In the 2023 FMS PTC EIS, the DAF analyzed two locations in the continental United States for consolidated FMS F-35 training: Ebbing ANG Base, Arkansas and Selfridge ANG Base, Michigan. Additionally, the 2023 FMS PTC EIS addressed the relocation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16 unit from Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona due to capacity limitations at Luke AFB and to meet the RSAF’s request to co-locate their F-35 and F-16 operations. The 2023 FMS PTC EIS considered new infrastructure construction, renovation of existing infrastructure, and personnel increases to support 24 FMS F-35 and 12 RSAF F-16 aircraft. On March 11, 2023, the DAF signed the Record of Decision (ROD) selecting Ebbing ANG Base as the location to establish the FMS F-35 PTC beddown for up to 24 F-35s from various foreign nation partners and to relocate 12 RSAF F-16s from Luke AFB. The first FMS F-35 aircraft arrival and training began in late 2024.

Since the signing of the 2023 FMS PTC EIS ROD, new training requirements have emerged due to additional FMS purchases of F-35 aircraft, including operations that incorporate the F-35B’s Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities. Consequently, the Proposed Action in this SEIS, includes increasing aircraft capacity at Ebbing ANG Base from 24 to 36 F-35 PAA, revising training requirements, expanding the footprint of the PTC through land acquisition, constructing new infrastructure, renovating existing infrastructure, and increasing personnel.

The DAF is the lead agency for the SEIS while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United States Forest Service (USFS) are acting as Cooperating Agencies. FAA also served as a Cooperating Agency for the 2023 FMS PTC EIS.