Governor Askes For Fighter Jets

By Bill Johnson Published Jul 17, 2002 06:00 pm Updated Jan 31, 2009 05:31 pm

Governor Davis has asked military officials to deploy a fleet of F-15C aircraft to California.

In a letter to the secretary of the Air Force, Davis said the 19 new aircraft should be based at the California Air National Guard´s 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno.

Davis said reports yesterday that suspected terrorists had filmed potential targets in California “makes the placement of F-15Cs in California even more compelling.”

Davis announced the request today at the Air National Guard facility in Mather. He said the U.S. Air Force is considering sending the fighter jets to either North Dakota or California.

Davis said the base in Fresno would be “perfectly positioned” to assist in homeland defense because it provides “quick and unfettered access to the entire length of California´s coast.”