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Nearly 10,000 back Luke AFB as F-35 site

Nearly 10,000 people have registered their backing for the new F-35 training mission to come to Luke Air Force Base since a statewide support campaign was launched in October.

The Luke Forward Campaign aims to generate public awareness of the positive impact the next generation of jets will bring to Arizona.

Luke Forward organizers originally set a goal of 5,000 registered supporters by the end of the year.

The campaign was developed by the West Valley Partners and Fighter Country Partnership.

Fighter Country Partnership also received a $55,000 grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation. The money will be used for the Luke Airman’s Fund, expand the base’s community education program and provide critical upgrades to the base’s information technology.

Luke Air Force Base is one of five candidates in the running to train F-35 pilots.

Supporters say the Joint Strike Fighter program is needed to ensure Luke’s future as it phases out its F-16s. The base pumps $2 billion a year into Arizona’s economy.

The Air Force is expected to announce its F-35 preferred basing locations in late spring 2010 and release the draft environmental impact statement. Final base decision expected in early 2011.