Navy's VFA-101 to leave Eglin

The Navy plans to deactivate next year the F-35C fleet replacement squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and combine it within VFA-125, the other fleet replacement squadron, at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. Seapower Magazine reports that according to an internal directive dated Sept. 10, the Navy intends to deactivate Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA-101), which trains F-35C instructors, pilots and maintainers, on July 1. VFA-101, a former fleet replacement squadron for the F-14 Tomcat, was reactivated in 2012 and began flying F-35Cs in 2013. (Source: Seapower Magazine 09/24/18) Air Force F-35A instructors, pilots and maintainers also train at Eglin.