SC, NC compete over Marine fighter squadrons

Marine Corp Air Stations in North Carolina are competing with South Carolina over squadrons.

While a group of supporters continue to work for a way to bring eight active-duty squadrons to Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, politicians in North Carolina have stepped up lobbying to get the majority of the 13 Marine Corps Joint Strike Fighter squadrons stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

A group of five North Carolina legislators are requesting that 11 of 13 new squadrons be assigned to Cherry Point. That’s all but the two training squadrons.

According to the Island Packet  newspaper, the Navy released a recommendation in May to base three active-duty squadrons and two pilot training squadrons at MCAS Beaufort. Eight active-duty squadrons would be assigned to MCAS Cherry Point.

The Packet reports that North Carolina officials don’t want the training squadrons which the Navy says would nearly double annual takeoffs and landings at the air station, from 55,000 to just under 100,000.

The F-35 would replace the F-18 Hornets now flown at the air station. The Navy’s decision is expected in December.