WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) praised the inclusion of a Wisconsin site as a finalist for potentially hosting a new fighter squadron.

The Air Force on Wednesday announced the Wisconsin Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing was chosen as a finalist to potentially host a F-35A Lightning II squadron that would be based at Truax Field in Madison. The Air Force’s Strategic Basing Initiative will allow two Air National Guard bases to receive F-35 aircraft in 2022.

Johnson said this after the news was announced:

“The more than 1,200 civilian and military personnel of the 115th Fighter Wing provide vital support in the Global War on Terrorism and ensure a safe airspace above the Midwest," said Sen. Johnson. "F-35s based in Wisconsin would be a valuable asset not just for Wisconsin’s Air National Guard but for our nation’s security at home and abroad.  I look forward to working with the Air Force as it decides its path forward on the Strategic Basing Process.”