New activist group fears F-35 jets will be armed with nuclear weapons

By: Renee Wunderlich for NBC5, Mar. 12, 2019

MONTPELIER, Vt. —

Members of Citizens Against Nuclear Bombers in Vermont shared their concerns at the Statehouse Tuesday: that F-35 fighter jets are designed to carry nuclear weapons.

Group leaders include Ben Cohen, of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, former gubernatorial candidate James Ehlers and retired Air Force Col. Rosanne Greco.

Greco said nuclear weapons were her area of expertise for years, and that Vermont could be in danger — regardless of whether or not the jets come bearing bombs.

“Given the uncertainties and the catastrophic consequences we misjudge and get this wrong, it is insane (to) continue to support basing the F-35 in Burlington, and cause Vermont to be a war target,” Greco said.

In response, Capt. Mikel R. Arcovitch, of the Vermont National Guard, told NBC5: “Free speech is something we serve to protect. As far as comments on nuclear-capable units, it is general U.S. policy not to deploy nuclear weapons with ground units, or aboard surface ships, attack submarines or aircraft. However, we do not discuss the presence of absence of nuclear weapons aboard specific ships, submarines or aircraft.”

The F-35s are scheduled to arrive at Burlington International Airport this fall.