Resources
Press

Kiggans Advocates for F-35s at NAS Oceana Ahead of Virginia Beach City Council Vote

Jun 21, 2024
Armed Forces
Press

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released a statement to voice her support for bringing F-35C Lightning II joint strike-fighter aircrafts to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana. This week, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson announced their intent to present a resolution to the Virginia Beach City Council on July 2, 2024, to formalize their support for basing more modern aircraft at the East Coast Master Jet Base.

“I have had numerous conversations with Navy Leadership to advocate for the basing of F-35s at NAS Oceana. As a naval aviator who is married to a naval aviator, I believe that it’s time to look to the future of NAS Oceana’s strategic mission and work to bring the military’s newest aircraft to Hampton Roads. Starting the process early allows for the numerous studies and regulatory requirements to be completed by the time additional F-35s are assigned to a home base. 

“Currently, the overwhelming majority of F-35s coming online are going to NAS Lemoore. While it is imperative to continue the build up of our west coast assets to combat threats in the Indo-Pacific, we can’t ignore the need to equip our warfighters on the East Coast due to increased conflicts in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. I can’t think of a better location than NAS Oceana. 

“With new platforms and technology comes a new mission and additional resources to support it! This has fueled my advocacy efforts as NAS Oceana is in need of long overdue funding to support critical upgrades and revitalize the installation. We must continue to protect our defense budget and prioritize the quality of life for the men and women who serve in our all-volunteer force.”

“Virginia Beach is honored to be home to the U.S. Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base and I believe this resolution will go a long way to showing the Navy that Virginia Beach is invested in keeping Naval Aviation at the forefront of our community for generations to come. I remain committed to working on the House Armed Service Committee to advocate for a better future for NAS Oceana!”

###

Recent Posts

Jun 28, 2024
Press

Kiggans Votes to Boost Servicemember Pay, Refocus Pentagon on Delivering Combat-Ready Forces

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the below statement following the passage of H.R. 8774, the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 217-198. This legislation appropriates more than $800 billion for critical defense programs, military personnel, operations and procurement, and further advancements for […]

Jun 19, 2024
Press

Kiggans Supports Legislation to Improve Access to Medicare Services

WASHINGTON, DC: Last week, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) joined Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Larry Buschon (IN-08), and Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) in reintroducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. This bill, which was unanimously passed by the House during the 117th Congress, would streamline the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage to […]

Jun 14, 2024
Press

Critical Defense Bill Passes U.S. House with Kiggans’ Priorities

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the below statement following the passage of H.R. 8070 the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), FY25, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 217-199. The legislation authorizes critical U.S. defense systems, counters China’s growing aggression, modernizes our fighting force, […]