U.S. Sen. John Boozman tours 188th Wing for update on multi-national training program

U.S. Sen. John Boozman visited the 188th Wing on Wednesday to discuss the facility’s preparations for a multi-national pilot training program. 

Boozman is a ranking member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. As a member of the committee, he is responsible for allocation of funds to veterans and military construction projects. 

“We'll be continuing to talk to the Air Force, talking to people that are in charge of environmental studies, make sure again anything we can do to keep those on track. As the ranking member on military construction, we’ll be looking closely, making sure the dollars flow out that we need,” Boozman said. 

Before the runway extension happens, an environmental study by the EPA will be conducted. Boozman said he expects the EPA will also conduct a noise study. 

Michael Griffin, director of the Fort Smith Regional Airport, said he expects the EPA will check and see if the runway will disrupt any wetland areas or any historical land with significance to tribes. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act, studies like this are conducted by the EPA when an airport wants to add a new business or project, Griffin explained.

Boozman believes Fort Smith being selected to host a Singaporean F-16 squadron will help bring more companies to the state. 

“The fact that Singapore chose us really does bode well for the future," Boozman said. "Companies do look at who’s presence is there. The other thing that is important as far as economics are not only will we have a flying mission but it’s all the other things that spin off. There will be various businesses that pop up that actually helps services what goes on at the base."

Col. Leon J. Dodroe, wing commander of the 188th Wing, said he expects more than 180 members of the Singapore unit will come to the base along with about 300 of their dependents.

Dodroe confirmed June 2023 will be the move-in date for 12 of Singapore’s F-16s at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. 

“Sounds like a long time but that’s a short amount of time,” Dodroe said. 

Boozman is running for reelection in 2022. His opponent in the Republican primary will be Jan Morgan.