NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AP) - The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with a plan to base three dozen new fighter jets at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
The base announced this week that it will phase in 36 of the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft between 2012 and 2020 for use in the Weapons School pilot training program and another program that develops tactics for the aircraft.
The Air Force gave final approval after eight years of reviewing the environmental impacts of adding the fleet.
An additional 412 people will be stationed at Nellis, and the base will construct facilities to accommodate the aircraft.
Pilots will fly at the base and the Nevada Test and Training Range.
Nellis Air Force Base spokesman Charles Ramey says the aircraft should be in commission for the next 25-50 years.