EGLIN AIR
FORCE BASE, Fla. (June 22, 2013) Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Tabert, F-35C
Lightning II instructor pilot, U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-101
lands this afternoon at Eglin Air Force Base's 33d Fighter Wing after
a two hour flight from Ft. Worth, Texas. The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter
Squadron (VFA) 101 received the Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier
variant aircraft from Lockheed Martin today at the squadron's home at
Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. VFA 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, will
serve as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training both aircrew
and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C. U.S. Air Force
Photo by Maj. Karen Roganov, 33d Fighter Wing Public Affairs (Released) |
The
F-35C is a fifth generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with
fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled
operations and advanced sustainment.
The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike
capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement
the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves
as the Navy's premier strike fighter.
By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of
a mix of F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers electronic
attack aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye battle management and control aircraft,
Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS)
air vehicles, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics
aircraft.
VFA 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, will serve as the F-35C Fleet
Replacement Squadron, training both aircrew and maintenance personnel
to fly and repair the F-35C.
From Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs |
