PROVEN WING.PREPARED STATE.
CLEAR CHOICE.
F-35 for South Dakota
Supporting the future of the 114th Fighter Wing in Sioux Falls.
Add Your Organization’s Support →
Help secure the next generation of airpower for Sioux Falls.
For decades, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been a familiar presence in the skies over Sioux Falls. Now, as the Air Force plans for the future of its fighter fleet, South Dakota has an opportunity to bring the F-35 Lightning II to the 114th Fighter Wing.
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce supports this effort and is working with the South Dakota Air National Guard and community partners to demonstrate support for bringing the F-35 to South Dakota.
This is about more than replacing an aircraft. It’s about maintaining a strong military mission, supporting the Airmen who serve our nation, and investing in the future of our community.
A proven wing. A prepared state.
South Dakota offers a compelling combination of military readiness, training opportunities, strategic investment and community support.
Ready for the next mission
The 114th Fighter Wing is a combat-proven organization with a record of performing under demanding conditions. Its experience positions it for a successful transition to the F-35.
Exceptional training potential
South Dakota’s regional airspace and the B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base create opportunities for next-generation fighter and bomber integration.
A state invested in defense
South Dakota has aligned government, higher education and industry to support national security, specialized talent and technological innovation.
A community behind the mission
Strong support for military service, along with investments in critical infrastructure, provides a foundation for long-term mission success.
The 114th Fighter Wing is part of our community.
Members of the South Dakota Air National Guard are our employees, neighbors, family members and community leaders. They contribute to businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteer efforts throughout the Sioux Falls region.
Bringing the F-35 to South Dakota would help preserve a strong fighter mission in Sioux Falls and provide opportunities for future generations of Airmen.
The Chamber believes the 114th Fighter Wing is an important part of the region’s workforce, economy and long-term vitality.
Figures are based on Chamber advocacy materials from 2026.
The time to show support is now.
South Dakota is participating in a competitive selection process for future F-35 basing. The Chamber is collecting organizational endorsements to share with the state’s congressional delegation as advocacy continues.
Businesses and organizations submit letters and endorsements supporting the 114th Fighter Wing.
Anticipated initial selection milestones. Advocacy efforts continue.
Anticipated final decision, according to September 2026 campaign materials.
Add your organization’s support.
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce invites businesses and organizations to join the effort to bring the F-35 to the 114th Fighter Wing.
Complete the form below to authorize the Chamber to include your organization among supporters of this initiative in advocacy communications.
Read the Chamber’s Letter of Support
The Honorable Troy E. Meink
Secretary of the Air Force
1670 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1670
Re: F-35 Recapitalization for the 114th Fighter Wing
Dear Secretary Meink:
The 114th Fighter Wing is deeply important to Sioux Falls and communities across South Dakota. Its Airmen are our employees, neighbors, family members and community leaders. But the case for F-35 recapitalization is larger than preserving a valued local institution. This is a generational airpower investment, and the question is where the nation will receive the strongest long-term return from a limited number of F-35 aircraft.
South Dakota offers a compelling answer. The 114th is a combat-proven fighter wing, nationally recognized for its performance in the most challenging conditions and ready to rapidly convert the nation’s F-35 investment into global combat capability. Its record provides confidence that the organization can successfully transition to the F-35 and continue delivering for the nation.
The state is equally prepared to support that mission. Exceptional regional airspace and the B-21 at Ellsworth create a unique opportunity for next-generation fighter-bomber integration. South Dakota has deliberately aligned government, academia and industry around national security, while statewide work to strengthen critical infrastructure and deeply supportive military communities provide a durable foundation for long-term mission success.
The Sioux Falls business community is deeply connected with our National Guard, recognizing that the members of this proud organization are among the best and brightest in our community. They are high-performing employees who are also actively involved in nonprofit and volunteer organizations throughout our region. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and its members are proud of our longstanding connections with veterans service organizations, nonprofits that serve military members and their families, and businesses that support our Guard members both at home and abroad. In South Dakota, we continue to invest in our own, and the results are evident in decades of business growth, community leadership and significant philanthropic efforts. We ask that you invest in South Dakota, as we have invested in ourselves.
On behalf of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the businesses and organizations endorsing this letter, we respectfully urge the Department of the Air Force to select the 114th Fighter Wing for F-35 recapitalization.
The wing is proven. The state is prepared. South Dakota delivers the strongest long-term return on the next F-35 investment.
Sincerely,
Jeff Griffin
President & CEO
Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Prefer to send your own letter?
Businesses and organizations can also express their support for F-35 recapitalization by sending a letter directly to the Secretary of the Air Force.
Prepare a letter of support
Download the sample letter, customize it with your organization’s information, place it on your letterhead and have it signed by an authorized representative.
Download Sample Letter (Word) ↓
Mail your completed letter to:
The Honorable Troy E. MeinkSecretary of the Air Force
1670 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1670
Share F-35 for South Dakota
Help build awareness and support for the 114th Fighter Wing’s future. Share this initiative with colleagues, fellow business leaders and community organizations.
Proven Wing. Prepared State. Clear Choice.
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce supports bringing the F-35 to South Dakota and the continued mission of the 114th Fighter Wing.