Last month, the Department of the Air Force selected Moody Air Force Base as the preferred location to receive an active-duty F-35A Lightning II mission

Valdosta’s Moody Air Force Base is a critical asset to our national security and an economic engine in south Georgia

Senator Reverend Warnock: “This decision is not only a win for our state, but also for the hardworking Airmen and their families stationed at Moody as well as the vibrant Valdosta community that supports them”

Basing announcement follows Senator Reverend Warnock’s persistent efforts to ensure missions and personnel remain at Moody AFB

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) applauded the Air Force’s announcement that it has selected Moody Air Force Base (AFB) in Valdosta, GA as the preferred location to host an F-35A mission, following the Senator’s longtime efforts to ensure the base retains flying missions and the personnel that sustain its important role in the country’s national security infrastructure. According to the Air Force, two squadrons of F-35As are projected to begin arriving in FY29 and the number of personnel is expected to remain the same. The F-35A brings an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced threat environment which our Airmen may face overseas. With its cutting-edge technology, the F-35A provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness and reduced vulnerability helping ensure our Airmen can accomplish any mission assigned and return home to their families.

“After pushing top USAF leaders, including Sec. Kendall, to preserve Moody Air Force Base’s critical role in our national security, I am thrilled the base will soon host an F-35A mission. This decision is not only important for our state, but also for the hardworking Airmen and their families stationed at Moody as well as the vibrant Valdosta community that supports them. Bringing the F-35A mission to Moody AFB will help keep the local community strong and reaffirms Georgia’s status as a leading hub for military operations,” said Senator Warnock. “I look forward to the positive impact the F-35A mission will have on our national security and the Valdosta community.”

This news follows plans to retire 54 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. If approved, six reserve inventory A-10s will be divested out of Moody AFB in FY24 with the remaining A-10s divesting by FY28. The Department of the Air Force will now conduct an environmental impact analysis, which is expected to be completed in fall 2025. Senator Warnock, a leading advocate in the Senate for Georgia’s servicemembers and military communities, has been a vocal champion for Moody AFB, including visiting the base and securing provisions in the FY ’22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) helping ensure a continued mission and personnel at Moody AFB. Senator Warnock also previously pressed USAF Secretary Frank Kendall about the importance of securing future missions at Moody AFB during an October 2021 meeting.

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