IS THE SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE GETTING THE PILOT TRAINING CENTER?

Built during World War I as Joy Aviation Field, Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) has a long, rich history of defending our country. This legacy is continuing in a unique way, should everything fall into place, as the Department of the Air Force (DAF) is issuing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Pilot Training Center (PTC) at Ebbing Air National Guard Base (ANGB). Should the Arkansas installation not be chosen, SANG is in a position to bring the center to Michigan.

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Where Is Selfridge Air National Guard Base?

The Selfridge Air National Guard Base is located in Harrison Township, MI, which is near Mount Clemens. SANG’s exact address is 44875 N. Jefferson Ave., Mount Clemens, MI 48045. Headquarters of the 127th Wing, the Selfridge ANG Base in Michigan is an instillation that helps prepare the 1,700 civilians and military personnel there in a number of areas, including:

• Air refueling.
• Healthcare.
• Maintenance.
• Mission support.
• Operations.

Jobs at Selfridge Air National Guard Base can range in a variety of ways, and should the Pilot Training Center come to the area, even more variety will be expected for the base through increased function and personnel.

Could SANG Be the New Home of the PTC?

The decision to move the PTC to SANG would bring a wide range of aircraft to the area on a number of projects. In total, 36 aircraft would be a part of the base, including F-35 and F-16 fighter planes. The center would make use of the fields/airspace, various construction projects, sustaining facilities, and projects aimed at restoration and modernization. No one should get ahead of themselves; the truth is, Ebbing ANGB continues to be the favorite, with Selfridge National Guard Base being the second choice. Still, SANG’s prospects are still notable, and the move would be huge for the area. In December 2021, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited the base and was impressed. The visit wasn’t focused on moving the PTC; however, the impressive trip couldn’t have done any harm in coaxing a move in SANG’s direction.

Another Chance To Bring the F-35 Lightning II to Selfridge Air Force Base

Of all the aircraft that could make Selfridge Air Force Base their home, arguably none are more exciting than the F-35 Lightning II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. This attempt is the latest in Selfridge Air National Guard Base’s endeavors. The Selfridge Air National Guard has been working to attract jets from Lockheed Martin for around a decade. These initiatives began in 2013 when both the base and the surrounding areas collaborated and supported the idea; however, other military installations have had more luck thus far.

Public Hearings for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base

During a 45-day public comment process and public hearing stage, the project website at FMSPTICEIS.com will provide access to the Draft EIS for the public to review and provide any input. These hearings will allow the public a chance to comment on the environmental impacts of the proposed actions. If you'd like to attend, the hearings involving SANG and the PTC will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on September 28 near the base. Additionally, an online hearing will become available on October 5 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. To participate, you’ll need to register and sign up beforehand. Those who wish to speak can sign up for comment at FMSPTCEIS.com. As part of the COVID mitigation process, all meetings must be pre-registered. Information regarding the location of the in-person meeting, links for virtual meetings, and instructions for the meetings will be provided once you register and before the meetings themselves. Should you experience difficulty registering, contact the public affairs office at

1 (586) 239-4735

. You have until October 17 to submit comments on the Draft EIS via the website. You may also mail them by the same date. Comments can be sent to: FMS PTC EIS Project Manager, AFCEC/CZN 2261 Hughes Avenue, Suite 155, JBSA Lackland, TX 78236-9853 For those using FedEx or UPS: FMS PTC EIS Project Manager, AFCEC/CZN 3515 S. General McMullen, Suite 155, San Antonio, TX 78226-2018 This is a great opportunity for Selfridge Air National Guard Base and could be a boon for the local economy. Whichever base ends up with the PTC will add another level of service to their already respectable duty of defending our states collectively and as individuals.

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Image: 127wg.ang.af.mil