Air Force 'Home' of C-130 Testing Becomes Detachment

The 413th Flight Test Squadron’s C-130 Combined Test Force at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., became its own entity Sept. 10 when it was officially designated as a detachment, encapsulating more than a decade’s worth of specialized developmental tests on the Hercules.

As the Air Force’s hub for all C-130 acquisition developmental testing, the newly minted 96th Operations Group Detachment 1 performs testing of everything from small aircraft parts and software to major weapons system acquisitions — nose to tail.

Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Hosts F-35C Lightning II Rollout Ceremony

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft squadron, the "Grim Reapers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, hosted a rollout ceremony for their new aircraft at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct.1.

The rollout ceremony commemorated the long, storied history of the "Grim Reapers" and the establishment of VFA-101 as the Navy's first F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron.

Retired and active duty service members from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force attended the ceremony, as well as industry partners from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt and Whitney, and BAE Systems.

Several local community leaders also attended, including Niceville, Fla., Mayor Randall Wise; Mary Ester, Fla., Mayor William Creekmore; and Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Mayor Michael Anderson.

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Bill Gortney; Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. David H. Buss; and Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President and General Manager, F-35 Lightning II Program, Lorraine M. Martin provided remarks about the Navy's new aircraft and the legacy of the "Grim Reapers."

Gortney recognized the significance of the rollout ceremony and spoke about the future importance of the fifth-generation fighter in enhancing the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of future carrier air wings and joint task forces.

"Today, we formally recognize the next generation of Naval Aviation - the F-35C," said Gortney. "The most important revolution is fusing these weapons systems with the rest of the weapon system. Our cruisers, destroyers, P-8s, Tritons, and operational and tactical headquarters - the decision makers."

Buss spoke about how the Navy's stealth fighter will ensure that future carrier air wings are capable of fulfilling two important missions - assure access and project power.

"Our Navy needs aircraft capable of overcoming a variety of threats - surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, and tactical aircraft," said Buss. "The F-35C brings stealth capability to the ultimate sea base - the flight deck of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier - for the first time in our history."

"The F-35C mixed with the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Hawkeye, MH-60R/S helicopters will provide carrier-based Naval Aviation the ability to fulfill these requirements well into the future," said Buss, regarding the Navy's ability to combat future threats.

Martin spoke about the unique design and capabilities of the F-35C, which complements the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the Navy's current premier strike fighter.

"With its rugged structure to withstand the tough environments aboard our carriers, advanced avionics, high resolution sensors, fused targeting and combat information networks linked directly into the grid, the F-35C will become a critical, lethal node in the strike group network," said Martin.

Vice Commander, 33rd Fighter Wing, Capt. Paul Haas provided a brief overview of the history of the "Grim Reapers," a nickname that has served three difference squadrons - Fighter Squadron (VF) 10, VF-101 and now Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 - since June 1942.

VFA-101 Sailors and officers then paid tribute to the "Grim Reapers" legacy by honoring the first two commanding officers of the original "Grim Reapers" of VF-10, Vice Adm. James H. Flatley, Jr., and Capt. William R. Kane, who both received the Navy Cross for their service during World War II. Flatley was represented by his son, retired Rear Adm. James H. Flatley, III, and Kane was represented by his daughter, Chris Kane Andrews.

Throughout the years, the "Grim Reapers" have fought in various aircraft, including the F4F Wildcat, the FG1-D Corsair, the F-4 Phantom, the F-14 Tomcat and currently the F-35C. The "Grim Reapers" flew combat missions in the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Korean War and at various times since World War II, served as trainers for future Naval Aviators joining the fleet.

"The legacy of the Grim Reapers is one, quite literally, for the history books. Not only for its past legacy, but also of the expectations of the future," said Martin. "With the F-35C under this squadrons command, VFA-101 will once again have the opportunity to fly their flag and leave their mark on aviation history."
"Today's grim reapers are picking up where VF-101 left off almost a decade ago, laying a new foundation for training our nation's premier carrier-based strike fighter aviators and maintainers," said Haas.

VFA-101 received the Navy's first F-35C June 22, 2013, from Lockheed Martin, becoming the Navy's first F-35C squadron, and completed its first check flight in the squadron's new aircraft Aug. 14, a milestone that reinforced the Navy-industry partnership and represented a step forward in the development of the Navy's next generation fighter. As the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, VFA-101 trains Navy aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C.

Strike Fighter Squadron 101 to Host F-35C Rollout Ceremony

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2013) An F-35C Lightning II aircraft piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Chris Tabert, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, flies the squadron's first local sortie. The F-35C is the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. VFA 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, serves as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training both aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr./Released

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft squadron, the "Grim Reapers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, will host a rollout ceremony for their new aircraft at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 1.

The rollout ceremony will commemorate the long, storied history of the "Grim Reapers" and the establishment of VFA-101 as the Navy's first F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron.

The F-35C is a fifth generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment.

Navy leaders, including Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Bill E. Gortney, and Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. David H. Buss, will speak at the ceremony, along with Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President and General Manager, F-35 Lightning II Program, Lorraine M. Martin.

