Heinrich, Luján, Vasquez Announce 26 F-16s Will Be Permanently Based At Holloman AFB
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) applauded the U.S. Air Force's final decision to permanently base a training squadron of 26 F-16 fighter jets at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, N.M.
“Holloman Air Force Base is a national leader in training America’s fighter pilots, and this final decision to base a permanent F-16 training mission affirms it,” said Heinrich. “I have worked for years to move these F-16s to Holloman, extolling its unmatched airspace and a surrounding community that is ready and eager to support new squadrons, service members, and families. I will continue making sure Holloman has the assets, crew, instructors, and infrastructure it needs to make this permanent F-16 training mission successful.”
"Holloman is already excelling in the F-16 mission. I’m proud to welcome this announcement that New Mexico will be the permanent training base for 26 F-16 fighter jets at Holloman Air Force Base,” said Luján. “This decision will help standardize training that benefits our national security and boosts economic development in Southern New Mexico. I will continue to fight for resources for New Mexico's military bases and national labs to ensure our nation is secure and help grow our state's economy."
“Permanently housing the F-16 Formal Training Unit at our very own Holloman Air Force Base is great news for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. This decision solidifies Holloman’s crucial role in shaping our nation’s air defense,” said Vasquez. “I am proud to fight for our military and to continue to advocate for these investments in New Mexico.”
The basing of the squadron at Holloman is critically important to addressing the Air Force's shortage of fighter pilots and providing certainty to service members and to New Mexico communities for economic development, construction and infrastructure planning. The Air Force’s decision ensures that Holloman will host three F-16 squadrons.
Background:
During a 2017 Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on U.S. Air Force budget and priorities, Heinrich pressed then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein for the resources needed to relocate additional F-16 training squadrons to Holloman.
In 2020, Heinrich, former U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and former U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) successfully fought for the Air Force's preliminary decision to select Holloman as the preferred location for basing an F-16 training squadron.
In 2021, Heinrich welcomed the Air Force’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that identified the expansion of the Talon Military Operations Area (MOA) and the overlying Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace as the preferred alternative to enlarge Holloman Air Force Base’s F-16 fighter pilot training area.
Heinrich previously led the New Mexico delegation in a successful effort to extend the public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the airpsace in response to a large number of Grant County citizens who were concerned about potential training over the Gila National Forest.
During his time in Congress, Heinrich has successfully secured $348 million in Military Construction funding for Holloman, including for the following projects related to the F-16 missions:
- $4.14 million in Fiscal Year 2023 for F-16 Formal Training Unit Airfield Requirements Planning and Design;
- $2.25 million in Fiscal Year 2014 for an F-16 covered washrack and pad;
- $5.8 million in Fiscal Year 2012 for an F-16 Academic Facility; and
- $4.2 million in Fiscal Year 2012 for an F-16 Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses Training Facility.
