NJ delegation unites in push for F-35s at 177th Fighter Wing
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EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the entire New Jersey congressional delegation has formally asked the U.S. Air Force to station the F-35 Lightning II, the military's most advanced fighter jet, at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican representing the 2nd District, announced Friday that all 12 representatives and both U.S. senators signed a letter to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, making a forceful case for the base near Atlantic City.
Van Drew described the 177th as one of the best locations in the country for the fifth-generation aircraft. The letter underscores the wing's proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, its proven deployment record, and a slate of planned infrastructure upgrades designed to accommodate the new jets. The base sits adjacent to Atlantic City International Airport, the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace, and the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park, creating a unique aviation hub.
"Regardless of political party or philosophy, we are all on the same page about how important this is," Van Drew said in a statement. "The corridor between Washington and New York is critical to our country, and the 177th plays an important role in keeping it safe."
Van Drew said he expects the next federal budget to include $89 million specifically for a new six-aircraft maintenance hangar, which he described as crucial for supporting F-35 operations. That funding is part of a larger projected $177 million in military construction at the base over the next five years. Other planned upgrades include a new entry control point, a mission training center, a modern flight operations facility, a dining facility, and a fitness center.
Local support has also been building. On Wednesday, the Egg Harbor Township Committee adopted a resolution in favor of bringing the F-35s to the 177th. The resolution argues that housing the jets would create an additional 100 jobs on top of the 1,200 already supported by the base, generating further investment and economic activity in the region.
The resolution states: "There is no better place in America to base the world's most advanced fighter aircraft than the 177th Fighter Wing. Its strategic location, outstanding personnel, proven capabilities and proud history of service make the 177th uniquely suited for this important mission."
Copies of the resolution were sent to President Donald Trump, Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all 12 House members, and Secretary Meink.
The F-35 is designed to replace the aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs that have been the military's primary fighters for decades. According to the Air Force, the single-seat jet offers superior protection through stealth technology and a sensor package that provides pilots with more situational awareness than any fighter in history.
Efforts to bring the F-35 to New Jersey have been underway for more than a decade. In 2020, then-Governor Phil Murphy signed a state Senate resolution urging the Air Force to base the jets at the 177th. As far back as 2016, then-Representative Frank LoBiondo, a Republican, noted that poor air quality in Atlantic County related to the jet stream was a factor in the 177th not being selected in the earliest round of F-35 allocations to Air National Guard bases.
Van Drew said the unified letter marks a new chapter. "Now we are taking the next step and making the case directly to the Air Force," he said. The decision on where to base the F-35s will ultimately rest with the Pentagon, but New Jersey's leaders are making it clear they see the 177th as an ideal home for the next generation of air power.
Article commentary
The unanimous support from New Jersey's entire congressional delegation for basing F-35s at the 177th Fighter Wing is a notable political feat, especially in an era of sharp partisan divisions. This bipartisan front—encompassing Republicans like Jeff Van Drew and Democrats like Cory Booker and Andy Kim—signals that the issue transcends party lines, likely because of the dual benefits of national security and local economic development. The 177th's location near major metropolitan areas and key aviation infrastructure gives it a strategic edge, but the decision ultimately rests with the Air Force, which must weigh operational needs against budget constraints. From a defense perspective, the F-35 represents a generational leap in air combat capability. Its stealth and sensor fusion are designed to counter advanced threats from rivals like China and Russia. Placing these jets at the 177th would strengthen the air defense of the Northeast corridor, a densely populated and economically vital region. The proximity to the FAA technical center and aerospace research park could also foster synergies for testing and maintenance, potentially reducing costs and turnaround times. Economically, the promise of 100 new jobs and $177 million in construction is significant for a region like Atlantic County, which has long struggled with economic diversification beyond tourism and gambling. The 177th already supports 1,200 jobs, and adding F-35s would deepen the base's role as a stable employer. However, past attempts to secure the F-35 for the 177th have been stymied by environmental concerns—specifically, poor air quality tied to the jet stream that can affect flight operations. While the letter and resolution do not directly address that issue, the planned upgrades to facilities may mitigate some of those concerns. Another layer is the political dynamics. Van Drew, a former Democrat who switched parties in 2020, has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for the military. His ability to rally the entire delegation, including progressive Democrats, suggests he is leveraging his influence effectively. The fact that the resolution was sent to President Trump and Governor Murphy—both of whom have been at odds politically—underscores that this is a localized, non-ideological effort. Still, the Air Force will make its decision based on comprehensive criteria: runway capacity, airspace availability, environmental impact, and cost. The 177th is competing with other Guard bases across the country, many of which already have F-35s or are further along in the transition process. The timeline remains uncertain, but the unified political pressure from New Jersey could provide a tipping point. If successful, the 177th would not only gain next-generation aircraft but also cement its relevance for decades to come—a win for both the state and national defense.