VFA-101 received the Navy's first F-35C June 22, 2013, from Lockheed Martin, becoming the Navy's first F-35C squadron, and completed its first check flight in the squadron's new aircraft Aug. 14, a milestone that reinforced the Navy-industry partnership and represented a step forward in the development of the Navy's next generation fighter. As the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, VFA-101 trains Navy aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C.

The F-35 Lightning II brings a broad range of force packages to the fleet - capitalizing on the integration of advanced mission systems, stealth technology and supersonic capability across three F-35 variants. The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy's premier strike fighter.
 
By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of the F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Hawkeye, Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike air vehicles, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.

Since June 1942, "Grim Reapers" has served as the nickname for three different squadrons - Fighter Squadron (VF) 10, VF-101 and now Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 - flying various aircraft, including the F4F Wildcat, the FG1-D Corsair, the F-4 Phantom, the F-14 Tomcat and currently the F-35C. The "Grim Reapers" flew combat missions in the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Korean War and at various times since World War II, served as trainers for future naval aviators joining the fleet.

Eglin AFB F-35 fleet exceeds 2K sorties, training presses on

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Tabert returns from the first local flight of the carrier variant of the F-35C Lightning II, Joint Strike Fighter, Aug. 14, 2013, at Eglin Air Force Base's 33rd Fighter Wing. The unit, co-located at the wing, serves as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training F-35C aircrew and maintenance personnel alongside Air Force, Marine and coalition partners in the joint strike fighter program. Tabert is an F-35 instructor pilot with the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-101. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Egebrecht )

By Maj. Karen Roganov, 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- Airmen and Marines assigned to the F-35 Integrated Training Center at the 33rd Fighter Wing here have consistently flown successful training sorties and generated their 2,000th sortie Aug. 13 with an instructor pilot of the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501 (VMFAT-501), at the controls.

 

Marine Maj. Adam Levine, who flew in a two-ship formation, said he was surprised with the news upon landing but said that is typical since the flightline members are focusing on safe and effective flying rather than keeping pace with data tracked by those in statistical analysis.

 

“Every sortie, every takeoff, every hour is a win for the F-35 enterprise,” he said. From his cockpit, Levine also witnessed the first taxi of the U.S. Navy’s F-35C carrier variant preparing for its maiden flight from Eglin AFB.

 

With the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy pressing forward to meet goals of initial operating capability in the next few years for their respective services, getting ample time in the air is crucial to meeting their timelines.

 

“Flying the 2,000th sortie highlights the accomplishments of the entire F-35 airpower team at Eglin AFB and moves us one step closer to the aircraft’s initial war fighting capability,” said Col. Todd Canterbury, the commander of the 33rd FW.

 

The Eglin AFB F-35A, B, and C variant joint training has been accomplished while operational and developmental test missions at flight test sites on the east and west coasts have been conducted simultaneously -- a process known as concurrency.

 

In these last couple weeks, Eglin AFB officials sent a handful of their pilots to Luke Air Force Base Ariz., to become the initial cadre of F-35A leaders at the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Wing, said Col. Stephen Jost, the commander of the 33rd Operations Group here. Luke AFB’s first joint strike fighters are scheduled to arrive in spring 2014 with plans to grow to 144 aircraft in the out years.

 

For now, the Eglin AFB-based flyers are expanding their training curriculum as they double up to full aircraft strength in the spring with all 24 Air Force F-35As expected to be on base. Jost will lead the group’s transition to the Block 2A aircraft, which carry upgraded computer software, in the first quarter of calendar year 2014 in order to accommodate more aircraft capabilities.

 

“We will increase the current syllabus from 6 student sorties to 8 and even 9 depending on when we will be cleared by the test community to fly at night,” Jost said.

Aside from flight operations, this also entails transitioning the ground school instruction such as flying more advanced scenarios in the full mission simulator.

“The primary capability of Block 2A is use of the plane’s multifunction advanced data link,” he said. 

Currently, voice transmission is the primary means of communication.

 

While Air Force planners is busy seeding Luke AFB with an initial F-35 team, the Marines have been doing the same for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., just a short flight away.

 

Having trained up the initial cadre of U.S. and United Kingdom pilots and maintainers at VMFAT-501, Marines at Eglin AFB continue to train instructor pilots with a portion of the classes’ students being operational test pilots. These pilots are standing up MCAS Yuma’s operations at Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-121, Levine said.

 

In the near future, Eglin AFB’s VMFAT-501 is preparing to conduct its first local short take-off and vertical landing of the F-35B, an accomplishment realized at MCAS Yuma in March that the VMFAT-501 helped make possible. Meanwhile, the Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron 101 at Eglin AFB, has conducted its first maintenance check flight yesterday, is preparing for its first student flight this week.

 

In the upcoming years, when operating at full capacity, the Eglin AFB fleet will grow to 59 aircraft with about 100 pilots and 2,100 maintainers graduating yearly.

 

The F-35 joint strike fighter program is a joint, multi-national program. In addition to U.S. armed forces, the F-35 increases operational flexibility and interoperability with the eight other international partners participating in the development of the aircraft. They are the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Norway.

 

With so much history in the making, the F-35A, B and C fighter units at Eglin AFB are making strides for airpower for years to come, officials said. 

 

“The versatile and high-tech aircraft will carry the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy into the next 50 years of air dominance, and the men and women here can reflect back knowing they were among the pioneers in its initial phases,” Canterbury said.

Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Granted Interim 'Safe for Flight' Completes First Flight in Navy F-35C Lightning II

An F-35C Lightning II aircraft piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Chris Tabert, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, flies the squadron's first local sortie. The F-35C is the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. VFA 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, serves as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training both aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin by Liz Kaszynski/Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, the Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft squadron, completed its first flight Aug. 14 in its new aircraft at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The 1.3 hour flight was made by VFA-101 naval aviator Lt. Cmdr. Chris Tabert.

The flight followed a decision by Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific, Vice Adm. David Buss Aug. 8, granting the Fleet Replacement Squadron interim "safe for flight" status.

"The Lightning II strike fighter represents the future business end of our nuclear powered aircraft carrier force, the embarked carrier air wing," said Buss. "The men and women of VFA-101 are now cleared to take the first steps toward that future as they operate these amazing Navy aircraft and train the aviators who will fly them."

"VFA-101's achievement of the Interim Safe For Flight (ISFF) criteria constitutes a significant milestone in the introduction of the F-35C Lightning II into the fleet," said Capt. Mark Black, commander, Strike Fighter Wing, Pacific. "VFA-101 will now begin to schedule and perform sorties under their own charter from their facilities at Eglin AFB. This will permit the re-established Grim Reapers to begin training for the original flight instructor cadre that will teach future F-35C pilots in the intricacies of mastering the Navy's first 5th generation fighter."

The squadron received the Navy's first F-35C from Lockheed Martin June 22. Today's flight was the first in the new Navy aircraft flown by a VFA-101 pilot at Eglin. "The first flight of Grim Reaper 102 today is the acme of many years hard work and planning by the Sailors of VFA-101 and our Lockheed Martin partners and is an exciting first step in introducing the Navy's first 5th generation fighter to fleet," said VFA Commanding Officer Capt. John Enfield. "Now that we're flying, we will be able to validate and evaluate both the pilot and maintainer syllabi as we train the initial cadre of instructors."

VFA 101 is the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training Navy aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C, a fifth generation fighter that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment.

"The Interim Safe for Flight will begin in earnest the training of the U. S. Navy personnel in how to maintain this impressive new aircraft," said Black. "Proficient Lockheed Martin technicians will lead Sailors in verifying prescribed maintenance procedures that will ultimately be converted into a robust syllabus that will permit future Navy maintenance personnel to develop the skills necessary to ensure and sustain the flight integrity of the aircraft. Designating VFA-101 as Interim Safe for Flight signifies that the Navy F-35C has begun its service in Naval Aviation for real."

The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy's premier strike fighter.

By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of the F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Hawkeye, Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike air vehicles, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.

Navy's Newest Squadron Prepares for New F-35 Fighters - The Grim Reapers Are Back!

An F-35C test aircraft CF-3 is brought to launch position on a test catapult by Navy test pilot Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus. The test demonstrated proper catapult hook-up in preparation for the first launches at Lakehurst, N.J., scheduled for later this month. CF-3 is the designated carrier suitability test aircraft. The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River before eventual delivery to the fleet. (Photo by Michael D. Jackson courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Released)

By Ens. Elizabeth Allen, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

EGLIN AFB, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy personnel are busy preparing to teach the next generation of Sailors how to work with and fly the newest military aircraft, the F-35C Lightening II Joint Strike Fighter, as Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA-101) readies for its stand-up ceremony on Eglin Air Force Base May 1.

The F-35 is a single seat, multi-role fighter aircraft with the capability to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions. The aircraft is in full production at the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas. The F-35 is designed to eventually replace the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier tactical fighter aircraft and was planned with a common design, but three unique service variants, to keep development, production, and operating costs down.

"This is brand new aircraft platform from tooth to tail," said Cmdr. Scott Kartvedt, commanding officer of VFA-101. "We're not parlaying off any Navy stealth legacy programs or support systems. This will be the first new stealth and carrier-based tactical fighter aircraft since the introduction of the F/A-18 29 years ago."

The original Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101), nicknamed the "Grim Reapers," was established May 1, 1952 and flew various models of fighter aircraft including the F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat. With the retirement of the F-14, VF-101 was disestablished in 2005.

To support the new Navy version of the F-35, VFA-101 will be reestablished May 1 at a new hangar and training facility on Eglin AFB and will serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), training pilots and maintainers for the fleet.

The first Sailors to help stand up VFA-101 will receive 'Plank Owner' certificates for their assistance with the new aircraft, new training facilities and redesignated squadron. As per Navy tradition, plank owners are individuals who were members of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission.

"I'm learning a lot and really enjoy working with other services," said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (AW/SW) Mirtha Martinez, Material Control Department leading chief petty officer for the squadron. "I'd love to come back in five years and see the squadron fully functioning."

Marine Col. Arthur Tomassetti, vice commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, said establishing a squadron to train and work with the F-35 aircraft has not been easy, but the leadership has taken charge and is working towards building the best facilities possible to work with this new aircraft.

