Air Force Department April 10, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The United States Air Force is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to announce that it is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) to determine the potential environmental consequences of a proposal to transform the combat capability of the 49th Fighter Wing and maximize the use of available infrastructure at Holloman AFB by replacing the retiring F-117A aircraft and T-38A aircraft supporting the F-117A mission with two F-22A squadrons. The Air Force has identified Holloman AFB as the preferred location for the third operational wing of the Air Force's F-22A Raptor, which would enhance the low observable, precision weapons system capability of the 49th Fighter Wing. The EA for the proposed action will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321- 4347), the Council on Environmental Quality NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508); and the Air Force's Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) (Air Force Instruction 32-7061 as promulgated at 32 CFR 989). As part of the proposal, the Air Force will analyze the following actions at Holloman AFB: Retire F-117A and T-38A aircraft currently based at Holloman AFB. Beddown and operate two F-22A aircraft squadrons. Renovate existing facilities and construct new facilities to support the F-22A squadrons. Adjust base manning to reflect F-22A beddown requirements Conduct F-22A training routinely in airspace within 100 miles of Holloman AFB, to include supersonic operations. Expand chaff and flare use in military airspace. Alternatives meeting the underlying purpose and need of the proposed action, if any, will be developed during the EIAP process. This process includes gathering information from the scoping meetings.