Forums gather information on impact of F-35s at Luke AFB

West Valley residents concerned about the future of Luke Air Force Base and the effects a new mission for the military facility will have on surrounding communities will have an opportunity to speak and learn more during five public meetings next month.

Luke is one of five bases on a short list to train pilots on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the next generation of fighter jets. Luke is the largest F-16 training facility in the world, pumping $2.17 billion yearly into the state’s economy, but the F-35 will eventually replace the Air Force’s fleet of F-16s, and the Glendale base is vying to become home to the next phase of aircraft.

While support for the new mission in the West Valley is strong, El Mirage has concerns about the noise that could emanate from the F-35s.

The upcoming meetings are part of the Environment Impact Statement process, which is required by federal law whenever a mission or aircraft change is proposed at a military base.

The purpose of the public process is to actively involve citizens and government agencies in helping identify the "scope" of the issues to be addressed during the environmental analysis at Luke.

These meetings will provide citizens with an introduction to the F-35, its capabilities and mission, officials said. Specific information on how the F-35 will be integrated at Luke as a training facility will also be covered.

The Air Force is expected to make a final decision in early 2011. If Luke is chosen, delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2013. For information on Luke and the F-35, go to www.lukeforward.com

The meetings, all of which run from 6-8 p.m., and locations are:

Feb. 22 — Gila Bend Unified School District, 308 N. Martin Ave.

Feb. 23 — RC Roberts Memorial Bldg., Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort, 11201 N. El Mirage Road, El Mirage.

Feb. 24 — Communiversity @ Surprise, 15850 W. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise.

Feb. 25 — Wickenburg High School Media Center, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg.

Feb. 26 — Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.