America’s national security at home and abroad is important to all of us. So it is very important to recognize and thank our leaders when they show strong support for our military.
That’s why I am writing to thank Senators Alexander and Corker for their continued commitment to our great state, our nation, and especially to our military. Their support ensures that our military personnel here and abroad are equipped with the equipment and capabilities need to keep our nation safe.
One example is our Senators ongoing support for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, that will keep the U.S. at the forefront and dominant in air defense technology. Not only is this new aircraft skillful in countering potential adversaries, it is also designed to require less maintenance and support than our aging legacy fighters, which will translate into across-the-board savings for our country.
So while we thank and applaud our military and our veterans during nationwide celebrations from Memorial Day to Veterans Day, we should also continue to thank leaders like Senator Alexander and Corker for their steadfast support of our troops and the programs and technologies needed to keep our nation strong and secure.
Doug Fisher
Chattanooga
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Doug Fisher has to be an investor in some part of the F-35 program. No way any rational person can recommend continued funding for the world's most expensive weapon that couldn't defend anything after 14 years and $400 billion with a B.
It is unsafe, over budget, and a laughing stock of a money pit.
Jason Janvrin
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As a Georgian, I had to laugh at a recent comment by Doug Fisher praising Senators Coker and Alexander for their support for the F-35.
Coming on the heels of the recent 60 Minutes coverage this article begs the praise of Messr's Coker and Alexander as nothing short of statesmanship of the highest order. To which I proclaim "Hogwash!"
I have first hand experience with this project being involved with some of the outsourced production items during the later stage development phase of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Forces Strike Fighter.
I have to agree with comments made by Jason Janvrin, I don't know Jason personally, but I would like to expand upon his comments by saying, that this aircraft was not one that was asked for, it was not one that was supported by taxpayers and that now years later it has become a $500,000,000,000 burden on the American taxpayers and by its projected completion in 2019
A 1 and a half trillion dollar aircraft that most likely, as projected, require one-day of ground maintenance for every single day of flight.
In this time of government run a muck, outrageous budget deficits, border issues, failed international policies, funding cutbacks for schools first responders, Veterans healthcare and presidential vacations-speeches-beer drinking pool games, etc., it seems to me we might recognize a "hog" when we see one, even if it is dressed in a military uniform and wearing lipstick.
However, it is not entirely the fault of Lockheed-Martin, as they have developed some truly magical air frames, but most likely lies at the doorsteps of the Joint Chiefs.
For the other side of this story see the video: "F-35, The Jet That Ate The Pentagon."
Jack Ray
Atlanta