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FMS Pilot Training Center Begins Operations

F-35 Fighter Jets Arrive at Fort Smith Military Base

The process of airfield modifications
and building construction at Ebbing Air
Base in Fort Smith is ongoing, but the
U.S. Air Force has moved F-35 aircraft to
the base to begin operations of the new
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Pilot Training
Center (PTC), according to base sources.
Relocatable facilities have been built to
accommodate operations until permanent
facilities can be completed.
Members of Arkansas’ Congressional
delegation have been working as a team
to secure funding for the preparations
needed to fulfill the new mission at the
base. In early March, more than $83
million was approved by the U.S. House
and Senate and signed by the President
in an appropriations bill. Another Defense
Appropriations Bill for nearly $208 million
passed later in March.
“I was proud to work with my colleagues
to get this passed and moving forward,”
said Steve Womack, Congressman for
Arkansas’ Third District. “This is a once-
in-a-lifetime opportunity for the River
Valley region that enhances our country’s
relationship with our allies at a time when An F-35A Lightning II maintainer taxis out an F-35A during an Agile Combat Employment
there is a lot of conflict in the world.” exercise at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, Sept. 17, 2024. The exercise was designed
The first nation scheduled to to improve the team’s capabilities in contested environments, ensuring the wing is prepared for
participate in the Pilot Training Center any scenario. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Abigail Duell
(PTC) is Poland. They are investing heavily

Free Consults

Dr. David Hurst

1621 Fayetteville Road

Van Burn AR 72956

479-262-2038

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