Congress approves $141M for Fort Smith foreign pilot training center
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith is set to receive $141 million in new investments after receiving Congressional approval on Monday, officials announced.
The funding was secured through the efforts of Sen. John Boozman, Sen. Tom Cotton and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, according to a news release from Boozman's office.
'This funding represents another critical step forward for Ebbing and the foreign pilot training center in the River Valley,' Boozman and Cotton said in the release. 'The FMS mission is not only tremendously beneficial for Fort Smith, the region and our state –– it is also a vital component of our national security strategy. The Arkansas congressional delegation will continue ensuring it has the resources necessary to successfully host our allies and partners to help defend our nation and interests.'
188th Security Forces Squadron, Fort Smith PD announce enhanced partnership
In March 2023, it was announced that Ebbing was selected by the United States Air Force to be a long-term training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
'I'm proud to have worked alongside my friends and colleagues, Sens. Boozman and Cotton, to secure funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base in this challenging year,' Womack said in a statement. 'The F-35 FMS mission enhances our national security by improving the capabilities of our allies and partners while also delivering meaningful benefits to the surrounding Fort Smith community. I look forward to seeing this mission continue to grow.'
The release said the funding will support the construction of an Academic Training Center, F-35 bay aircraft maintenance hangar and F-35 squad operations mission planning facility, along with the design of future projects on base.
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