"The concept was simple; establish an initial training center for pilots and maintainers for the F-35 weapon system," said Tomassetti. "Bringing that concept to reality has been and will continue to be complicated and challenging. So the first step is you start with the best people you can find, put them together, and say 'go.' Over the past two-and-one-half years, those carefully selected people have put together a strategy, developed plans, adapted to the dynamic and ever changing environment and schedule, and continued to track towards the goal of establishing a training center for F-35 pilots and maintainers."

The mechanics of the Navy F-35 will initially be taught by Lockheed Martin personnel to Navy instructors, who will then begin teaching students after completing instructor certification. Students are expected to arrive for maintenance instruction in 2015, with the first F-35s scheduled for deployment 2017-2018.

The Navy's version of the F-35, the 'C' model is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B versions with larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment.

Sailors in the majority of aviation rates are eligible to attend the F-35 course of instruction, including aviation ordnancemen, aviation structural mechanics, aviation machinist's mates, aviation electronics technicians, aviation electrician's mates, aviation structural mechanics and aircrew survival equipmentmen.

VFA-101 is a part of the 33rd Fighter Wing, a joint-service graduate flying and maintenance training wing responsible for F-35 A/B/C pilot and maintenance training for the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Air Force. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service's aircraft variant will be based at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The F-35 Academic Training Center serves as the schoolhouse, where wing personnel expect to train more than 2,000 maintenance students and 100 pilots each year.

Marine Corps Welcomes First F-35B Aircraft to its Fleet

The first F-35B aircraft, the Marine Corps variant of the F-35 Lightning II, arrives at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's F-35 training squadron, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, is the first Marine Corps squadron to receive F-35B aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Released)

From 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Marine Corps welcomed its first F-35B aircraft, the Marine Corps variant of the F-35 Lightning II, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 11.

Marine pilots will receive training to fly the new aircraft and eventually deploy with them aboard Navy amphibious ships.

The F-35B, one of three variants of the Joint Strike Fighter, is a tactical fixed-wing aircraft that is to be the replacement for aging jets within the Marine Corps. 2d Marine Aircraft Wing's F-35 training squadron, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, is based at Eglin AFB and is the first Marine Corps squadron to receive F-35B aircraft.

Marine test pilot Maj. Joseph T. Bachmann delivered the first aircraft to Eglin AFB. A second F-35B is scheduled to be delivered as well. The aircraft will be used for pilot and maintainer training at the F-35 Integrated Training Center.

"The Marine Corps has to be ready to fight across the spectrum of war; a force that is most ready when the nation is least ready. The F-35B gives us the capability to do just that," said Maj. Gen. Jon M. Davis, commanding general of 2nd MAW.

The F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing fighter, is slated to replace the Marine Corps' F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier and EA-6B Prowler. It will provide multi-role, fifth-generation capabilities in the form of one common tactical fixed-wing aircraft, reducing maintenance costs while ensuring the Marine Corps maintains the tactical aircraft dominance required to deter potential adversaries and protect the nation's interests.

The F-35B supports the Marine Corps' tactical and operational needs for close air support in austere conditions and locations that may be inaccessible to traditional fighters. Thanks to its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, the F-35B can operate from expeditionary airfields in remote, non-permissive environments with shorter runways, contributing to the Marine Corps' role as the nation's expeditionary force-in-readiness.

"The STOVL capability of the F-35B will enable us to deploy with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and ensure these fifth-generation capabilities are available when needed," said Lt. Col. James B. Wellons, commanding officer of VMFAT-501. "Our mission is to conduct F-35B operations in coordination with our joint and coalition partners at Eglin Air Force Base in order to attain our annual pilot training requirement."

The F-35B surpassed 250 vertical landings this year, including 72 vertical landings and short takeoffs on the USS Wasp in October.

New F-35B joint strike fighters arrive at Eglin

by Chrissy Cuttita, Eglin Air Force Base Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A resolution to be even more expeditionary will be met this year, now that Marines here received their first two F-35B Lightning II variants of DoD's fifth generation fighter Jan. 11.

At the 33rd Fighter Wing, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is the home for the new aircraft where its "Warlords," pilots and maintainers, reside with a team of other professionals in preparation to deploy out anywhere in the world for the nation's defense.

"The wing gaining another variant of the F-35 marks a significant step in the stand up of the F-35 pilot and maintenance training here," said Col. Andrew Toth, the 33rd Fighter Wing commander. "The integration of the F-35B/C strike fighters will provide dominant, multi-role, fifth generation capabilities needed across the full spectrum of combat operations to deter potential adversaries."

Marine Maj. Joseph Bachmann, the wing's first F-35 pilot ferried the first of his service's two joint strike fighter variants from Lockheed Martin headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Two F-18 escorts from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing escorted the F-35 to represent the wing the Warlords' report to for flying operations.

"The Marine Corps has to be ready to fight across the spectrum of war; a force that is most ready when the nation is least ready. The F-35B gives us the capability to do just that," said Maj. Gen. Jon M. Davis, commanding general of 2nd MAW.

