Eventually, 72 JSF Aircraft Will Call The Base Home

The first two F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing were officially delivered to the base Wednesday. The two F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing variants, known as AF-77 and AF-78, are the first of 72 F-35As scheduled for delivery to the base.

"The F-35A Lightning II represents the future of tactical aviation for the United States and our allies," said Col. David Lyons, 388th Fighter Wing Commander. "Alongside our 419th Fighter Wing counterparts, we're excited to usher in a new era of combat capability for the Air Force."

Today's delivery marks the stand-up of the 10th F-35 base – with Hill the fifth U.S. Air Force base – to receive the F-35 Lightning II. During the next several months, Hill will receive additional F-35As, pilots and maintenance personnel in order to meet requirements to declare Initial Operational Capability in 2016.

"The F-35A Lightning II provides the USAF and international partners a decisive edge over its adversaries," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin F-35 Program General Manager. "The exceptional capabilities of this 5th generation stealth fighter are now in the hands of the Hill team and we couldn't be prouder of our warfighters at the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings."

(USAF file image)

FMI: www.af.mil