‘Thousand little things’ resulted in military

pilot training center

in Fort Smith

by Michael Tilley for Talk Business & Politics

(April 28, 2025)

The first class of Polish Air Force pilots who are set to graduate from the foreign pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith are the first fighter pilots to cycle through the new center.

Lt. Col. Don “JAB” Roney, director of operations with the 57th Fighter Squadron, said the Polish pilots being trained now “are the initial cadre” and will eventually become instructors so they can be “self-sustaining” in terms of future training in Poland of F-35 pilots.

Roney said the second class of Polish pilots are in Fort Smith. There are four Polish F-35 fighter planes in Fort Smith.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Read Full Article Here

Photo is F-35 jet built for Poland (provided to Talk Business & Politics from Lockheed)

Chamber Patriot Members "Experience the Black Hawk"

Our Chamber Patriot Members were given a unique opportunity to experience the Black Hawk on April 16th. Following an informative briefing, our group was treated to a bird's-eye view of the city. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the 77th Aviation Combat Brigade from Camp Robinson for an unforgettable experience!

Gilbane Holds Informative Session for Subcontractors

The Chamber was pleased to host the team from Gilbane Building Company in April. They have been awarded a substantial contract at Ebbing Air National Guard Base and seeking local partners to assist with the construction. Over 160 area representatives show up to learn more about the project and the opportunities for their business. Gilbane Building Company is a global integrated construction and facility management company with more than 50 locations worldwide. 

This is only the beginning! The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission is picking up speed and new construction is necessary! Ebbing Air National Guard base is also the home of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MQ9-Reaper), Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (Distributed Ground Station-Arkansas) and Targeting (Space-Focused). 

85th Recognition Event

The 85^th Fighter Wing hosted an appreciation event for the Chamber Board Members and team on April 25^th. We had a fun afternoon of fellowship and networking. The Chamber truly values the partnership with the 85^th Fighter Wing and we are so grateful to have this group in our community!  

85th Fighter Group's Initial Operational Capability Ceremony

On May 9th, we had the honor of attending the 85th Fighter Group's Initial Operational Capability ceremony, making a milestone moment for our community and our valued partners! We proudly welcomed military representatives from Singapore, Finland, Germany, and Poland. Thank you to some of our Chamber members for helping with this event - Brew House Catering & Food Truck, Grand Finale Productions, and Fig and Fern Floral. 

The day before, we had the pleasure of hosting our international guests for a special dinner and tour at the U.S. Marshals Museum, giving them a taste of our rich history! This event was made a success thanks to Chamber members 21 West End and Expressions Flowers of Fort Smith. 

Thank you to Randall Ford for providing transportation for our guests!

Greece Visits

Our friends from Greece visited Fort Smith in May to learn about the housing, healthcare, and education sectors of our community. They received a tour and presentations to inform them of the quality of life and quality of place here in Fort Smith. Thank you to Randall Ford for providing the transportation for our guests!

Singapore Visits

Our friends from Singapore were back in Fort Smith at the end of May to learn more about the healthcare process here in Fort Smith. While here, they attended the Old Fort Days Rodeo! This was their first-time rodeo experience and was truly unforgettable! A big thank you to Old Fort Days Rodeo and Littlefield Companies for the invitation and the warm hospitality! 

AEDC Council Meeting and Tour

We were honored to welcome the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and their staff to Fort Smith the first week of June! Their visit included a tour of the 188th Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard and ABB, followed by a wonderful evening dinner at Rolando's Nuevo Latino Restaurante.

The AEDC Council is made up of 16 members appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. They play a vital role in guiding economic growth across the state.

Thank you to ABB and Five Rivers Distribution for sponsoring these tours and dinner!

Does your business offer a military discount?

We have put together a tab on our website that features businesses in our area that offer military discounts! This page is shared with the community and military members. Click below to fill out the form and tell us about the perks and discounts you offer!