With the latest addition to the fleet, the 33rd FW has a total of eight joint strike fighters with Air Force variants arriving last summer. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the Air Force, the F/A-18 for the Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-B Harrier for the Marines and a variety of fighters for at least nine other countries.

"The STOVL capability of the F-35B will enable us to deploy with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and ensure these fifth-generation capabilities are available when needed," said Lt. Col. James B. Wellons, commanding officer of VMFAT-501. "Our mission is to conduct F-35B operations in coordination with our joint and coalition partners at Eglin Air Force Base in order to attain our annual pilot training requirement."

Warlords, like Air Force and future Navy flying squadrons, will be qualified to operate on their service's variant of the F-35 via the certifications received at the 33rd FW's Academic Training Center. Each military branch has a separate training chain of command at the "schoolhouse," but members are collocated to provide DoD the best environment for future joint operations.

Like their flying squadron counterparts in the 33rd FW, Warlords will honor their unit's history. The Marine fighting fleet timeline began in the 1950's with FJ-3 Fury, continued with the F-4 Phantom and a decade of flying F/A-18 Hornets until 1997. They reactivated and redesignated to VMFAT-501 in April 2010 keeping their squadron motto, "VINI-VICI", interpreted to read, "I came, I conquered."

The Marine squadron at Eglin is scheduled to receive five more F-35Bs this year and continue joint strike fighter maintenance with their new variant.

Eglin F-35 number increases to four

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- Two F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters were delivered here Aug. 31.

Labeled as AF-10 and AF-11 by Lockheed Martin, the new JSFs bring the total count of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft here to four.

First F-35 arrives at Eglin

A 33rd Fighter wing aircraft maintainer watches an F-35 Lightning II approaches July 14, 2011, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Tail number 08-0747 is the Department of Defense's first operational F-35. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Milcom Editor Note: The first production model F-35 Lightning II to be assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, the Lightning II training unit, arrived at Eglin AFB, Florida, on 14 July 2011 after a ninety-minute ferry flight from Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft, Air Force serial number 08-0747 (c/n AF-09), will be used for training F-35 pilots and maintainers who begin coursework at the base’s new F-35 Integrated Training Center this fall. The aircraft was flown to Florida by Lt. Col. Eric Smith of the 58th Fighter Squadron, the first Air Force qualified F-35 line pilot. No ICAO24 code uncovered yet.

by Samuel King Jr., Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The Department of Defense's first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter touched down at its new home here July 14, marking a major milestone in the nation's military history.

Upon arrival, the jet officially became part of the Air Force inventory. It now belongs to the JSF training unit, the 33rd Fighter Wing.

Flying it in was Lt. Col. Eric Smith of the 58th Fighter Squadron, the first Air Force qualified F-35 pilot.

"It was a smooth ride in," said the colonel of the hour and 40 minute flight. "The jet behaved awesomely. I'm just so proud to bring it home to Eglin (Air Force Base)."

A crowd of 33rd FW people braved the 90 degree heat to watch the fifth-generation fighter touchdown and taxi in. Col. Andrew Toth, the 33rd FW commander, was the first to greet his pilot upon arrival.

"It's an exciting day here at the wing where our joint and integrated team has been preparing for this day since October 2009," Toth said. "I have no doubt the caliber of the Airmen, Sailors, Marines and contractors will provide safe and effective training operations at Eglin (AFB). Now, we look forward to the start of classes later this year."

Now that the aircraft is on station, F-35 maintainers will train and be certified here at home.

"It's pretty exciting," said Tech. Sgt. Brian West, the crew chief for the new aircraft. "We're thrilled to be able to train with one of our own."

As the world's first multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35 is known for its superior range, cutting-edge avionics and next-generation sensor fusion. Each model shares breakthroughs in combat performance, survivability and support, while each is specifically tailored for unique service needs.

Lt. Col. J.D. Wilbourne, the 58th FS commander, said he was thrilled to see his first aircraft arrive, one day before his change of command.

"This is the best week ever," said the commander, who flew chase in an F-16 Fighting Falcon. "This aircraft ensures air dominance for the next 30 years, and today marks the first step toward that goal."

Marine squadron's F-16 flights "a milestone" toward JSF

by Samuel King Jr., 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- Marine aviators of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 completed four sorties this week in F-16 Fighting Falcons, beginning a familiarization process to ensure readiness and efficiency in the transition to the Department of Defense's fifth-generation fighter, the F-35B Lightning II.

"It's a tremendous opportunity to fly (these sorties)," said Lt. Col. James Wellons, the VMFAT-501 commander. "This is the first time a VMFAT-501 pilot has flown here at our new home."

Officials elected to bring the F-16 Fighting Falcon from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., to the 33rd Fighter Wing here, because of its similarity to its descendant, the F-35. Its flying characteristics are similar to the F-35, so the training and mindset pilots will have in a single-engine fighter transitions from the F-16 into the F-35.

The Marines, who'd only flown in Marine and Naval fighters, they discovered vast similarities to the Air Force F-16 and their AV-8B Harriers, F/A-18 Hornets and EA-6B Prowlers.

"In many ways there was no difference," Colonel Wellons said. "It was very similar to how it feels to fly any tactical aircraft."

