Cherry Point could get eight F-35 Joint Strike Fighters squadrons

Updated at 7:12 p.m.

Cherry Point would get eight F-35B Joint Strike Fighters squadrons under the preferred basing plan proposed by the Navy.

The Navy released its draft environmental study Wednesday on the basing options for 11 operational squadrons and two fleet replacement squadrons of F-35s which is eventually scheduled to replace the current Marine Corps fleet of AV-8B Harriers, EA-6B Prowlers and F/A-18 Hornets.

Cherry Point currently has three operational Harrier squadrons, one training Harrier squadron and four squadrons of Prowlers at the base.

The Navy prefers to place the other three operational F-35 squadrons and two fleet replacement squadrons at Beaufort, S.C., which currently has seven squadrons of Hornets.

The Navy’s preferred alternative would increase the number of aircraft at Cherry Point from 140 to 174.

Cherry Point would also see nearly 1,200 additional military personnel stationed at the base. The Navy has scheduled public hearings on the report for June 15 in Havelock, June 16 in Emerald Isle and June 17 in Bayboro and will also take written comments on the plan through July 12 before issuing its final basing report this fall, most likely in November.

The Navy is expected to make its final decision in December.

“This new aircraft will be a critical tool for Marines to use in our nation’s defense with MCAS Cherry Point offering unique training airspace and ranges. Additionally, if the proposed basing is approved, it will provide a tremendous economic impact to the region with the associated military construction necessary to support the new capabilities,” Col. Douglas Denn, commanding officer at Cherry Point, said in a statement.

The Navy’s second preferred option would be to place all 11 operational squadrons at Cherry Point, while placing the two replacement squadrons in Beaufort, S.C.

The Navy calls its preferred alternative the basing option that best “balances environmental impacts with mission requirements.”

The Fleet Readiness Center East rework and repair facility at Cherry Point has already been tasked to be the major engine overhaul facility for the F-35B and will also handle airframe repair for the jets.

The Navy’s preferred basing option would result in an 8.5 percent increase in Cherry Point’s workforce, according to the report. That would result in a long-term gain of $46.9 million in annual payroll income.

Four hangars would have to be demolished and eight new modular hangars would be built for the jets. Cherry Point’s control tower would be demolished and rebuilt, and aviation armament, machine shops and instructional facility would also be constructed.

Total construction costs over seven years is estimated at nearly $508 million, and about 1,500 construction jobs, producing $53.5 million in labor income, would be needed, according to the report.

The earliest the new jets are expected to arrive at Cherry Point is 2014, according to the report. However, replacement of all Harrier squadrons is not anticipated until 2020, and Navy calls for a nine-year implementation of the basing option, which would run through 2023.

Noise had been a concern especially surrounding Bogue Field, an auxiliary landing field in Carteret Carteret just north of Cape Carteret where some complained about loud jets disrupting the coastal setting. However, the Navy report mentions flights at Bogue Field would be reduced under the preferred basing alternative.

The Navy’s third choice would place five squadrons at Cherry Point and the fourth would place just two at Cherry Point.

Comments can be made and the entire report viewed at www.usmcjsfeast.com. Comments can be mailed to USMC F-35B East Coast Basing EIS, P.O. Box 56488, Jacksonville,FL 32241-6488.

HAVELOCK — Cherry Point would get eight squadrons of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters under the preferred basing plan proposed by the Navy.

The Navy released its draft environmental statement on the basing options for 11 operational squadrons and two fleet replacement squadrons this morning.

The F-35 is eventually scheduled to replace the current Marine Corps fleet of AV-8B Harriers, EA-6B Prowlers and F/A-18 Hornets.

Cherry Point currently has three operational Harrier squadrons, one training Harrier squadron and four squadrons of Prowlers at the base.

The Navy prefers to place the other three operational F-35 squadrons and two fleet replacement squadrons at Beaufort, S.C. That Marine Corps air base currently has seven squadrons of Hornets.

With up to 16 jets in each squadron, the Navy’s preferred alternative could increase the number of aircraft at Cherry Point from 140 to 174. It also calls for nearly $508 million in new construction, including the demolition of five old hangars and the construction of eight new modular hangars as well as a new air traffic control tower.

Despite the increase in the number of jets proposed, the Navy's preferred plan actually includes a reduction in the use of Bogue Field, an auxiliary landing field in Carteret County, by about

The Navy has scheduled public hearings on the proposed plan June 15 in Havelock, June 16 in Emerald Isle and June 17 in Bayboro and will also take written comments on the plan through July 12 before issuing its final basing report this fall, most likely in November. The Navy is expected to make its final decision in December.

The Navy’s second preferred option would be to place all 11 operational squadrons at Cherry Point, while placing the two replacement squadrons in Beaufort, S.C.

HAVELOCK — Cherry Point would get eight F-35 Joint Strike Fighters squadrons under the preferred basing plan proposed by the Navy.

The Navy released its draft environmental statement on the basing options for 11 operational squadrons and two training squadrons this morning.

The F-35 is eventually scheduled to replace the current Marine Corps fleet of AV-8B Harriers, EA-6B Prowlers and F/A-18 Hornets.

Cherry Point currently has three operational Harrier squadrons, one training Harrier squadron of Harriers and four squadrons of Prowlers at the base.

The Navy prefers to place the other three operational F-35 squadrons and two training squadrons at Beaufort, S.C.