Welcome to the United States Marine Corps F-35B Joint Strike Fighter West Coast EIS Website.

The Department of the Navy is pleased to announce its decision to base and operate 11 F-35B operational Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) squadrons and 1 Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) squadron on the west coast of the United States. Specifically, the DoN decided to implement the Preferred Alternative involving basing of 6 operational F-35B squadrons (up to 16 aircraft each) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in California and 5 operational F-35B squadrons plus an OT&E squadron (8 aircraft) at MCAS Yuma in Arizona. Existing F/A-18 aircraft (126 total) at MCAS Miramar and AV-8 aircraft (56 aircraft) at MCAS Yuma would be replaced as a result of this decision.

This site provides information about the NEPA process and actions involved in preparing an EIS and ensuring public involvement. After publications of the Draft EIS in May 2010, the Marine Corps solicited and received comments from the agencies and the interested public. Over 325 comments were received. The Marine Corps thoroughly reviewed all comments and addressed them in the Final EIS. The Final EIS, made available on this website during the 30-day waiting period, describes the potential environmental impacts of F-35B basing and operations. This website includes the Draft EIS and Final EIS, along with the Record of Decision signed on December 9, 2010.