The fifth-generation fighter arrives five years after then-Governor Rick Scott secured a commitment from President Trump to rebuild Tyndall with the F-35 program following landfall of Category 5 Hurricane Michael

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—Today, after years of effort to make Florida’s panhandle the home of the F-35 fighter jet, Senator Rick Scott, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was proud to celebrate the official arrival of the fifth-generation fighter at Tyndall Air Force Base. Five years ago, Hurricane Michael decimated Florida’s panhandle, and since the storm, Senator Scott has worked tirelessly to help the Tyndall community recover. As governor, he secured a commitment from President Trump to rebuild Tyndall, with the F-35 program, stronger than before. The arrival of the F-35 sends the message that the federal government will never walk away from Tyndall and the F-35 mission, which is essential to America's national security and so many families in North West Florida. 

Senator Rick Scott said, “Today is a very exciting day for Tyndall Air Force Base and the North West Florida community as we finally celebrate the arrival of the F-35 fighter jet. Five years ago, following Hurricane Michael decimating the Emerald Coast, I worked with President Trump to make sure we would rebuild Florida’s panhandle and military bases, and he doubled down by committing to bring the fifth-generation fighter to Tyndall. Today is the culmination of all the non-stop hard work we all have put in—and that is cause for celebration. Today is just the beginning, and I promise you that as long as I am representing Florida in the U.S. Senate, I will continue to work hard to support this community and make sure you have all the resources needed to be successful. As a Navy veteran myself, I know firsthand that our men and women in uniform make sacrifices every day to defend our freedom. You all truly represent the best of what it means to be an American, and none of the opportunities and freedoms we have today would be possible without the dedicated service of our brave heroes like you.”

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