MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho – Southern Idaho residents are responding with mixed feelings to the federal government’s decision to bring Qatari Air Force pilots and jets to Mountain Home Air Force Base for training.
Resident Jenny Maslin questioned the timing of the decision.
“Why is it now and not ten years ago, or over the past ten years? What changed?” Maslin said.
Another resident, Gary Clampett, saw the move as a positive step.
“We need more allies and people that work with us around the world. So I think this is a movement in the right direction,” Clampett said.
Mountain Home Mayor Rich Sykes highlighted the potential benefits of the increased base operations.
“Increased base operation means potential job creations, sustained investment in our community infrastructure and continued support of our local economy,” Sykes said.
The mayor also emphasized the cultural opportunities for residents.
“Our residents will have the opportunities to engage in international partners, to learn about different cultures and to broaden our community’s global perspective,” he said.
An exact start date for the training program has not yet been announced.
