12 Nov 2015

First Norwegian F-35s arrive at Luke AFB for training

The first two Norwegian F-35s arrived today at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Shortly after, a Norwegian pilot flew the F-35 Lightning II for the first time today, in conjunction with the Royal Norwegian air force's birthday.The F-35 program took its first step forward integrating partner nations with the arrival of the first Australian F-35 Dec. 18,

6 Nov 2015

F-35: Italians first mission highlights partnerships

Two Italian pilots completed their initial training flight in the F-35 Lightning II Nov. 5 at Luke Air Force Base marking the first F-35 flights under control of an Italian pilot.Today marks another significant step forward for the F-35 program as today's missions showcased the full partnership aspect of F-35 operations here. One Italian flew his

16 Oct 2015

Air Force sets weight restrictions for F-35 pilots

Air Force leaders recently made a decision to restrict pilots weighing less than 136 pounds from flying the F-35A Lightning II due to safety concerns about the ejection seat in a portion of the flight envelope.

2 Jul 2015

Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Changes Command

The "Grim Reapers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 held a change of command ceremony July 2 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.During the ceremony, Cmdr. James D. Christie relieved Capt. Frederick E. Crecelius as the commanding officer of VFA-101, the first F-35C Lightning II squadron in the Navy. Capt. David E. Koss, commodore, Strike Fighter

29 Jun 2015

First Marine graduates Air Force’s only F-35 intelligence course

The first U.S. Marine Corps officer graduated the Air Force’s only F-35 Lightning II Intelligence Formal Training Unit course, June 24, on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.The formal course combines fifth-generation fighter-specific and general intelligence academics applicable to the F-35 and the low observable global strike mission. Completion of