Early end to F-35 probation sought

The Marine Corps' top general said he wants and early end to the two-year probation imposed on the Marine version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Gen. James Amos told the Senate Armed Services Committee this week that the Marines need the short-takeoff version to carry out the Marine mission. The Marine variant was put on probation because of technical issues. But Amos said he's encouraged by its progress. (Source: Reuters, 03/08/11) Meanwhile, the Navy version of the F-35 broke the sound barrier last week. The carrier variant flew out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., reaching Mach 1.02. The Navy's version is the last of the three variants to break the sound barrier. (Source: Defense News, 03/08/11) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the JSF training center.