May 24, 2019 Hill AFB F-35s, Airmen deploy to Europe as part of Theater Security Package Funded through the European Deterrence Initiative, the TSP provides a more robust U.S. military rotational presence in the European theater capable of deterring adversaries and assuring partners and allies of U.S. commitment to regional security. The F-35s and members of the 421st and 466th Fighter
April 30, 2019 U.S. Air Force F-35As conduct first combat employment Two Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft conducted an air strike at Wadi Ashai, Iraq, in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, April 30.
Dec. 11, 2018 31st TES begins F-35 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron kicked off the Defense Department’s F-35 Lightning II Initial Operational Test and Evaluation with a large force employment sortie from Edwards AFB, California, Dec. 5.
Nov. 14, 2018 F-35 maintainers at Hill AFB shaping future with BOLT After several months, an innovative program in the 388th Fighter Wing is proving it has the potential to deliver combat power more efficiently and may shape how the Air Force determines future requirements to sustain F-35A Lightning II operations.
Nov. 5, 2018 388th Fighter Wing completes combat exercise The 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron and 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit recently completed a combat exercise where they tested and evaluated their capabilities to operate the F-35A Lightning II in a deployed environment.
Jan. 19, 2017 Strike Eagle in four-ship flyover of 58th Presidential Inauguration An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 335th Fighter Squadron will participate in a four-ship flyover for the 58th Presidential Inauguration, Jan. 20, 2017.
Feb. 29, 2016 Hill's F-35s drop first weapons Airmen from the 388th and 419th fighter wings dropped laser-guided bombs at the Utah Test and Training Range the week of Feb. 25, marking the first time an F-35 Lightning II combat unit has deployed weapons from the F-35A.
Jan. 26, 2016 AF sends F-35A to UK for air shows The Air Force is taking the future of airpower to international audiences in England this summer.
Dec. 21, 2015 Luke F-35 team competes for first time in load crew competition A Luke Air Force Base F-35A Lightning II crew competed for the first time in a load crew competition Dec. 18, against legacy F-16 Fighting Falcon crews.Quarterly load crew competitions showcase the combat readiness and effectiveness of load crew teams to safely and properly arm an aircraft within
Dec. 14, 2015 Legacy, 5th-generation aircraft unite at Checkered Flag Checkered Flag 16-1, a large-force exercise which gives a large number of legacy and fifth-generation aircraft the chance to practice combat training together, started here Dec. 10.
Nov. 16, 2015 Eglin crew chiefs advance with F-35 As the Air Force continues to develop their newest fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II, the 33rd Fighter Wing ensures the Airmen tasked with taking care of it receive the training they need to advance with it.
July 23, 2015 Ground testing for F-35 gun conducted at Edwards AFB The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force is in the process of testing the F-35A Lightning II’s newest munitions asset, a four-barrel Gatling gun that fires 25 mm rounds known as the GAU-22/A.
April 1, 2015 1,000th F-35 training sortie flown at Luke AFB The 56th Fighter Wing flew its 1,000th F-35A Lightning II training sortie March 31, making it the fastest F-35 wing to reach the 1,000-sortie milestone in the Defense Department.
Feb. 2, 2015 Air Force presents FY 16 budget request The Air Force presented its fiscal year 2016 President's Budget request Feb. 2, following the Defense Department and sister services budget briefings.
Jan. 8, 2015 Lakenheath selected to host first F-35s in USAFE Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K., was selected as the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) base to host the F-35A Lightning II.