The differences they did notice were the Air Force language and methods used to communicate about and inside the aircraft. For example, Marine aviators use hand gestures to communicate aircraft movement, while Air Force aircrews may tip or tilt the wings of the aircraft to indicate a procedure.

This familiarization is doubly beneficial to the Marines, not just to understand an aircraft style similar to the F-35, but to also experience Eglin's runway and flightline operations, maintenance procedures and airspace.

"This training allows us to eliminate the added variables of learning all new flight operations with a completely unfamiliar aircraft all at the same time," said Capt. Mark Noble, the aviator safety officer for VMFAT-501. "If we already understand flightline procedures and guidelines and know what to expect from a similar aircraft, we can focus primarily on F-35B training."

Looking back on their first flight in months, both Marines admitted to a bit of aviator "rust," but were glad to be back in the seat and flying.

"This is a major milestone for VMFAT-501," Colonel Wellons said. "Every time a Marine flies an aircraft here, it's one step closer to putting F-35s in the air."

The Marine variant of joint strike fighter, the F-35B, contains a short take-off and vertical landing engine. The STOVL variant will replace the Marine Corps inventory of F/A-18s and AV-8s. The Italian air force is the only international partner scheduled to fly the STOVL variant. The F-35B will be the world's first operational supersonic STOVL aircraft.

General sees opportunity, innovation at F-35 training wing

by Ashley M. Wright, 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The commander of Air Education and Training Command visited the 33rd Fighter Wing April 26 here.

General Stephen R. Lorenz visited Eglin Air Force Base to observe how the wing staff is taking "the opportunity to shape the future," by training pilots and maintainers on the F-35 Lightning II.

"(The wing's mission connects to) not just a larger Air Force mission, but a larger (Department of Defense) mission, because they have the opportunity to shape the future on how we fly, maintain and integrate the F-35 across all the services including international (partners) that will be coming here," General Lorenz said.

More than 2,100 F-35 pilots and maintainers are projected to annually train on the fifth generation aircraft when the wing reaches full capacity in 2014.

Officials from the Air Force, Marines, Navy and international partner nations are set to send their students to Eglin AFB for instruction on the F-35.

"General Lorenz's positive feedback and motivation couldn't have been timelier," said Col. David Hlatky, the 33rd Fighter Wing commander. "Our folks are feeling the drain of driving integration and best practices for F-35 training. At the same time they are bedding down new equipment and learning complex new systems. When the four-star validated their innovative concepts, thanked them for the effort and then asked how he can help, everyone got a lift."

Included in the general's visit was a 33rd FW "all hands" call where he addressed more than 200 Airmen, Marines, Sailors, contract partners and one Soldier.

"It was a lot of insight on how he sees things," said Marine Cpl. Lewis McCormick, from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501. "He talked about how it was important for us being the first boots on the ground and setting the tone for future joint operations. It made me a little more proud to be a part of this organization."

Like all new ventures, challenges are bound to arise, the general said.

"There are lots of challenges whenever you bring new weapons systems on board," he said. "There are challenges on the integration of the services and the international (partners), how we are going to share the ranges around here, how we are going to share the runways."

"A lot of great leaders from the all the services are working these issues on a day-to-day basis and are doing a great job," General Lorenz said. "As a team, I expect them to build a foundation for others in the future to move the ball down the field. They are going to have an opportunity to shape the future. That opportunity is only given to a few people, especially in such a large defense program like the (joint strike fighter), which is the largest defense program in the DOD at this time."

To keep pace with the expanding realm of technology, AETC officials recently added a fourth core competency; innovation, the general said.

As 33rd FW members prepare to continue their air power dominance for the next half century by training aviators and maintainers on the joint strike fighter, the general forecasted innovation on a multitude of levels.

"This is a perfect example with the leveling off top lines of the DOD budget: where they have to think faster, better and cheaper in order to accomplish the same mission in the 21st century," General Lorenz said. "Building and bringing the F-35 to Eglin (AFB) and the 33rd FW is on the cutting edge of all these issues, and they are on the forefront of innovation."

The 33rd Fighter Wing staff ceased operations of the F-15 Eagle in September 2009 and became the DOD's first F-35 training wing Oct. 1, 2009. The F-35 establishment at Eglin AFB stems from a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure directive.

Joint F-35 electronic warfare squadron stands up

by Ashley M. Wright, 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The squadron serving as the sole Department of Defense provider of electronic warfare support for the F-35 joint strike fighter activated April 23 in a ceremony here.

Surrounded by artifacts from the history of airpower in the Air Armament Museum, the 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron stood up as a first step toward preparing Airmen, Sailors and Marines with the latest electronic warfare data for all three variants on the 5th generation aircraft.

"We are not supporting only one variant of the F-35, we are supporting all," said Col. Kevin J. McElroy, the 53rd Electronic Warfare Group commander. "One team, one fight, one guidon."

The squadron, currently manned by 32 technicians and engineers, will grow to 130 members at full strength. Squadron members will operate the $300 million United States Reprogramming Laboratory, that tests all aspects of the joint strike fighter's electronic warfare capability. Half of the staff will be Airmen, while the other half will consist of Navy and Marine members.

