Strike in fifth week

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The strike of machinist union workers at the Lockheed Martin plant that builds F-35s is now in its fifth week. Lockheed is under contract to build about 100 planes for the U.S. and foreign governments in five "low-rate initial production" lots. It's delivered 14 of the first 31 aircraft on order, including three since the strike began April 23. Lockheed is trying to maintain production and testing by having salaried employees fill in. (Source: Star Telegram, 05/23/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center. It currently has 12 of the 59 F-35s it's scheduled to receive.