NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas -- The 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, celebrated a milestone Nov. 2 with a ceremony marking the arrival of the first F-35A Lightning II, officially positioning the wing as the Air Force Reserve’s first stand-alone F-35 unit.
The arrival boosted 10th Air Force’s combat capabilities and emphasized the strategic importance of the F-35 in the Great Power Competition.
“This isn’t just another aircraft,” said Maj. Gen. Gina Sabric, 10th Air Force commander. “It’s the core of our future combat power. The F-35 brings unmatched technology and interoperability, making it essential for the high-end fight against peer adversaries.”
Col. Benjamin R. Harrison, 301st FW commander, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the excitement surrounding the F-35’s advanced capabilities.
“One can’t help but wonder how fast, how far, how high this aircraft can go,” he said. “The 301st is ready to embrace this new era, and the F-35 is our vehicle to achieving sustainable air superiority.”
The journey to becoming an F-35 wing has been years in the making for the 301st FW, Harrison said. Originally identified as a feasible location in 2016, the wing underwent an environmental impact study and, in 2021, was officially designated by the secretary of the Air Force as the first Air Force Reserve Command F-35 unit. Since then, the wing has been actively preparing for this transition, balancing ongoing deployments and missions worldwide while training for the F-35’s arrival.
Sabric stressed the F-35’s critical role, not only within the 10th Air Force but in the Joint Force as a whole.
“This platform is central to our operational capability,” she said. “With more than 1,040 F-35s delivered globally, the aircraft is already a proven asset, with eight countries employing it in active operations.”
Navy Capt. Beau Hufstetler, NAS JRB Fort Worth commanding officer, talked about the significance of having Texas-built F-35s stationed in Texas for the first time.
“Seeing these jets parked on our runway speaks volumes about the strategic importance of the F-35 and the Airmen who will operate and maintain them.”
The first F-35 delivery marks the beginning of a new chapter for the 301st FW and strengthens the Air Force Reserve’s ability to integrate seamlessly with active-duty and Air National Guard counterparts, Sabric said. The F-35’s arrival at NAS JRB Fort Worth solidifies the 301st FW’s role in national defense, providing a critical advantage in any future conflict.
Discussing the journey to this moment, Harrison expressed gratitude for the partnerships and support that made it possible, from AFRC to local community leaders.
“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated team and community,” he said. “We’re excited to take this step forward and represent the best of the Reserve in this new chapter.”
The 301st FW’s F-35s will not only enhance the wing’s readiness, but also ensures the Air Force Reserve remains at the forefront of modern warfare, Harrison said.
(Wilson is assigned to the 10th Air Force public affairs office.)