Historic unit reactivated to support F-35 Joint Strike Fighter operation

  • Published
  • By Christopher Ball
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force Flight Test Center resurrected a historic squadron to become the first unit to support the Joint Strike Fighter Oct. 27 here.

The reactivation ceremony for the 461st Flight Test Squadron was held in the JSF Integrated Test Force facilities with a full-scale model of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as a backdrop.

As he assumed command of the 461st FLTS, Lt. Col. Ed Cassidy spoke of the accomplishments of the JSF Integrated test force, and of the challenges ahead.

"In the last year, we've seen the successful execution of a move into this new compound, the transition to a new budget process; we've completed several risk reduction efforts, including the first-ever full-scale decontamination of an airplane," Colonel Cassidy said. "We've completed the review of 12 test plans, the first of which was approved by Major General (Curtis) Bedke (Air Force Flight Test Center commander) last Monday. And we've seen the first engine run out at Fort Worth, Texas."

During the ceremony, Col. Christopher Cook, 412th Operations Group Commander, said the F-35 represents the very best in innovation and teamwork.

"It is the result of years of hard work and literally tens of thousands of people from many different nations," he said. "This plane will be deadly -- that is the nature of the world that we live in today -- and it will guarantee that the first combat missions it sees will not be a fair fight. You know, that's just the way I like it."

While introducing the new commander of the 461st FLTS, Colonel Cook said ensuring the Lightning II becomes the very best fighter attack aircraft in the world, the Air Force needs the best leaders in the world.

"This opportunity to reactivate the 461st and build a unit from the ground floor is very rare indeed," said Colonel Cook. "You have been given this opportunity because you have demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have what it takes to balance the needs of the mission with the needs of your people."

In addition to the full-scale decontamination of an aircraft, some of the risk reduction efforts completed to now include the JSF's helmet-mounted display and recent testing with the aircrew escape system parachutes.

Colonel Cassidy said the challenges they face in the next year include thee transition to a new civilian personnel system, the National Security Personnel System, more upgrades to the JSF facilities here, more risk reductions efforts and the first flight of the F-35 at Fort Worth.

The 461st Flight Test Squadron's roots date back to 1942, when the 361st Fighter Squadron was established. In 1955, the 361st was combined with the 461st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, and the unit has seen several moves and redefinitions, before finally being deactivated in 1994.