGS, Fla.; Selfridge ANGS, Mich.; and Truax AGS, Wis.; as potential sites for the next two Air National Guard-led F-35 bases, states the release. USAF expects to release the preferred and reasonable alternatives for the Guard bases this summer. F-35As also will begin arriving at the second and third Guard bases in the mid-2020s. The service also has selected Hill AFB, Utah; RAF Lakenheath, UK; and Eielson AFB, Alaska, as the first Active Duty-led F-35A bases. Burlington AGS, Vt., was selected as the first Air National Guard F-35A base.
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
