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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Betsy Hart, 202-226-8555

AIR FORCE LONG-TERM STRATEGIC ROADMAP
INCLUDES ELLSWORTH, JOE FOSS FIELD

Herseth Sandlin: Inclusion of SD Bases Reflects their Premier Facilities and Value to National Defense

Washington, D.C., January 14, 2008 – Today, the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, released his strategic “roadmap,” a long term plan to ensure that the Air Force has the capabilities, facilities and weaponry it needs to meet threats to national security in the 21st century.

The roadmap outlines next-generation weapon systems and potential installations in United States and U.S. territories, naming Joe Foss Field as a possible location for the F-35A Lightning II and Ellsworth AFB as a possible location for the Next-Generation Bomber.

Herseth Sandlin said, “The Air Force roadmap confirms what we already know about Ellsworth and Joe Foss Field: they are premier facilities that hold great value to the future of the Air Force and to our overall national defense. In several previous conflicts, as well as ongoing missions, the South Dakota Air National Guard and Ellsworth Air Force Base have played a critical role in ensuring the security of our nation. As the Air Force works to modernize its fleet, I will continue advocating for our world-class facilities in South Dakota as prime candidates to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Air Force.”

Herseth Sandlin noted that while inclusion on the roadmap does not guarantee that the F-35A will be brought to Sioux Falls or the Next-Generation bomber will be located at Ellsworth, it does indicate that both bases will be considered as potential locations. According to the Air Force, installations that meet preliminary objective requirements will then undergo thorough environmental studies. The findings of these environmental studies, which will be conducted over the next several years, will determine the final beddown plan and phasing.

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.