Last Friday, President Trump visited Luke Air Force Base, where he met with a group of the country’s defense leaders, local suppliers of the 5th generation fighter jet F-35, as well as Arizona community leaders in a roundtable discussion focusing on our nation’s defense and strengthening our military.
President Trump arrived at Luke Air Force base via Marine One. From there, he toured the facilities, which included the President climbing up onto the F-35 jet to get a look inside the state-of-the-art cockpit. Following the short tour, President Trump spoke with several of Arizona’s leaders in the defense industry at the roundtable, including Sally Harrison, who is the President of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce as well as the Mesa Industry & Defense Council.
“The roundtable provided the President the opportunity to see the future of our air capabilities up close” said Harrison. “Luke Air Force Base and the F-35 Fighter Jet are such a strong economic driver for our state, and having the Administration here on the ground will continue to drive support for Luke and the rest of our military installations across Arizona.”
The President highlighted the economic impact that Luke Air Force base, along with Arizona’s other military installations, have on the state. “This incredible state is home to six major military installations, more than 30,000 military personnel, and thousands of defense companies. Arizona’s military industry supports 76,000 jobs — that’s big — and creates $11.5 billion in economic output” said President Trump.
The President’s visit highlights how important Luke Air Force Base and its mission is to our country’s air defense future. Luke is the largest F-35 base in the world, hosting 76 F-35As currently, with that number expected to rise significantly over the next few years. The economic impact it provides to the West Valley in particular is something that Sintra Hoffman knows well. Sintra is the President and CEO of WESTMARC, the public-private partnership of 15 communities, the business community and the educational sector in the West Valley.
“Getting the F-35 mission was a monumental accomplishment” said Hoffman. “Luke has built itself into the economic engine that drives the communities we work with. 1.6 million people live in the West Valley, and the continued support of Luke Air Force Base and its mission by our President and other governmental leaders is essential to the future of the base.”
To see the full roundtable discussion, click HERE
