Since I last wrote about my preference for Alternative #1 for staging of the JSF 35-B at MCAS, I have heard from a number of people who have asked “why not Alternative #3 which increases the number of military personnel and projects fewer take offs and landings and less noise?”  On this surface this makes a lot of sense. Dig a little deeper and it might not.

While the EIS does not adequately discuss new and better civilian jobs for Alternative 1 and the potential for an Auxiliary Landing Field, these issues need attention. 

Let me share what I know:

Alternative 1 Brings More and Better Permanent Civilian JobsWhile the draft EIS does not address the increase in civilian jobs associated with adding a training mission to MCAS, Beaufort, this is one of the two most important reasons I support Alternative 1.

Lockheed and vendors who support the state of the art aircraft will co-locate with the training squadrons thereby bringing new, better and more permanent civilian jobs to the lowcountry. This would be a huge step toward diversification of our economy, which is something this community has longed for, but never accomplished, over the years. These jobs and the creative culture that comes with high tech jobs, have the potential to strategically locate Beaufort between Boeing in Charleston and Gulfstream in Savannah. This too could create a huge opportunity for local businesses to benefit by participating in the supply chain for these prospering businesses.

First Out of the Box

If Marine Corps Air Stations does not convert to accommodate and support the newest and best  aircraft, they will eventually be out of business because the current aircraft will be put out of commission. It is just a matter of time.

Accordingly, because of the training component, Alternative 1 brings the jets to Beaufort at the beginning of the program rather than at the end as prescribed for Alternative 3.  This means Beaufort will not be left out in the event if the JSF 35-B program does not grow to the extent DOD hopes.

The planes, the businesses and training will be in place and are likely to stay in Beaufort.

BRAC PROOF
Because of its limited mission, and relatively small size, MCAS has consistently been at risk of closure.  Blending training squadrons with operational squadrons at MCAS makes Beaufort more “BRAC proof” when an Administration launches another round of Base Realignments. With DOD budget dollars precious, this is likely in the future.Having made the huge investment in infrastructure, including the expansive and expensive training simulator and retrofit of existing facilities at MCAS, Beaufort’s value relative to other bases will be enhanced and we are more likely to be protected from future DOD cuts.

International Training Center

Because of its strong training component, Beaufort will not only be “the training center” for Marine pilots, it will become an international training center for US allies who will purchase the JSF 35-B. 

Again, the EIS does not include in its employment projections the 75 or more transient pilots who will be in and out of Beaufort, bringing their families and friends to visit when they are here.

 Frequency of Take Offs and Landings and Projected Noise Levels

There is nothing in the EIS that answers valid concerns about the frequency of flights and the noise that follows.  Both are issues we must address. Both are issues I addressed last year in the EIS Scoping Session and as comments to the Draft EIS.

Accordingly, I strongly suggest that you join me in submitting comments recommending the use of an Auxiliary Landing Field. 

I know that DOD encroachment experts have been combing the outlying counties for areas suitable for an Auxiliary Landing Field. Furthermore, we know that Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter has excess capacity, at least on a temporary basis, until an Auxiliary Landing Field can be established. An Auxiliary Landing Field is likely to create an additional 30 new jobs.

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