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  • AFMC makes progress despite impacts of sequestration, restructure

    The vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command offered insight to recent developments and answered questions regarding the command’s recent restructure efforts and fiscal challenges at the Air Force Association’s 2013 Pacific Air & Space Symposium here Nov. 22.

  • Service chiefs testify on risks of sequestration

    As they face the prospect of another year of deep cuts to their budgets, the military's service chiefs testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the impact sequestration is having on the ability to organize, train and equip their service members.

  • AF leaders describe future force under sequestration

    Two senior Air Force leaders testified before Congress Oct. 23 along with their Army and Navy counterparts on the impact of the continuing resolution and sequestration on the service’s acquisition and modernization programs.

  • F-35: New fighter creates new culture for 21st Century and beyond

    She didn’t have a smudge on her. Not a leak found anywhere. She even had that “new jet smell.” Skies were blue, everything was perfect. Those were the conditions on that July day in 2011 when Lt. Col. Eric Smith took off from the Lockheed facilities at Fort Worth, Texas, in the first operational

  • Hill welcomes F-35 workload

    Several hundred people gathered today in hangar 237 to witness the first F-35A Lightning II which arrived for depot level maintenance during a ceremony hosted by the Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander, Maj. Gen. H. Brent Baker Sr.The ceremony addressed Hill's key role in the depot repair and the

  • Service chiefs detail 2014 sequestration effects

    The House Armed Services Committee heard testimony on planning for sequestration in fiscal 2014 from Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos.

  • F-35 program chief cites steady progress

    Citing changes to one of the Defense Department’s most ambitious acquisition programs, F-35 Lightning II development is making steady progress, the F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer said here Sept. 17. Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told military and industry experts at the Air Force

  • Deployed Airmen trailblazers of Reaper world

    At Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the men and women of the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron are building the heritage of Reaper Airmen as they develop the institutional knowledge for one of the nation's newer air warfare assets.

  • Eglin AFB F-35 fleet exceeds 2K sorties, training presses on

    Airmen and Marines assigned to the F-35 Integrated Training Center at the 33rd Fighter Wing here have consistently flown successful training sorties and generated their 2,000th sortie Aug. 13 with an instructor pilot of the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501 (VMFAT-501), at the

  • CSAF says readiness harmed by steep cuts

    The rigid requirements of sequestration spending cuts have made it difficult for the Air Force to maintain readiness, the service's top officer said yesterday.Speaking to CNN's John King at the annual Aspen Institute Security Forum in Aspen, Colo., Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III

  • F-35 aircrew flight equipment team named Air Force best

    One of the Air Force's newest aircrew flight equipment teams is now the Air Force's best.The 33rd Fighter Wing's aircrew flight equipment flight was chosen the best in the Air Force in the small program category for 2012. The wing is the only unit to fly and train on the F-35A Lightning II fifth

  • Additional F-35s coming to Luke AFB

    Air Force officials announced June 27 that Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., has been chosen as the location for 72 additional F-35A Lightning IIs, bringing the eventual total number of the fifth-generation fighters expected here to 144. The Air Force's initial decision to establish an F-35 pilot training

  • Fanning makes first visit to Nellis, Creech AFBs

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning visited Airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 8 as part of his first round of base visits since assuming the position in June.Fanning was confirmed as the 24th Under Secretary of the Air Force in April and took on the additional role of

  • Training for joint, U.K. F-35 programs heat up

    The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters ramped up to 28 aircraft June 25, bringing in new capability for the F-35 Integrated Training Center as the team trains to provide combat operations capability in the years ahead.The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron-101 received a

  • F-35 is backbone of Air Force's future fighter fleet, Welsh says

    The Air Force's most advanced strike aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, is a vital capability that the nation needs to stay ahead of adversary technological gains, the Air Force chief of staff told a Senate panel here, June 19.Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on

  • Joint strike fighter on track, costs coming down, Kendall says

    Indications are that the F-35 joint strike fighter program -- the most expensive aviation program in Defense Department history -- is on track, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics told a Senate panel here June 19.Testifying before the Senate Appropriations

  • Fleet grows, training increases for F-35

     The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters grew to 25 aircraft as the F-35 Integrated Training Center here welcomed two new Air Force F-35A variants of the multi-role fighter to the Emerald Coast, June 5.The expansion gives the 58th Fighter Squadron the ability to fly an expanded

