US Navy to Upgrade Fighter Jets, Eyeing NAS Lemoore for F-35C

The United States Navy is set to enhance its fleet by transitioning seven squadrons of FA-18E/F Super Hornet jets to the more advanced F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters. This strategic move aims to bolster national security and modernize the Navy’s aerial capabilities.

The Navy is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental effects of this transition. According to Ted Brown, Installations and Environmental Public Affairs Officer, the F-35C is the most advanced aircraft in the Navy’s arsenal. He noted, “The Air Force has their variant, the F-35A, and the Marine Corps has their variant, the F-35B, and all of these aircraft are basically being deployed all over the world right now.”

Transition Details and Locations

The proposed transition involves a total of 70 new F-35C jets, which would be based out of either Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach or NAS Lemoore in California. Currently, Lemoore is home to several F-35C aircraft, making it a strong candidate for the new squadrons. Should Lemoore be selected, Brown explained that the existing FA-18 Super Hornet aircraft would move to NAS Oceana, allowing NAS Lemoore to host all F-35C aircraft. If not, the new jets will be distributed across both coasts.

The home basing process is expected to take approximately ten years, beginning in 2029, and will require upgrades to the chosen facility. As the transition progresses, the FA-18 Super Hornets will be phased out in favor of the F-35Cs, known for their stealth capabilities and advanced technologies.

Importance of the F-35C and Community Engagement

This transition is critical for enhancing the Navy’s operational effectiveness and ensuring that modern aircraft are deployed on aircraft carriers worldwide. Brown emphasized, “This is very important to our national security, to have modern, very advanced aircraft… to protect the U.S. national interests.”

Captain Barrett Smith, Commodore of the NAS Lemoore Joint Strike Fighter Wing, echoed this sentiment in a statement: “Regardless of the outcome of the EIS study, NAS Lemoore is proud to serve as the home of the Navy’s F-35C community. The men and women who fly, maintain, and support this aircraft stand at the forefront of America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and a secure global maritime domain.” He added that the F-35C is “more than an aircraft – it is the cornerstone of the Navy’s 5th-generation air power and a critical investment in the security of our nation and its allies for decades to come.”

The Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be completed by 2027. Public comments on the proposal are currently being accepted for a 30-day period, which will be open until January 4, 2026. The final decision regarding the transition will be made by the U.S. Navy Secretary.

For further information or to leave a comment regarding the project, interested parties can access additional resources provided by the Navy.