Proposed Action & Alternatives

The Air Force proposes to base F-35A operational aircraft in the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Area of Responsibility (AOR). The AOR extends from the west coast of the United States to the east coast of Africa and from the Arctic to the Antarctic, covering more than 100 million square miles. Based on strategic requirements, site survey results, and application of selection criteria, the Secretary of the Air Force identified Eielson AFB as the preferred location in the PACAF AOR.

The Proposed Action would base two (2) F-35A squadrons (48 Primary Assigned Aircraft (PAA)) at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska. The Proposed Action will also include the use of related airspace and ranges, particularly the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC). The F-35A is the conventional take-off and landing version of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). It is a multiple-role fighter with an emphasis on air-to-ground missions.

A No-Action Alternative will be included in the EIS, whereby no F-35A squadrons would be based at Eielson AFB. The analysis of the no-action alternative provides a benchmark to enable Air Force decision-makers to compare the magnitude of the environmental effects of the Proposed Action. No action means that the two F-35A squadrons would not be based at Eielson AFB at this time; no facility and infrastructure modifications; or new construction would be undertaken.