Boozman noted the recent graduation of the first two pilots as part of the F-35 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission, now hosted in Fort Smith at Ebbing, and how the milestone reflects the growing importance of training our allies on U.S. platforms and systems. 

“We’ve discussed the critical role the F-35 FMS training mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base plays not only in maintaining our air superiority but also in strengthening alliances,” Boozman said. “[There is] excitement [among] our allies [in] having this type of plane.”

“I think the training – training with international partners – that’s stuff that helps forever. I think it’s a combination of simplifying FMS so it allows them to get the platforms, and then allowing them to train with us on the platforms, is one of the best ways to get integrated effects between us and our international partners,” Meink stated.

“If we’re selling them the best equipment, you want them to be trained by the best. So we want to be able to do that at Ebbing,” Allvin added.

The senator also noted an announcement about the Air Force’s Deployable Combat Wing concept and the change it represents with how the service seeks to ensure readiness upon deployment. 

“Earlier this year the Air Force announced that Little Rock Air Force Base and four other installations were selected as the first tranche of the Deployable Combat Wing initiative. Can you talk about what that means?” Boozman asked.

“The Deployable Combat Wing allows us to move away from a pattern we’ve had over the past few decades in which we crowdsource airmen from across our Air Force, put them together, and then put them over in the theater. I can’t in good conscience continue to send airmen over that are trained as individuals, and not trained as units, to fight as units and understand the new complexities of the strategic environment,” Allvin responded. “I think we’re going to see not only an impact on fighting effectiveness, but also morale. Units that train together have a common esprit de corps that I think is pushing that warrior ethos we’re trying to enhance.”

According to the Air Force, the installations selected will see growth in the population of assigned airmen to ensure adequate staffing for accomplishing their missions.

“We have an increase in airmen that will make sure when that entire wing picks up and goes, that the base is still supported,” Allvin confirmed.

Boozman again echoed his and his colleagues’ ongoing concerns with the impact that temporary funding and authorities – in the form of continuing resolutions – have on military missions and commitments.

He also reiterated his desire to work with the Air Force and Department of Defense to pursue legislative solutions for combating the threat of armed drones to U.S. military installations and assets.