Higgins presses for F-15EX fighters to defend U.S. homeland instead of overseas bases

Higgins presses for F-15EX fighters to defend U.S. homeland instead of overseas bases

A Louisiana lawmaker challenged the Air Force's plan to deploy next-generation F-15EX fighter jets to Japan, arguing the most advanced variant of the twin-engine aircraft should instead be stationed on U.S. soil -- specifically at the 159th Fighter Wing based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), a vocal supporter of his home state's military installations, during a hearing this week spotlighted the aging…