FORT WORTH, Texas – Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited the Lockheed Martin F-35 factory Monday, saying the importance of the aircraft can’t be overstated. He held up the Joint Strike Fighter as an example of new, innovative and more cost-effective ways to meet the country's current and future defense needs. It’s being developed for the Air Force, Navy and Marines by the U.S. and allied nations. Gates said he’s particularly excited that the F-35 appears to be on schedule to equip the first training squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., by 2011. (Source: American Forces Press Service, 09/01/09)
