Hodson, Pfrommer and Ireland Applaud Resolution Supporting F-35 Basing at the 177th Fighter Wing
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — At its September 2nd meeting, the Egg Harbor Township Committee adopted a Resolution expressing the Township’s strong and continued support for the United States Air Force to base F-35 fighter jets at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, located at Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township. Mayor Laura Pfrommer, Committeeman Paul W. Hodson and Committeeman Patrick Ireland joined their colleagues in proudly standing behind the men and women of the 177th and the long-term future of the Wing in our community.
The resolution affirms that the 177th Fighter Wing is not merely located in Egg Harbor Township. For decades, airmen and their families have lived, worked and served alongside Township residents while carrying out the extraordinary responsibility of defending New Jersey and the Nation. The Committee declared that there is no better location in America for the F-35 mission than the 177th Fighter Wing, citing the Wing’s strategic position between New York City and Washington, D.C., its infrastructure and training access, its experienced personnel, and its distinguished record of service in operations including Noble Eagle, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
“As a veteran who served our country in the Air Force and now as member of Township Committee, I see this as both a national security issue and a local community imperative,” Committeeman Patrick Ireland said. “As the EHT governing body, we must be proactively engaged to ensure that the 177th Fighter Wing is positioned for the future and remains a strong, modern and vital element in our national defense.”
The resolution notes that significant federal investment continues to be made in the future of the 177th, including authorization for a new maintenance hangar intended to enhance the Wing’s ability to accommodate the next generation of fighter aircraft, including the F-35. Bringing the F-35 mission to Egg Harbor Township would build upon those investments, strengthen national defense, and secure the long-term presence of the Wing in the Township.
The Committee recognized further the substantial economic relationship between the 177th Fighter Wing and the South Jersey region. The F-35 mission has been projected to maintain and enhance that impact, supporting approximately 1,200 in-state jobs, creating upwards of 100 additional jobs, and generating additional investment and economic activity throughout Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County and the surrounding region. These benefits extend to local businesses, contractors, employees and families.
“The 177th Fighter Wing has been a proud and integral part of Egg Harbor Township for generations,” said Mayor Laura Pfrommer. “Tonight’s vote sends a clear message to federal and State officials: Egg Harbor Township stands firmly behind our airmen and strongly supports bringing the F-35 mission home to our community.”
Committeeman Paul W. Hodson, who has served on Township Committee for two decades, emphasized the Township’s unique interest in keeping the installation mission ready. “This resolution is about readiness, about respect for the men and women who serve here and about protecting an institution that has helped define our Township,” Hodson said. “We will continue to urge our federal and State partners to take the actions necessary to bring the F-35 to the 177th.”
The Hodson, Pfrommer and Ireland campaign commended the full Township Committee for speaking with one voice in support of the 177th Fighter Wing and pledged to remain engaged as advocates for the Wing’s continued strength, modernization and presence in Egg Harbor Township.
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