Residents were invited to a forum about the new aircraft.
Local residents are learning more about the navy's plans.
“This airplane is a lot smoother... designed to not show up on radar very well,” said Navy Pilot Tom Lalor.
The F-35 C represents the navy's latest generation of strike fighter aircraft.
It's cutting edge and has stealth characteristics.
The new jets will be a virtual environmental trade off for the aging FA-18 Hornets they're slated to replace.
“We're talking about the same amount of aircraft coming in... almost a 1 for 1 replacement...same noise...same flight profile,” said Lalor.
The navy believes it'll be more efficient to replace the FA-18's in Lemoore than those stationed farther south, in
“If the decision was made to send them to
The report also shows the aircraft will generate hundreds of new jobs, income, and military construction projects in
“Great, there's lots to build here as far as I’m concerned,” said Longtime Resident Dennis Harrah.
“When you drive through this city you go through lots of land, so i'm hoping with the expansion, it'll bring more work,” said resident Timothy Young.
If the Secretary of the Navy gives the thumbs up... Lemoore NAS will transition to the new aircraft by 2017.
"It's 2010 technology vs. 1980 technology so there's about a 30 year advance in the capability here and it's what we need,” said Lalor.