Continue to support Marine aviation here

Continue to support Marine aviation here
Published Sun, Feb 22, 2009 12:00 AM

In 2005, the presence of Marine aviation in the Lowcountry almost came to an end as Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort was one of the last two Marine installations considered for closure by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission .

In the end, the availability of more than 52,000 square miles of sanitized over-water airspace and the community's steadfast commitment to encroachment protection saved the base and its more than $561 million in direct economic impact in 2008.

Now those efforts are bearing fruit as the Department of the Navy examines the potential environmental impact of bringing the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter to Beaufort -- a substantial commitment to the base that will ensure its long-term role in the defense of our nation.

On Feb. 3, 147 of our neighbors attended an informational town hall meeting in Beaufort to discuss the introduction of the F-35B here and the overwhelming response we received was positive and supportive of the program.

To learn more about the alternatives being considered for the introduction of the F-35B in Beaufort, or to track the progress of the program, please visit www.usmcjsfeast.com.

In an economy such as this, it is important that we continue to work together to ensure our collective economic vitality. Thank you for your continued support of our Marines, sailors and their families.

Maj. James D. Jarvis

Public affairs director

MCAS Beaufort

Ellie