EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE Fla. -- The 419th Fighter Wing annual training here is providing reservists and their active-duty counterparts in the 388th FW with immersion training on the Air Force's newest fighter jet, the F-35A Lightning II.
Airmen from Hill's fighter wings, including pilots, maintainers, logisticians, and support personnel, are getting real-time experience while working alongside the 33rd Fighter Wing.
"The F-35 is going to be an important aircraft for the future of the Air Force," said Tech. Sgt. David Sudak, 419th crew chief. "It will provide flexibility both for maintenance and air crews."
Hill AFB has been selected as the first base to receive the F-35A, with the first operational jets to arrive in fall 2015. Planning is currently underway for three operational F-35A squadrons at Hill and aircraft deliveries are expected to be phased in over a three-year period with full conversion anticipated by March 2019.
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USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)