Environmental Impact Statement for the
F-35A Beddown at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Summary of the Proposed Action
The F-35A beddown program is closely synchronized with the planned retirement of A-10C aircraft. The beddown of F-35A aircraft would increase combat capability and mission readiness as part of the Department of Defense’s initiative to modernize an aging aircraft fleet facing obsolescence and that cannot fully meet the enhanced capabilities required of future challenges in a changing global security environment. The F-35A aircraft operations at the Moody AFB airfield and training operations in special use airspace would replace and expand upon those operations currently conducted by the A-10C aircraft being retired from Moody AFB. There would be an increase of 165 personnel to support the two F-35A squadrons over the current baseline personnel requirement. New facilities and infrastructure would be constructed, modified, and renovated at Moody AFB to support the two F-35A squadrons’ operations.
.jpg)
Figure 1. Location of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
Figure 2. Moody Airspace Complex and Visual Route-1066
Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to expand DAF’s fifth-generation operational fighter fleet, including the F-35A aircraft, and beddown two F-35A squadrons at a current Active Duty operational A-10 Installation not already provisionally identified for mission recapitalization. The Proposed Action is needed to maintain combat capability and mission readiness of existing fighter squadrons following the scheduled divestment of A-10C aircraft.
No Action Alternative
The No Action Alternative would not beddown F-35A aircraft at Moody AFB. No proposed F-35A mission activities (i.e., aircraft operations at the airfield or in the SUA, facility and infrastructure projects, and personnel changes) would occur at Moody AFB. Under the No Action Alternative, the planned divestment of the A-10C aircraft based at Moody AFB would occur and the 74th Fighter Squadron and 75th Fighter Squadron would be deactivated. The divestment of A-10C aircraft includes reductions in associated personnel, airfield operations, and airspace and range use.