  • F-35A completes 1st in-flight missile launch

    An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, June 5. It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor

  • Air Force establishes F-35 IOC target

    The Air Force announced today it expects to declare F-35A Lightning II initial operation capability in December 2016. The announcement was included in a joint report detailing service-specific IOC requirements and dates for each of the F-35 variants that was delivered to Congress today."The Air

  • F-35B celebrates 1 year at Eglin

    The Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron-501 celebrated the one-year anniversary of flying the F-35B Lightning II here Wednesday, May 22, by continuing to train up the pilots and maintainers on the nation's newest fifth-generation fighter."This is a once in a lifetime chance to get to write the

  • SecAF: Sequestration hits AF readiness, modernization

    Sequestration has hit the Air Force particularly hard, impacting its force structure, readiness and modernization, senior Air Force leaders said here today.Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the chief of staff, said Congress must provide a solid budget number so the

  • F-35 ITF works toward night, weather certification

    The F-35 Integrated Test Force is wrapping up a series of night flights, which are testing the aircraft's capability when flying in instrument meteorological conditions. It is a necessary step in delivering a core competency to the warfighter - the ability to fly the jet safely when there are no

  • F-35A instructor pilots qualify in aerial refueling

    The initial cadre of F-35A Lightning II instructor pilots qualified in aerial refueling last week, adding another capability for student pilot training at the 33rd Fighter Wing's F-35 Integrated Training Center here."Eleven pilots had flown 14 refueling missions across the boom with the help of a

  • F-35 fighter takes another step forward

    The Air Force took another step forward with its newest fighter jet when an advanced F-35 Lightning II landed at the service's lead training base, home to the largest fleet of F-35s worldwide.The new stealth fighter kicks off a major training effort at the F-35 schoolhouse on an aircraft with

  • Affordability priority for F-35 program

    Affordability remains the priority for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, the Pentagon's program executive officer for the Defense Department's most expensive procurement told Congress yesterday.Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told the Senate Armed Services Committee's airland

  • Air Superiority: Advantage over enemy skies for 60 years

    A few months after the D-Day invasion in June 1944, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower surveyed the Normandy beaches with his son. "You'd never get away with this if you didn't have air supremacy," then 2nd Lt. John Eisenhower told his father. "Without air supremacy," the elder Eisenhower replied, "I

  • AF installations chief testifies to Congress on BRAC, MILCON

    In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction-Veteran Affairs here April 12, a senior Air Force leader announced the fiscal year 2014 budget for the service's installation programs. Kathleen Ferguson, Air Force Installations, Environment and Logistics, outlined

  • Budget request provides for best Air Force possible, Welsh says

    The Air Force's $114.1 billion fiscal 2014 budget request will provide for the most capable airpower arm possible, the Air Force chief of staff said here today.Testifying with Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III told the House Armed Services Committee his service's

  • FY 14 budget: Sequester puts key Air Force objectives at risk

    Upon release of the Air Force Fiscal Year 2014 budget here April 10, the services' senior leaders said the shadow of sequestration in 2013 and on-going fiscal uncertainty will affect critical programs and objectives for years to come.While Air Force officials have scrambled to minimize impacts on

  • Nellis AFB pilots fly their first operational F-35 mission

    Two F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron here conducted the aircraft's first operational flights from Nellis AFB. These historic flights came less than a month after the March 19 arrival ceremony for the aircraft, but members of the 57th Maintenance Group's

  • First international student pilot flies F-35

    The first international student aviator at the 33rd Fighter Wing, training to be an F-35B Lightning II instructor pilot, completed his first sortie in the joint strike fighter here March 19.United Kingdom Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Frankie Buchler flew with Marine Fighter Attack Training

  • Nellis accepts delivery of F-35 with ceremony

    In the Thunderbird Hangar filled to capacity, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, formally accepted delivery of three F-35A Lightning IIs March 19.The aircraft will be assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron where they will undergo operational

  • Edwards AFB Airmen begin F-35 operational testing

    The F-35 Lightning II program here entered a new phase of testing with the arrival of the first two operational test aircraft March 6. Team members from the 53rd Wing's 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, a tenant unit here, will determine how to best tactically operate the F-35A conventional takeoff

  • Nellis pilot first reservist to fly F-35

    A reservist from the 706th Fighter Squadron here recently became the first to fly the F-35 Lightning II, Air Force's newest aircraft.Maj. Joseph Scholtz is an operational test pilot integrated into the active duty Air Force's 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, and currently Nellis AFB's only

