VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The U.S. Navy announced it will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study the potential effects of transitioning seven existing FA-18E/F Hornet squadrons to F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadrons at either Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, or NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach.
Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Navy is inviting the public to provide input on the scope of the EIS, including potential environmental impacts, alternatives, and historic properties that could be affected. The 30-day public comment period runs from Dec. 5, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026.
The proposed plan would homebase 70 new F-35C aircraft — 10 per squadron — over roughly a 10-year period. The project may involve personnel changes, facility expansions, new construction, and modifications to support functions at the selected base, with facility work potentially starting as early as 2028…