Electronic warfare is "any military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy," as described in Air Force Doctrine Document 2-5.1. Mission data is the descriptions the aircraft needs to identify both enemies and allies on the battlefield.

The laboratory is still under construction with a projected completion date of summer 2010 and hardware will arrive a year from now, the colonel said. Until that time, the squadron is performing a plethora of tasks as they become the "one-stop organic shop" for F-35 data.

"Our engineers are currently developing threat models and 5th generation mission data for the F-35," said Lt. Col. Tim Welde, the 513th EWS commander. "Our technicians are undergoing maintenance training as well as prepping the lab with power supplies, network connectivity and data storage devices. Next year, when the F-35 hardware is integrated and the lab is fully operational, the squadron will be able to successfully develop, test and deliver the critical mission data for JSF warfighters."

Joint F-35 electronic warfare squadron stands up

by Ashley M. Wright, 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The squadron serving as the sole Department of Defense provider of electronic warfare support for the F-35 joint strike fighter activated April 23 in a ceremony here.

Surrounded by artifacts from the history of airpower in the Air Armament Museum, the 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron stood up as a first step toward preparing Airmen, Sailors and Marines with the latest electronic warfare data for all three variants on the 5th generation aircraft.

"We are not supporting only one variant of the F-35, we are supporting all," said Col. Kevin J. McElroy, the 53rd Electronic Warfare Group commander. "One team, one fight, one guidon."

The squadron, currently manned by 32 technicians and engineers, will grow to 130 members at full strength. Squadron members will operate the $300 million United States Reprogramming Laboratory, that tests all aspects of the joint strike fighter's electronic warfare capability. Half of the staff will be Airmen, while the other half will consist of Navy and Marine members.

Electronic warfare is "any military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy," as described in Air Force Doctrine Document 2-5.1. Mission data is the descriptions the aircraft needs to identify both enemies and allies on the battlefield.

The laboratory is still under construction with a projected completion date of summer 2010 and hardware will arrive a year from now, the colonel said. Until that time, the squadron is performing a plethora of tasks as they become the "one-stop organic shop" for F-35 data.

"Our engineers are currently developing threat models and 5th generation mission data for the F-35," said Lt. Col. Tim Welde, the 513th EWS commander. "Our technicians are undergoing maintenance training as well as prepping the lab with power supplies, network connectivity and data storage devices. Next year, when the F-35 hardware is integrated and the lab is fully operational, the squadron will be able to successfully develop, test and deliver the critical mission data for JSF warfighters."

So what is the Stave doing at CCAFS?

In recent years an F-15 aircraft from Eglin AFB (maybe the 40FLTS) has deployed every six months to the Cape Canaveral AFS for some testing "Project." They use the callsign Stave #.

A monitor reported this week that they are back at the Cape and operating on 282.325 MHz UHF Milair. I find this frequency selection a bit odd since this is a nationwide ATC allocation.
They are also using TG 16976 on the NASA trunk radio system. See our complete profile of this system in our free online monitor aid the Monitoring NASA and Space Communications Guide, available for free at our newly revamped MT website at http://www.monitoringtimes.com.

So can anybody down in those parts shed some light on this semi-annual venture by a F-15 from Eglin to CCAFS? Let me know, drop some mail in the masthead.

It's official: 33rd Fighter Wing is the F-35 training unit

And here is a story from the NewsHerald.com website in Panama City:

EGLIN AFB — The 33rd officially shed its “fighter” wing status Thursday morning as it transitioned to the first F-35 training unit. The former operational F-15 Air Combat Command unit is now a training unit under the Air Education and Training Command’s 19th Air Force.

The wing will continue the legacy of the 33rd, maintaining the “fighter wing” moniker and the “Nomad” name.

Get the rest of the copyrighted story online at
http://www.newsherald.com/news/photo-77962-fighter-33rd.html

33rd Fighter Wing says goodbye to last F-15

From the Air Forces Times

The F-15 Eagle era is over for the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

On Sept. 8, the last three of the wing’s F-15s left for the boneyard in Arizona.

In October, the wing formally ends its association with Air Combat Command and stands up as Air Education and Training Command’s schoolhouse for F-35 Lightning II pilots and crew chiefs.

"It's bittersweet knowing that once I'm airborne, it's the end of the Eagle's 30-year association with the 33rd Fighter Wing, and the ramp will sit empty until the F-35s arrive next year," Col. Todd Harmer, commander of the 33rd, said in an Air Force statement.

At one time, the 33rd was home to a trio of F-15 squadrons and more than 70 fighters. Several four-star commanders flew F-15s at the wing, including ACC commander Gen. John Corley, Air Force Vice Commander Gen. Howie Chandler and retired generals T. Michael Moseley, John Jumper, Gregory “Speedy” Martin and William Looney.

During Desert Storm, the wing’s F-15s were credited with shooting down 16 Iraqi jets.

Task force readies base for Joint Strike Fighter mission

By Lois Walsh, 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFMCNS) — With the next generation of fighter aircraft slated to arrive here in less than three years, the Eglin F-35 Site Activation Task Force is already working to get the base ready.

