F35s -- An opportunity we can't let fly by

Most folks probably realize the Marine Corps will be replacing its current workhorse, the F/A-18, with a new airplane, the F-35B, which is the Marine variant of the Joint Strike Fighter.

The new jet has been nicknamed the "Lowcountry Lightning," but its stealth technology will make it anything but visible to radar. Some say it could be the last manned airplane the Marine Corps will employ because of the additive effects of the extended lifespan of modern airframes and the ever-advancing technology of the unmanned aerial vehicles.

As I write this from my Lady's Island home, I am enjoying the sound of freedom as my friends and your friends fly overhead practicing their fine art in the dark. I'm happy to be able to sleep better at night because of their night flights, knowing their sharply honed skills will prevent those who wish us harm from enjoying peaceful sleep.

I'm strongly in favor of bringing the F-35B to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Here are a few of the reasons why I think the Lowcountry Lightning will enhance our community:

F-35B is the future of MCAS Beaufort: Without the new airplane, there will be no need for the air station. MCAS Beaufort has been a wonderful neighbor to us since the 1950s, and before that, the Naval Air Station established a strong relationship with the people of Beaufort for some years. I dare say the majority of us would experience a sinking feeling of loss without the Marines and families who comprise the Air Station.

Marines, sailors and their families: Without these great Americans, we'd lose a huge workforce of community servants, countless little ones who befriend our children and folks who give far more than they receive. Our military families live duty, commitment and sacrifice. They are fine examples for the rest of us, and, frankly, I enjoy running into old friends as they cycle through again and again.

Tradition: The sailors and Marines of Fightertown have taken part in every major (and many minor) conflict from World War II to the present War on Terror. This is a proud tradition, and we should be honored to share in that. The F-35B helps our Marines carry that tradition forward.

Partnership with local governments: Beaufort County, the city of Beaufort and the officials at MCAS Beaufort have forged a strong relationship that has led to an unprecedented collaborative effort to limit development within the riskier areas around the Air Station. I don't think there is a better or more effective example of accomplishing the military mission and the local planning mission at the same time. We have set the example and have proven that we can handle the complex issues that come with a high-tech military neighbor.

Economic opportunity: Let's face it, although tourism is and should continue to be our main draw (we are drawn by the beauty of the area and the opportunity to experience it first-hand), we sure could use a high-tech "shot in the arm." With the arrival of the F-35B, there may very well be an opportunity for training facilities as well as industry to support both the operational and training aspects of the new aircraft.

We happen to have a Commerce Park that has arms wide open, ready to house these businesses. We have an educated workforce in our Marines, who choose to transition to civilian life but often have to leave the area to find careers that take advantage of their high-tech training. We could offer those Marines careers in paradise. We could also offer our high school graduates technical (engineering, aerospace, computer, etc.) programs of study at Technical College of the Lowcountry and the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Obviously, if you connect the dots, you can see that we'd attract additional highly trained instructors who would also make their homes here, we'd need to build new facilities and we'd have more service-minded citizens to enhance our great community.

Air space and other training areas: The F-35B would be able to take advantage of the outstanding airspace that is available to our Marines at a great price. Reduced requirements for in-air refueling makes our air station one of the most cost-effective places from which to conduct training -- in safe, off-site areas.

There are many other reasons to be in hopeful anticipation of the next generation of the sound of freedom. For anyone else who has served, especially as a Marine, well, I guess that's reason enough.

The months ahead likely will be filled with spirited debate, opinions about the pros and cons of the future. I'm sticking with the Marines as part of our local team -- which means I'm officially a fan of the F-35B.

Bring on the Lightning!

Jon Rembold is president of the Lady's Island Business Professionals Association and an Engineering Project Manager with the firm of Ward Edwards