Department of Defense tours Selfridge as part of consideration for F-35 fighter jets

Macomb County under consideration for F-35 fighter jet

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – The term VIP originated in the military, and Tuesday, some critically important VIPs were at the Selfridge Air Force base in Harrison Township for a tour.

The Department of Defense officials were checking out the base to see if it could be the right fit for the Air Force's most high-tech new weapon.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet is currently in testing and set to be deployed to bases soon, and officials at the base and around Metro Detroit want the fighters to be stationed at Selfridge.

The F-35 is the prize, and the question is whether Macomb County's Selfridge Air National Guard base will land it. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel is ready to sell Macomb.

Selfridge has been on closure lists, but has survived each time. It currently runs the A-10 Warthog.

The F-35 is the future. Lockheed Martin, which makes the F-35, already paid a visit to Macomb in recent weeks, meeting with various suppliers.

Bringing the F-35 to Macomb County would also bring jobs.

You can watch Mara MacDonald's full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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