Page 13 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

COMMUNITY

in the new F-35, and are moving pilots Ministers of many allied nations as very smaller, dispersed locations to address
and technicians in now. Other countries positive. “They have expressed their today’s changing threat environment.
slated for the future include Finland (F- appreciation for the warm welcome they This will lead to more agile response by
35) in Fall 2025, Singapore (F-16 training) have received from the city, state and allied forces who are suitably equipped,
in late 2026 or early 2027, Singapore (F- Chamber officials,” he continued. organized and trained to partner as
35) in Fall 2026, Germany (F-35) in Fall Ebbing Air National Guard Base was needs arise.
2026, and Switzerland (F-35) in Summer chosen for the FMS PTC mission for several The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of
2027. reasons, including its close proximity to Commerce has been instrumental in the
“Nations are lining up to be trained Razorback Range. Fort Smith’s history of entire process, hosting representatives
in Fort Smith,” added U.S. Senator John supporting military operations and the from allied nations for tours, establishing
Boozman. “We have come such a long base’s existing infrastructure were also relationships with key defense contractors
way on this project since we first started, contributing factors. to discuss their needs for local facilities,
and this facility will provide the best The FMS mission accomplishes many and providing information and input for
training they could find on these latest military priorities, including strengthening Environmental Impact Studies and public
generation fighters. We have already bonds with U.S. allies and sharpening hearings. Other chambers of commerce
budgeted significant funding for it, and the nation’s competitive edge. It is in the region, including the Van Buren
there is much more to come in additional also essential that missions help secure Chamber, were involved to the extent
bills and annual budgets.” common interests and promote shared they were able to provide information to
“Elected officials at several levels, values. All such factors combine to potential new residents about schools,
including local, state, and federal have enhance interoperability with U.S. forces entertainment, housing, and more during
partnered to bring this together,” Senator to make stronger teamwork possible in and after the site visits .
Tom Cotton stated. “It takes people the future. As the community continues to see
acting as a team to bring the ‘Sound of Having a base dedicated to FMS PTC progress at the base, including new
Freedom’ back to the Fort Smith skies.” will consolidate all F-35 FMS training buildings, new faces, and new aircraft,
Cotton described meetings he has activities, and be part of a shift of the Fort Smith/Van Buren region will
had with Ambassadors and Defense airpower from large, centralized bases to again be home to the Sound of Freedom.

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vanburenchamber.org Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile 13