Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf have cleared another hurdle in the base selection process for a squadron of F-35s to be based in the Pacific region.

Last November, both bases were among the eight bases selected to house the squadron of latest generation of 48 stealth fighters and their approximately 500 pilots, mechanics and crews. On Tuesday, February 25th, the Air Force announced that the two Alaskan bases have made it through another round in the selection process and are now two of five bases left on the selection list.

That list will further shrink after Air Force survey teams take a closer look at the various facilities in the coming months. After those surveys, the list of viable candidate bases will be narrowed down to one preferred site and two reasonable alternative bases. Then, in 2016, the final decision will be made in the selection process.

If selected, Eielson will have made a huge turnaround in fortunes. It was only last year that Eielson was on the verge of losing the 18th Aggressor Squadron of F-16s housed there. Then five months ago, that move to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was scrapped after Alaska’s delegation pushed hard for reconsideration.

Senator Murkowski weighed in on the Air Force’s selection of Eielson and JBER saying, “In the Interior, the Eielson and Fairbanks community are ready to go full throttle for the F-35s with their location and range space, while JBER and Anchorage present clear positives as well from a military perspective. Though issues about the Anchorage area were raised when the Pentagon considered placing F-16s at JBER, I am certain those will be objectively evaluate during this next site visit phase in March.

“Today is a first step towards the F-35s in Alaska, and a positive step that leaves no doubt about the ultimate takeaway: Alaska clearly is the crown jewel of the nation’s defense.”

Senator Begich, who sits on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, called the Air Force decision “great news for Alaska.” He continued saying, “With Alaska’s strategic geographic position, unrivaled training environment and ample air space, there is no better choice for stationing the F-35s in the Pacific.”

Alaska’s lone representative, Don Young, said of Eielson and JBER making the cut, “I’ve always said that Alaska sells itself in what it provides our military, and from the beginning our case has been clear. From our 65,000 square mile Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex — recognized for its unique environment, size, and terrain-diverse landscape — to our highly strategic location, Alaska would be a great home for these fighters.”

Democrat legislators in Juneau also cmmented on the inclusion of Eielson and JBER on the dwindling list of candidates.

“Alaska’s north Pacific location makes it an excellent strategic choice for stationing the F-35s,” said Representative David Guttenberg (Fairbanks). “Whether they land in Anchorage or Fairbanks, the Air Force and our nation will be well-served by stationing these cutting-edge aircraft in Alaska.”

“Alaska is finally being recognized for its strategic importance and location,” Representative Scott Kawasaki (Fairbanks) said. “With the opening of the Arctic and ongoing conflicts Asia and the Pacific arena, it makes sense that our military continues to grow here.”

“Working together with our Congressional delegation, we have advanced our position as a leading location for the F-35s. This supports our strong position as a superpower for the Asia-Pacific Theater and the Obama administration’s pivot to Asia. Moving F-35s to Alaska will increase our military preparedness for defending our state and nation,” said Representative Geran Tarr (Anchorage), a member of the Joint Armed Services Committee. “Fairbanks, Anchorage, and all of Alaska have worked together to support our military bases, and we look forward to hosting the F35s wherever they may land in Alaska.”

“Alaska would be an ideal home for the F35s,” said Senator Bill Wielechowski (Anchorage), also a member of the Joint Armed Services Committee. “Our training ranges are the best in the world and provide a superior training experience.”

Of the other three candidates for the squadron of new stealth fighters, nothing more is being revealed as those candidates are on international soil, and so, their identities are confidential.