  • F-35 production on track, program chief says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program is a different program than it was four years ago, the F-35 program executive officer said here March 12.In a speech at the McAleese/Credit Suisse Defense Programs Conference at the Newseum, Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan told attendees that he and

  • Nellis pilots take first step toward F-35 operational testing

    Two officers from the operational test community are among the six pilots in the first F-35 Lightning II pilot training course after an Air Education and Training Command decision to start training here in January.Lt. Col. Benjamin Bishop, the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron director of

  • F-35 Lightning IIs arrive at Nellis AFB

    The F-35 Lightning II is one of the newest aircraft about to enter the Air Force inventory. The F-35 is designed to be an affordable strike option that will be used throughout the Defense Department and by its allies.The jet is currently still being flight tested at Edwards Air Force Base,

  • Service chiefs ask congress for fiscal help

    The senior officers from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps asked Congress March 5 for more spending flexibility so they can maintain military readiness as the sequester's across-the-board budget cuts take effect.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Army Chief of Staff Gen.

  • F-35s cleared to resume flight

    F-35 Lightning IIs were cleared for flight Feb. 28 following a temporary suspension after a cracked engine blade was found in a test aircraft earlier in the month. A .06-inch crack was discovered in a third-stage turbine blade in a test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Feb. 19.

  • Pentagon lifts F-35 grounding following inspections

    The Defense Department lifted its grounding of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter after analysis concluded that a cracked turbine blade in an engine on a single plane resulted from overuse in test operations, according to an official with the F-35 Joint Program Office.In an email statement,

  • AF leaders warn of sequester impacts on replacing an aging fleet

    Two senior Air Force leaders here this week warned of the impacts sequestration and a continuing resolution will have on the service's acquisitions and programs. Lt. Gens. Michael Moeller, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Charles Davis, the military deputy, office of

  • F-35s grounded as precaution after crack found in engine blade

    All F-35s have been grounded as a precaution after a routine engine inspection revealed a crack on an engine blade, Defense Department officials said Feb. 22 here.Officials call this a "cautionary suspension of flight." The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fly F-35s.Inspectors found the crack in an

  • Nellis prepares for F-35 arrival

    The 57th Wing is preparing for the arrival of four F-35 Lighting IIs Feb. 28.Arrival of the F-35s to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., will mark the first time in the aircraft's history operational tests will be performed on the aircraft."It's the largest [Department of Defense] acquisition project in

  • AF leaders: Sequestration, more budget cuts will be devastating

    Sequestration would leave the Air Force with untrained people, a lack of equipment and be "devastating" to the service, officials said Feb. 7.The warning echoes what Department of Defense officials have stated for months about across-the-board defense cuts, in addition to an ongoing continuing

  • Leadership roundtable demonstrates solidified partnership

    While nearly 2,000 Airmen from three countries began two weeks of intense training at exercise Cope North 2013 Feb. 4, leaders from the U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force discussed the invaluable impact the exercise has on the readiness of their forces. Gen.

  • First F-35A four-ship flies over Eglin

     Increasing capability is becoming routine for the F-35 Lightning II team.The 58th Aircraft Maintenance Unit produced a four-turn-four for the 58th Fighter Squadron flying Jan 31. "The pilots flew four F-35As in the morning and the maintainers performed routine maintenance for airworthiness after

  • Program officer visits integrated F-35 testing facility

    Members of the F-35 Integrated Test Force showcased their accomplishments in the developmental test program to the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program executive officer during his vist here Jan. 22.This was Lt. Gen. Christopher C. Bogdan's first visit to the ITF since his assumption of the role in

  • AETC declares Eglin ready for F-35 training

    Following an independent evaluation of Eglin's capability to conduct F-35A Lightning II pilot training, Air Education and Training Command announced Dec. 17 that the 33rd Fighter Wing can do so starting January 2013. "The preliminary results provided by the Joint Operational Test Team show the F-35A

  • QF-16 drone arrives for testing, prepares warfighters for tomorrow's threats

    The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group marked an important milestone in continuing to prepare the warfighter for tomorrow's threats as the first QF-16 drone arrived for developmental testing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 19."The work done prior to today and the test work that is forthcoming will

