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HR 139

United States Navy; F-35C home base.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Askew and 4 co-sponsors

Virginia House urges NAS Oceana as home base for future F-35C squadrons starting 2029, citing readiness, economy, and regional strategic advantages.

Bill text as passed House (HR139ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 139

Summary of House Resolution 139 (2026) – Virginia

Purpose

  • Encourages the United States Navy to select Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia Beach as the home base for new squadrons of F-35C Lightning II stealth strike fighters.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution expresses the sense of the Virginia House of Delegates that NAS Oceana should be the home base for upcoming F-35C squadrons beginning in 2029.
  • It highlights NAS Oceana as the ideal, carrier-capable home for the F-35C and emphasizes benefits to national defense readiness, local jobs, and regional economic strength.
  • It asserts that NAS Oceana is the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base and that concentrating the F-35C fleet there would improve readiness, efficiency, and alignment with existing operational structures.
  • It notes the Hampton Roads region’s strategic location and existing naval infrastructure as advantageous for rapid deployment to Europe, the Mediterranean, and other global areas.
  • It points out that NAS Oceana already has suitable facilities (runways, hangars, simulators, maintenance capabilities) to support fifth-generation aircraft, reducing need for new construction.
  • It mentions NAS Oceana’s partnership with Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress to provide carrier-landing practice capacity, aiding carrier-qualification readiness.
  • The resolution frames the move as aligning with the Navy’s modernization strategy and long-term mission, and as strengthening maritime dominance.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Primary focus: NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
  • Impact on personnel: potential retention and creation of civilian and military jobs associated with the F-35C transition and increased operations at NAS Oceana.
  • Local economy: anticipated positive effects from sustained and potentially expanded activity related to the F-35C fleet.
  • Community considerations: support for sailors and their families in terms of quality of life (schools, housing, community resources) as part of the rationale.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred to the Rules Committee on February 19, 2026.
  • The bill’s action history shows unanimous or near-unanimous passage within the House:
    • Subcommittee recommendation and passage in March 2026.
    • Full House approval: 99 Yeas, 0 Nays, 0 Abstentions (March 11, 2026).
    • Bill text passed by the House (HR139ER) on April 16, 2026.
  • The resolution requests the U.S. Secretary of the Navy to disseminate the sense of the Virginia House to relevant constituents and to share the resolution with the Navy for consideration.

Notes

  • This is a non-binding House resolution that expresses support and a policy preference for NAS Oceana as the home base for future F-35C squadrons.
  • It cites strategic, operational, and economic rationale but does not itself authorize any funding or mandate changing basing decisions; the ultimate decision rests with the U.S. Navy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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