F-35B probation ends

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta today said the probation on the Marine Corps version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been lifted, according to the AP. The probation was put in place last year by then-Secretary Robert Gates because of technical issues of the most complex version of the F-35. The program has been plagued with cost overruns and development delays. (Source: AP, 01/20/12) Gulf Coast note: Lockheed Martin is building three versions of the plane, the F-35A for the Air Force, the F-35C for the Navy and the F-35B for the Marines. Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the JSF training center. It currently has three F-35B and six F-35A jets. Previous story on probation