SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The DAF will implement its Alternative 3 to recapitalize all T-38C aircraft at Sheppard AFB with up to 131 T-7A aircraft, limiting initial delivery to 108 per the Secretary of the Air Force Strategic Basing Decision approving Sheppard AFB as the fifth T-7A Main Operating Base. DAF will execute all portions of T-7A recapitalization at Sheppard AFB including the operations and changes to the number of personnel and dependents as defined for Alternative 3. Alternative 3 is selected to provide DAF with flexibility for future capacity needs after considering the potential environmental consequences provided in the EIS for T-7A recapitalization at Sheppard AFB, the comments and concerns of the public and other key stakeholders, as well as other factors related to national defense, including current military operational needs and costs. The Final EIS was made available to the public through the project website ( vance.t-7anepadocuments.com), and a Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register (Volume 91, Number 108, Page 34233) on June 5, 2026.

The DAF decision documented in the ROD was based on matters discussed in the Final EIS, inputs from the public and regulatory agencies, and other relevant factors. Authority for this notice is 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq. and Department of Defense National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures.

91 FR 57576