Led by Col. George Ross and consisting of a 12-man joint service team, the SATAF has the formidable task of bedding down the JSF. The team’s primary responsibilities are vast; from managing a $400 million military construction budget for facilities to interfacing with multiple multi-service headquarters to meet everyone's training needs.

Assigning the mission of training new Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter pilots and maintainers to Eglin is the result of the Base Realignment and Closure Committee's 2005 directive.

While Colonel Ross is the single point of coordination between all stakeholders, he relies heavily on his team. He counts on their service-specific expertise to make things happen.

"There are a lot of requirements that come from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps headquarters and we execute to ensure the requirements are met," the colonel said.

For example, Lt. Commander Mike Williams works for the fleet integration team under the commander of the Naval Air Force. He is working closely with Pensacola Naval Air Station and Whiting Field to coordinates the Navy specific training such as field carrier landing practice.

Maj. Lee Kloos is the Air Force Education and Training Command's flying training representative and is responsible for developing and integrating the flying training syllabus for the pilots.

"We try to compartmentalize who does what, but we all have to look at the big picture and be familiar with cross-service activities," Colonel Ross said. "The best example is the work Marc Richard does integrating all the services' and Lockheed Martin's requirements into the design of the training and maintenance facilities."

The colonel recognizes that established units on Eglin, like the 46th Test Wing and the 96th Air Base wing, are huge players in the process. Even though the skies won't be filled with the 33rd Fighter Wing's F-35s for a while, that won't make range planning easier because of the F-35's mission.

"Our mission is going to be different from the existing F-15s, which is air-to-air," Colonel Ross said. "The F-35 has air-to-air and air-to-ground -- it's a multi-role fighter and we'll be utilizing both the land and water ranges for training."

Another big change will be passing the 33rd Fighter Wing's Air Combat Command to the Air Education and Training Command. Colonel Ross is well aware of the heritage of the wing's Nomads, which pleases the wing’s commander, Col. Russ Handy.

"It's absolutely awesome that the 33rd Fighter Wing’s heritage will be carried on as the flag is passed to the F-35 training mission," Colonel Handy said. "The Lightning II is a crucial ingredient to the future of air and space power dominance for the United States and our allies. To know every new F-35 pilot's first exposure to this new weapons system will be with a Nomad patch on his or her shoulder makes me very proud."

Colonel Ross said the lines of communication are open and the SATAF working groups are meeting and working well together to face the milestones head on.

Threat reduction division transitioning to Eglin AFB

By Lois Walsh
96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFMCNS) — In May 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission put into motion sweeping changes here, one of which is now coming to fruition.

One of the commission's mandates was to increase the efficiency of operations by consolidating technical facilities and capabilities; and to establish multifunctional centers of excellence, to facilitate more rapid transition of capabilities and weapons technology to the warfighter. Accordingly, an element of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, or DTRA, has begun moving its personnel to Eglin AFB.

Established in 1998, DTRA is a Department of Defense combat support agency with the mission of safeguarding the United States and its allies from weapons of mass destruction, or WMD, -- such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive weapons -- by providing capabilities to reduce, eliminate, and counter the threat and mitigate its effects. DTRA employs 2,000 men and women, military and civilian at more than 14 locations around the world.

DTRA has partnered with Eglin agencies on a variety of fuze, warhead and weapon system projects, and is currently working on the Thermobaric Weapon Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration and the Massive Ordnance Penetrator.

"We've always worked closely with Eglin in conducting our counter WMD mission." said Air Force Col. Jim Collins, the chief of DTRA's Counter WMD division (CXW).

The colonel noted he's got a few people in place now and will then transition others in the near future. A joint-service team of 11 military, 10 civilians and 15 support contractors will be located in building 13A.

"DTRA-Eglin's initial cadre includes a Navy helicopter pilot, an Air Force scientist, an Army counter WMD officer, and a DoD civilian. Each one brings an expertise and perspective from their service background needed for a comprehensive, systematic approach to the problem of combating WMD," Colonel Collins said.

The DTRA division will continue to work closely with the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate and the weapons program offices using Eglin's ranges and test facilities. DTRA also conducts full-scale testing at several different locations throughout the country, including White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

In addition to test capabilities, being collocated with AFRL and the program offices will save time and money, which is important as the work doesn't stop during this conversion period. Relocating to Eglin has been fairly smooth, thanks in part to the assistance offered by numerous people, Colonel Collins noted.

"Eglin is eager to host us and we've been working very closely with the all the agencies involved in our relocation," the colonel said. "The support we've received has been outstanding and is making the transition go smoothly."

MH-53 Helicopter Crashes in Florida

Two people were injured and five were unhurt when an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter from the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, crashed near Duke Field at approximately 11:45 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007.

The aircraft was performing a routine training mission.

The Eglin fire department responded. Airman 1st Class Bradley Jordan, 20th Special Operations Squadron gunner, was transferred to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Col. William Nelson, Air Force Special Operations Command Surgeon General's office, was transferred to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. The remaining crew members were transferred to Eglin Hospital for evaluation.

No one on the ground was injured and no civilian property damage was caused by the accident.

A board of officers will investigate the accident. As soon as additional details become available, they will be provided.