Should the F-35 come to Luke AFB?

LITCHFIELD PARK - The City of Litchfield Park says Luke Air Force Base is the leading the candidate to become the training site for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but no final decision will be made until after the environmental impact study is complete, which includes public hearings.

There have been several concerns from residents about the noise these fighter jets bring with them. A recent study shows the jets are twice as loud as the F-16's currently flown at the base.

Air Force authorities say that may sound like a lot, but the human ear actually hears no difference. They say the F-16's decibel level is equivalent to a lawn mower engine, while the F-35's level is more like a motorcycle engine.

If you want your voice heard on whether the F-35 should go to Luke AFB, you'll have several opportunities next week. Each open house will start with an information session from 5pm-6pm, followed by a presentation and formal public comment session from 6pm-8pm.

The scheduled sessions are:

Monday, February 13
The Wigwam, Wigwam Ballroom
300 E. Wigwam Blvd
Litchfield Park

Tuesday, February 14
El Mirage Elementary School Gym
13500 N. El Mirage Road

Wednesday, February 15
Sundial Recreation Center auditorium
14801 N. 103rd Ave, Sun City

Thursday, February 16
Gila Bend Unified School District cafeteria
308 N. Martin Ave, Gila Bend