Task Force Prepares Base For F-35 Mission
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Florida
With the advent of the next state of the art fighter hunter aircraft on the horizon, the F-35 base located at Eglin Base is Florida is a buzz of activity. The whole base is working hard to prepare the base for its new aircraft, pilots and crews.
The new JSF Fighter mission will include training of air crews and pilots from the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, and coordination of F-35 Lightning support personnel. Due to various base re alignments and closures, this will be quite the task for the new command.
Colonel George Ross is slated to be the man in charge, but he will be leaning heavily on each member of his team. Their specific individual service specific experience will be invaluable to him as he tries to make things go off without a hitch, on time and on schedule.
“We will be working to execute smartly to make sure that each requirement is met†the Colonel said. Colonel Ross knows that the units that are already established at Eglin Base, like the 96th Air Wing, 46 Test Wing, and other players in the process are also key to the overall success of the mission.
The mission of the F-35 will be different than the F-15 Eagle fighter currently in service. The F-35 will be a true multi role fighter, using both water and land range for testing and training. While still some time off, much has to be done before the 33rd Fighter Wing F-35’s take to the air, and fortunately the task lies in the competent hands of Colonel Ross and his Task Force.
