Press Release: Legislature Urges Raptors to Land at EAFB

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Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-2095
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Anchorage, AK 99501-2133
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For Immediate Release:	February 23, 2001
Contact:	Senator Loren Leman at (907) 465-2095

(JUNEAU) - The House unanimously approved a resolution Friday that encourages the Air Force to base some of its new F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

The F-22 is expected to be the dominant fighter in the world for the next three decades, according to the Air Force. Designed to replace the aging F-15 aircraft, the Raptor combines low-range observation, supercruise capability, increased range, and enhanced offensive and defensive avionics to give its pilots first-look, first-shot, and first-kill capability against enemy aircraft. The F-22 is being developed to counter lethal threats posed by advanced surface-to-air missile systems and next-generation fighters equipped with launch-and-leave missiles.

"Basing the F-22 at Elmendorf AFB makes sense for at least two reasons-Alaska's strategic proximity to Europe and Asia, and the size of the military training area in our state," said Sen. Loren Leman (R-Anchorage), sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 3.

Leman also noted that deployment of the Raptors at Elmendorf would provide a boost to the state's economy, bringing $150 million to $300 million to Alaska during the construction phase, and adding 846 new personnel to the deployment area over a three-year period.

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Sponsor Statement for SJR 3
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