Posted: Feb 22, 2012 9:56 PM
Updated: Feb 23, 2012 3:18 AM
TUCSON - The sound of freedom or a huge headache? The roar of jet engines overhead could get a lot louder as the Air Force eyes Tucson International Airport for a squadron of F-35's.
The F-35's meant to replace all other U.S. Fighters, like the F-16 and A-10.
Lockheed-Martin makes three models with vertical takeoff, and carrier, variations. Each jet costs between $45 and $60 million.
Wednesday night was the first hearing in Tucson. Tuesday night around 20 people showed up in Sierra Vista in overwhelming support of the F-35. It was more split in Tucson.
There were around 100 people in attendance and about an equal showing of those who are for and against the jets.
Those against say the planes are loud and question their safety, but those in favor say it could be a great thing for Tucson's economy.
Major Gabe Johnson the public affairs officer for the 162nd Fighter Wing said, "The F-35 coming to Tucson International Airport would sustain the Air National Guard's economic impact which is currently in the neighborhood of $280 million a year."
Rita Ornelas who is against the F-35's coming to Tucson said, "I do believe this plane needs to be in training somewhere, but not in Tucson."
"If we get the F-35 we get upgrades to our international airport," said one man in support of the jets.
"Robin Gomez doesn't want to see the F-35 in Tucson. He said, "It's very noisy. It's twice as loud as the F-16."
"Being an ex-fighter pilot myself, jet noise is really the sound of freedom," said Jim Langston who is in favor of the F-35's.
Luke Air Force Base in Glendale is the preferred spot for the F-35's.
There will be another public meeting Thursday at the Tucson Jewish Community Center from 5:00 p.m. To 8 p.m.
The public has until March 14th to submit written comments.
For more information go to http://www.f-35atrainingeis.com/
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