ID HJM009

The Idaho Legislature encourages the U.S. Air Force, the Administration, and Congress to thoroughly evaluate basing a squadron of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho.

Gowen Field is the only finalist for F-35 basing in the western United States among five total finalists selected by the U.S. Air Force for two sites.

Gowen Field possesses the necessary facilities, infrastructure, airspace, climate, skilled personnel, and private-sector industry support required to effectively support F-35 aircraft operations.

The Idaho Air National Guard's existing A-10 aircraft flying mission faces possible elimination, and loss of a flying mission at Gowen Field would materially damage the economies of Boise, southwestern Idaho, and the entire state by eliminating thousands of military and civilian jobs.

The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to forward a copy of this memorial to the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Air Force, Congress leadership, and Idaho's congressional delegation.