Watch CBS News

NJ Out Of Running To Station Air Force's Latest Fighter Jet

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The U.S. Air Force has taken New Jersey out of consideration to station its most sophisticated jet to date, the new F-35A stealth fighter.

The 177th Fighter Wing at Atlantic City Air National Guard in Egg Harbor Township was not one of the five bases selected as finalists for the opportunity to station the F-35.

Air Force officials whittled down a list of 18 potential bases to five last week. Two bases will eventually be chosen.

Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Dougherty says New Jersey Air Guard officials were hopeful that they would be chosen, but the wing's F-16 fighter jets are a "very capable piece of equipment."

President-elect Donald Trump has said the rising cost of the F-35 program has gotten "out of control."

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.