The Proposed Action would base and operate a total of 12 F-35B squadrons at MCAS Miramar and MCAS Yuma. This basing would include 11 operational squadrons and 1 Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) squadron.

The Marine Corps identified and analyzed five basing alternatives involving MCAS Miramar and MCAS Yuma:

• Alternative 1 balances distribution of the 12 F-35B squadrons between the two bases; the Marine Corps has identified Alternative 1 as the Preferred Alternative.
• Alternatives 2 and 3 place 8 total squadrons at one base and 4 squadrons at the other.
• Alternatives 4 and 5 represent maximum basing scenarios with 10 operational squadrons at 1 base and 1 operational squadron plus the OT&E squadron at the other.