The U.S. Navy is eyeing plans to potentially transition seven FA-18E/F squadrons from Naval Air Station Lemoore in favor of the Navy’s most advanced fighter jet: the F-35C Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter.
The Navy is exploring one other option, NAS Oceana in Virginia.
Driving the news: The Navy released its initial plans to conduct and Environmental Impact Study on the transition, kicking off a 30-day public scoping period will begin Dec. 5, 2025, and end Jan. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
- During this time, the Navy is seeking public input on the scope of the EIS, potential alternatives, and possible impacts of the transition. The public is also encouraged to submit comments identifying historic properties that could be affected, in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
- Comments can be submitted electronically via the project website, or by mail, postmarked no later than Jan. 4, 2026, to:
- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
Atlantic Attn: EV21JB, F-35C EIS Project Manager
6506 Hampton Blvd, Building A
Norfolk, VA 23508
What they’re saying: “Regardless of the outcome of the EIS study, NAS Lemoore is proud to serve as the home of the Navy’s F-35C community,” Capt. Barrett Smith, commodore of the Joint Strike Fighter Wing told KMPH Fox 26. “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.”