  • F-35 begins integration phase of weapons testing

    The F-35 Lighting II, Joint Strike Fighter began the integration phase of weapons testing Oct. 26, when the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing aircraft successfully completed the first in-flight test with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. It was the first time a weapon

  • Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force visits Alaska

    Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin visited with Airmen from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska,  Nov. 13 during his first trip to the region. "It's great to be here," Morin said. "It's great to have the opportunity to hear from some of the folks out in the wings and to

  • F-35 celebrates 500th sortie as program grows

    The Air Force's premier fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, surpassed its 500th sortie only 16 days after reaching the 400 mark and only 238 days from the beginning of the program.Maj. Matthew Johnston of the 58th Fighter Squadron completed the 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A and F-35B at the

  • U.K. F-35 fleet increases capability at Eglin AFB

    A second British F-35B Lightning II arrived here Oct. 19, joining the nine A variants of the joint strike fighter flown by the Air Force and the 11 B variants flown by the Marine Corps to become the largest fleet of F-35s in the world with 22 jets.The first class of United Kingdom Royal Air Force

  • Declassified document shows 'real' flying saucer

    The grainy film showed a round ship floating out of a hangar. Its silver, aluminum exterior glinted in the sun as it hovered a few feet off the ground. As it glided over a pool of water, it kicked debris into the air and the glass canopies of the two cockpits were showered with grass and gravel as

  • F-35: Newest fighter much more than just 'stealthy plane'

    The engines roared overhead as an F-35A fell into formation. Although this is a basic maneuver for the test pilots, the possibilities for combat environments created by these elite aircraft working together are anything but mundane.The F-35, which features three variants to be used by the Air Force,

  • 'Today's Air Force' visits AF Honor Guard, Comic-Con

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on Oct. 12.In the first segment, TAF highlights what the Air Force is doing for Energy Action Month. Later, Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles introduces viewers to an Airman with a secret identity. And finally, Staff Sgt. Zack Lopez gives

  • 'Today's Air Force' showcases AFA conference, multinational C-17 operations

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on Sept. 28.In the first segment, Airman 1st Class Daniel Burkhardt gives viewers an inside look at the Air Force Association's Technology Exposition and Conference. During the second segment, Staff Sgt. John Archiquette heads to

  • Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor'

    For the Edwards community who has been actively involved in NASA's Space Shuttle program since flight testing began in the 1970's, it was a bittersweet day when Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived one last time Sept. 20, piggy-backed on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.When the SCA departed

  • Maxwell Airman receives $10K through IDEA Program

    Recently, an Air Force Integrated Maintenance Data System computer programmer received a $10,000 check from the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program. In February, Senior Airman Zachariah Grummons from the Program Executive Office-Business Enterprise System, submitted

  • Airmen certified for F-35 engine runs

    An Airman seated in an aircraft, surrounded by electronic displays, surveys the cockpit of an F-35A Lightning II and begins rehearsed procedures that now feel comfortable. He feels the jet's familiar rumble below as the engine roars to life on the flightline. If you imagined the person in the seat

  • F-35A maintenance training on track

    As the Air Force begins its Operational Utility Evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II, maintenance training to support the joint strike fighter is also preparing for key program milestones.Though the first "pipeline" students -- basic military training graduates -- don't begin training until January

  • First F-35 training commander: 'This jet is our future'

    Five months of flying the Air Force's newest fighter jet has left one Airman convinced of the aircraft's substantial combat capability.Lt. Col. Lee Kloos is the commander of the 58th Fighter Squadron, the Defense Department's first F-35 Lightning II training squadron, located at Eglin Air Force

  • F-35A reaches 'huge milestone' in program development

    Air Force officials begin their F-35A Lightning II Operational Utility Evaluation Sept. 10, an instrumental step in beginning Joint Strike Fighter pilot and maintenance training for the service. Two 33rd Fighter Wing pilots at Eglin AFB, Fla., along with two Air Force test pilots, will conduct the

  • Combat training supports 21st century strategy

    As the nation winds down from a decade of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Department of Defense is shifting its focus to the future and recently introduced new strategic guidance describing the projected security environment and key military missions for which the department will

  • Pilot becomes Guard's first F-35 instructor pilot

    An Airman became the Guard's first F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot recently at Eglin's multi-service, multi-national F-35 Integrated Training Center.Maj. Jay Spohn, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing here as the assistant director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron and the chief of

