Report: F-35 oversight blamed

The Pentagon Inspector General found hundreds of flaws in the way defense contractors produced the F-35 fighter jet, flaws that led to a higher pricetag. The IG's 126-page report describes 719 "issues" with the jet's primary manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, and five other major contractors. It also listed failures of the F-35 Joint Program Office for not ensuring the prime and subcontractors were applying rigor to design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Both Lockheed Martin and the JPO said the report was old news and that the issues have been mostly addressed. (Sources: multiple, including ABC News, AFP via Spacemart, Reuters, 09/30/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center.