Mark Alford
07/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/29/2026 12:37
Alford Secures F-15E Strike Eagle Mission in Historic Victory for Whiteman Air Force Base and the 442d Fighter Wing
RAYMORE, MO - Congressman Mark Alford today announced a major victory for Whiteman Air Force Base, the 442d Fighter Wing, and communities across Missouri's Fourth Congressional District following the Department of the Air Force's approval of the enterprise definition, site survey criteria, and candidate location for the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) F-15E Strike Eagle basing action.
Based on the approved enterprise definition, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, has been identified as the sole candidate location for the F-15E Strike Eagle mission - a decision that marks a critical step toward securing the future of the 442d Fighter Wing and continuing its decades-long tradition of excellence.
"This is more than four years of nonstop hard work, persistence, and determination - and against all odds, it paid off," said Congressman Mark Alford. "Long before I ever had the privilege of representing Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, I was hearing from friends, neighbors, Airmen, veterans, and families throughout our community who were deeply concerned about what the future held for the 442d Fighter Wing."
"They told me about the uncertainty surrounding the A-10 mission. They told me about the pilots, maintainers, civilian employees, and families who had dedicated their lives to Whiteman. They made it clear that this was not just about an aircraft - it was about protecting a mission, a workforce, and a community," Alford continued.
"When I came to Congress, I carried those voices with me. I made it my mission to fight for the 442d and ensure the Air Force understood what Whiteman brings to our nation's defense."
Over the past several years, Congressman Alford worked alongside community leaders, Airmen, military advocates, and Department of the Air Force leadership to advocate for a follow-on mission for Whiteman Air Force Base. His efforts includedengagement with senior Air Force officials, advocacy through the House Armed Services Committee, and continued support for maintaining a combat-ready fighter presence in Missouri.
The Department of the Air Force's decision supports its broader goal of increasing fighter capacity, modernizing the fighter force, and replacing aging aircraft with a capable and sustainable platform. The planned transition will bring 24 F-15E Strike Eagles to Whiteman Air Force Base, preserving a critical Air Force Reserve combat-coded fighter unit and the experience of the 442d Fighter Wing.
"This decision saves the 442d," Alford said. "It saves countless jobs for our Airmen, our civilian workforce, and the surrounding communities. It keeps families here in Missouri. And, most importantly, it ensures the proud tradition of excellence at Whiteman Air Force Base continues."
Congressman Alford also expressed hisgratitude to the leaders and Airmen across the Department of the Air Force who listened to the concerns of the community and worked toward a solution that preserves critical combat capability.
"I want to sincerely thank the leaders throughout the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, Governor Kehoe for bringing this matter to President Trump's attention, Missouri's State Senators for their efforts, and the many Whiteman Air Force Base Airmen who took the time to give their concerns and help make this mission possible," Alford continued. "This outcome reflects what can happen when a community comes together, when our military leaders listen, and when we work toward a shared goal."
"The men and women of the 442d Fighter Wing have proven for decades that they are among the finest Airmen in the world. Their professionalism, readiness, and dedication earned this opportunity. Missouri is proud of them, and we will continue standing behind them."
The AFRC F-15E basing action represents the recommended course of action for an economical, timely, and effective fighter replacement. The current plan anticipates aircraft arrival in Fiscal Year 2031, followed by the establishment of initial and full operational capability as the mission transitions forward.
"This is a new chapter for Whiteman Air Force Base - but it is built on the same foundation of excellence that has defined the 442d for generations," Alford said. "The mission continues."
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Mark Alford published this content on July 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 29, 2026 at 18:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]