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The Hidden Why’s of the F-35s: What Happened?

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Two Vermont activists, retired Air Force Colonel Roseanne Greco and environmental/social justice researcher Julie Muga, discuss the controversial basing of the F-35 fighter jets in Vermont. They outline the process, political involvement, and environmental impact of the decision while revealing concerning details from official documents.

Key Points from the Discussion

  • Background on F-35 Basing Decision:
    • In 2012, the Air Force released an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding potential bases for the F-35.
    • Vermont’s National Guard was competing against two other Air Guard bases: Jacksonville, FL, and McIntyre, SC.
    • The EIS is required to document environmental and human impacts but does not mandate mitigation of harm.
  • Senator Patrick Leahy’s Involvement:
    • Evidence from 68,000 pages of official documents shows that Leahy and Vermont National Guard senior officers manipulated the process to favor Burlington.
    • Emails reveal that McIntyre was originally chosen, but Leahy pressured Air Force leadership to change the decision.
    • Vermont officials engaged in data manipulation to make Burlington appear as a better option, including questionable noise modeling.
  • Environmental and Social Impacts:
    • The F-35’s noise pollution affects over 6,600 people in Vermont, compared to only 123 in Jacksonville and 245 in McIntyre.
    • A whistleblower warned about significant environmental, economic, and human health impacts.
    • There is speculation about nuclear weapons storage, raising further safety concerns.
  • Political Shifts & Future Actions:
    • With Leahy retired and a new political landscape, there’s an opportunity to challenge the basing decision.
    • Congresswoman Becca Balint and Burlington’s new Progressive Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak are sympathetic to changing the mission of the Air Guard.
    • Historical precedent shows that states can successfully request alternative Air Guard missions.
  • What’s Next?:
    • Future discussions will delve deeper into data falsification and how the public was misled.
    • The activists encourage public engagement and pressure on Vermont’s remaining Congressional Delegation to advocate for a mission change.

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