Mark Pocan to Chief of Staff of the Air Force

Dear General Brown:

“I write today to inquire about recent comments you made regarding a review of the United States Air Force (USAF) tactical aviation force and the future the F-35A,1 a mission the Air Force already selected for Truax Air National Guard Base in my district.

While it has been made abundantly clear that Congress does not have authority over the USAF’s basing decisions, I am interested in how your recent comments may impact future placement ofF- 35A planes in Wisconsin – more specifically, their footprint at Truax Field. Considering your comments, and the Air Force’s concerns about the longevity and effectiveness of the F-35 planes, will the operational flaws of the F-35A and the upcoming tactical aviation force review impact the current mission at Truax and the upcoming placement of F-35A planes at the base?

I stand ready to work with the USAF and Wisconsin Air National Guard to identify a different use for Truax Air Base that will improve the Air Force’s readiness and mission without significant interruption to surrounding neighborhoods and communities. I am also happy to discuss alternative missions for Truax, be it medical training, emergency response functions, or similarly situated activities.

I appreciate your attention to this letter and my question about any potential impact at Truax Air National Guard Base.”

Congressman Mark Pocan

https://pocan.house.gov/contact

Phone: 608-258-9800

Phone: 202-225-2906