First Air Force JSF landed for training

The first Air Force F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter arrived at Eglin Air Force Base July 14, marking a major milestone in our nation’s military history.

“It’s an exciting day here at the wing, where our joint and integrated team has been preparing for this day since October 2009,” Col. Andrew Toth, 33rd Fighter wing commander.  “I have no doubt the caliber of the airmen, sailors, marines and contractors will provide safe and effective training operations at Eglin. Now we look forward to the start of classes later this year.” 

The military’s first F-35 pilots ferried the joint strike fighter from Lockheed Martin headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, to its new home here. The unique environment comprised of military, civilians and contractors at Eglin will train pilots and maintainers for all three variants of the aircraft.

For more on this story, see the July 21 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.