 |
| F-35s in formation. Air Force photo |
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Two F-35As from the 33rd Fighter Wing had their first formation flight over Eglin's range April 10. Lt. Col. Eric Smith, 58th Fighter Squadron director of operations, flew the lead aircraft while Marine Maj. Joseph Bachmann, Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 aircraft maintenance officer, flew wingman. The pilots, both first in their service qualified to fly the F-35, were validating pilot syllabus objectives in preparation for future training. The 33rd FW is responsible for F-35 A/B/C pilot and maintainer training for the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and in the future, at least eight coalition partners. (Source:
Air Force, 04/13/12)
