Rep. Lucas Applauds Vance Air Force Base’s Selection as Home for New USAF Training System

Washington, DC - Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) applauded the announcement of Vance Air Force Base (AFB) as the fourth T-7A Main Operating Base. The Air Force will replace T-38C aircraft at Vance AFB with T-7A deliveries.

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) will support all aspects of the T-7A recapitalization, including the construction and upgrades to operations, support, and maintenance facilities to support pilot training and aircraft operation and maintenance. In aircraft alone, this decision represents an investment of up to $2 billion at Vance AFB.

"I'm pleased to see Vance Air Force Base's selection as home for the new T-7A, which is an investment into the community of Enid," said Representative Lucas. "With the largest military operating area, cheapest pilot training pipeline cost, and a fourth runway, Vance Air Force Base is a seamless partner for the Air Force to integrate the T-7A. I thank our community that has worked for decades at the local, state, and federal level of government to ensure that Vance Air Force Base is best equipped to best support the next generation of USAF pilots and their loved ones."

"We very much appreciate being selected as the premier location for the maximum deployment of the new T-7A aircraft," said Michael Cooper, Chairman of the Vance Development Authority. "Due to our excellent community and base relationship, we continue to be successful in our efforts to enhance the base, bringing support from all levels to assist with increasing mission capabilities. With this decision and new personnel it brings to Vance AFB, Enid will need to continue our efforts to develop more affordable available homes and expand our efforts to create water resiliency and alternative energy options for the base."

"I was very pleased to learn that Vance AFB will be receiving the T-7A," said David Mason, Mayor of Enid, OK. "I think this shows the trust and relationship the Air Force has for Enid and the relationship Enid has for Vance and its continued mission to train the best pilots in the Air Force. Our community will continue to diligently work towards providing all the Infrastructure and Quality of life needs for Vance AFB to increase and enhance its mission capabilities. I'm proud to live in Enid, home of Vance AFB."

Background:

The U.S. Air Force T-7A Recapitalization Program replaces the aging T-38C fleet with a modern advanced trainer designed to better prepare pilots for 4th-, 5th-, and future 6th-generation aircraft. It fields a new training system that integrates the T-7A aircraft with advanced simulators, ground-based training, and updated infrastructure across key pilot training bases. The decision is intended to provide the Air Force with operational flexibility, and inclusion of this alternative in this EIS provides analysis to evaluate future capacity needs.

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