U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined One Nation with Brian Kilmeade to discuss the issue of illegal immigrant crime and the extent of Communist China’s influence in the United States. See below for highlights and watch the full interview on YouTube and Rumble. On...
The welding, automotive, aviation maintenance, submarine, shipbuilding, and other defense-related trade industries are facing a workforce shortage. Many service members and veterans possess the skills to excel in trade jobs benefiting the defense industrial base...
The United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with Canada and Mexico. Miami was chosen as one of the host cities to hold matches, with additional Florida cities serving as base camps for the competing national teams. The increased tourism activity across...
Oropouche virus is a disease spread to humans by mosquitoes and biting midges that can cause neurological effects and devastating effects on unborn babies. Recent surveillance data reports approximately 40 travel-associated cases of oropouche, in Florida, from...
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, is a bipartisan commission that monitors and reports on international religious freedom. The commission’s authorization is currently...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host in-person Mobile Office Hours next week to assist constituents with federal casework issues in their respective local communities. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of Senator Rubio’s...
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Michael Waltz (R-FL), and Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), wrote to the Acting Secretary of the Air Force requesting that Air National Guard Installations currently operating older F-15 Eagles be considered for the next series of F-35 basing decisions. The Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing is the ideal location to base a fifth-generation fighter squadron for the Guard.
In the letter, the members wrote, “it is critical that the aircraft operated by the 125th is recapitalized with the most capable fighters.” Currently, the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing flies the F-15 C/D Eagles, which the members noted have sustainment challenges.
El full text of the letter .
Dear Acting Secretary Donovan:
As the Air Force develops the enterprise definition for F-35 Operational Locations 9-11, we write to respectfully urge you to include Air National Guard installations that operate F-15 C/D Eagles. Recently, Dr. Roper testified before the House Armed Services Committee that more than two thirds of the F-15 C fleet is past its service life. This reality, coupled with the recent maintenance and sustainment challenges resulting in the grounding of many F-15Cs, requires a quick recapitalization to support our national defense.
A Florida installation would be an ideal home for these aircraft, their mission, and the personnel who will operate and maintain them. As you know, the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing currently flies the F-15 C/D Eagles and is critical to the air defense mission for the southeastern United States. Because of its strategic location and access to unparalleled training infrastructure and airspace, including direct access to overwater operating areas without land overflight, the 125th is one of our nation’s premiere homeland defense wings. As we see increased threats from adversaries, it is critical that the aircraft operated by the 125th is recapitalized with the most capable fighters.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s mission is to provide complete battlespace domination in the form of electronic attack; air-to-surface stealth; air-to-air supremacy; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance world-wide in support of national defense objectives; in conjunction with other airborne assets within the Air Force inventory; some of which already reside in Florida. Basing these aircraft systems in close proximity will optimize training and operations efficiencies. Additionally, the 125th Fighter Wing has twice been a finalist for F-35 basing. The City of Jacksonville and the State of Florida have a long history of supporting our installations, including unmatched quality of life and reduced encroachment issues.
With increased procurement from Congress, and the increased F-15C sustainment challenges, we believe the Air Force will understand the urgent requirement to equip the 125th Fighter Wing with the most capable fifth-generation fighter. We look forward to the Air Force executing its strategic basing process and standby to assist in any way.
Atentamente,