Members of New Mexico congressional delegation seek F-16s for air base

By

The Associated Press

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 314th Fighter Squadron taxis toward its new home in the hangars at Holloman Air Force base, N.M., June 16, 2015. The 308th Fighter Squadron and their F-16s have moved their base of operations to Holloman as a tenant unit, along with other squadrons from the 54th Fighter Group. The 54th Fighter Group will be activating the 314th Fighter Squadron with the 12 F-16s that has been transferred to Holloman. In March of 2014, the 54th Fighter Group was activated at Holloman, The 314th FS is the second squadron to transfer from Luke. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chase Cannon/Released)

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — A bipartisan contingent of the state’s congressional delegation is urging the federal government to relocate F-16 squadrons to Holloman Air Force Base and expand training efforts at the southern New Mexico post.

Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and Rep. Steve Pearce are asking U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff General David Goldfein for a meeting to discuss Holloman.

The Air Force plans to move F-16s from Hill Air Force Base in Utah to make room for new F-35s.

The elected officials say relocating the fighter aircraft to New Mexico would benefit the F-16 pipeline given that Holloman has unmatched restricted airspace, quality infrastructure, good weather and a welcoming community.

The lawmakers say the Air Force is planning a formal assessment of Holloman this fall.

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