Page 17 - 2026 VB Community Profile

COMMUNITY

FMS PTC Set to Welcome More Trainees

Finland, Singapore and Germany Coming in 2026

The first two F35 aircraft to be used for training by the Polish Air Force arrive at Ebbing Air Base in Fort Smith in December 2024.
Photo by John Speck.
After a successful launch of infrastructure. training activities, and be part of a shift
operations and training for pilots and The FMS mission accomplishes of airpower from large, centralized
technicians from Poland in 2025, the many priorities of the U.S. military. bases to smaller, dispersed locations
Ebbing Air Base Foreign Military Sales They consider it vital that bonds to address today’s changing threat
(FMS) Pilot Training Center is preparing with our country’s allies and partners environment. This will lead to more
for three additional countries to send are strengthened, and those bonds agile response by allied forces who
their trainees to the Fort Smith region sharpen our competitive edge, secure are suitably equipped, organized and
in 2026. common interests and promote shared trained to partner as needs arise.
The countries slated for 2026 and values. All of those factors combine As the community continues to see
beyond include Finland (F-35) in Spring to enhance interoperability with U.S. progress at the base, including new
2026, Singapore (F-16 training) in late forces to make stronger teamwork buildings, new faces and new aircraft,
2026 or early 2027, Singapore (F-35) in possible in the future. the Fort Smith/Van Buren region will
Fall 2026, Germany (F-35) in Fall 2026, Having a base dedicated to FMS continue to be home to the Sound of
and Switzerland (F-35) in Summer 2027. PTC will consolidate all F-35 FMS Freedom.
The pilots from the Polish Air Force
began their training last Spring, and
continue to train during daytime and
nighttime hours. When they train at
night, notifications are provided to area
residents in order to prepare them for
the noise associated with the powerful We are Van Buren’s finest team of Dentistry Professionals.
aircraft. Criswell Main Street Criswell Fayetteville Rd
Ebbing Air National Guard Base
was chosen for the FMS PTC mission 1607 East Main 2411 Fayetteville Rd, Ste C
for several reasons, including its close Van Buren, AR 72956 Van Buren, AR 72956
proximity to Razorback Range, Fort (479) 474-7076 (479) 474-2828
Smith’s history of supporting military
operations, and the base’s existing www.CriswellClinic.com

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