Op F-35 squadron forms

The first operational squadron of F-35s began forming this week at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., with the redesignation of a Hornet F/A-18 squadron as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121. The squadron has received two F-35Bs, which can take off and land like a helicopter, and 14 more will arrive over the next year. (Source: Defense Communities, 11/21/12) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center. It will train pilots and maintainers on all three F-35 variants.