  • General Carlisle takes command of Pacific Air Forces

    Gen. Herbert Carlisle took command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Gary North in a change of command ceremony here Aug. 3.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz praised North's past accomplishments and Carlisle's future potential as the commander of PACAF.Schwartz

  • Luke AFB selected for F-35 pilot training

    It's official, the F-35 is coming to Luke. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announced today that Luke AFB has been chosen as the location of the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II pilot training center. The base will receive 72 aircraft for a total of three fighter squadrons."This is a great day for

  • F-35 maintenance training spawns USMC's first air FTD

    It's no surprise that the military operates in an increasingly joint environment today. With the introduction of the Department of Defense's newest fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightening Bolt Joint Strike Fighter, the joint effort is at the forefront of the aircraft's maintenance training

  • AETC Trains America's International Partners

    Air Education and Training Command's mission is to develop America's Airmen today ... for tomorrow, but the command's reach extends far beyond America's borders.AETC personnel is training the air forces of America's international partners, helping create a large-scale network of air force

  • 'Today's Air Force' recaps Colorado wildfires, F-35 Lighting II

    Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on July 6.First, Staff Sgt. Brad Sisson takes a look back at the wildfires that tore through Colorado and threatened the Air Force Academy.Next, Airman Jimmy Moreland takes viewers to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, to say

  • Arizona Airmen help Japanese rebuild air defenses

    While the island nation of Japan continues to rebuild in the wake of the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, its airmen look to reconstitute the country's air defenses - learning to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon here with the Arizona Air National Guard. The disaster left the Japan Air

  • Spokane boy lives dream as 'Airman for a day'

    A 10-year-old boy, who has been fighting a cancerous tumor on his optic nerve and endured 1.5 years of chemotherapy, had the opportunity to become an "Airman for a day" here May 4.Sam, from Spokane, Wash., was the first youth to participate in this program, which was started by the Fairchild AFB

  • Officials emphasize commitment to Joint Strike Fighter

    Senior leaders from the Air Force and Navy affirmed yesterday that the F-35 joint strike fighter remains the centerpiece of the tactical aircraft program and will play a large part in the services' ongoing modernization plans.Navy Vice Adm. David J. Venlet, F-35 Lightning II program executive

  • Air Force provides aircraft pilot safety testimony to Congress

    The military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition discussed tactical aviation programs during congressional testimony here May 8.During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger discussed what steps the Air Force has taken in

  • Air Force leader talks about future of ISR

    Air Force leadership reinforced the critical nature and future of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions April 26 to a group of civic and industry leaders as well as media members attending the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va.The Air Force Association's

  • Pentagon hosts 'Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge' essay winners

    Eighteen "Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge" essay contest winners from Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia schools were invited to the Pentagon on April 20 for a day of learning about innovation in the Department of Defense.The 317th Recruiting Squadron's Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge was an

  • F-35 training center begins formal training

    While celebrating each F-35 Lightning II arrival, the integrated joint strike fighter training team also recently opened the doors for the first Air Force certification courses on the logistical support behind the nation's newest weapons platform.The 33rd Fighter Wing has eight basic familiarization

  • Air Force officials release draft EIS for F-35 operational basing

    The Air Force has filed a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed operational basing of the F-35 Lightning II within the continental United States.The current active Air Force and Air National Guard alternatives under consideration are: Burlington Air Guard Station, Vt.; Hill Air Force

  • Air Force to continue legacy of innovation, Donley says

    More than any other military service, people have viewed the U.S. Air Force as an innovative and "leap ahead" organization, the service's top civilian leader said here today.The pieces are in place to continue that legacy, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley told the Defense Writers Group.Even

  • SecAF: In downsizing AF trades 'size for quality'

    In the current economic environment, the best course of action for the U.S. Air Force is to "trade size for quality," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley March 30 in a keynote address to attendees of the 39th Tinker and Community Dining Out at the Tinker Club.The secretary said that

  • SecAF visits F-35 test program at Edwards AFB

    "You continue to make history - literally every day - with the work you do here." These words of affirmation were given by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during his visit to the Edwards F-35 Integrated Test Force March 28 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Donley, who was at Edwards March

  • C-27 program cut explained, budget aligned with strategy

    The Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs discussed the reasoning behind the C-27J Spartan program cut from the fiscal 2013 budget request during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast seminar here March 27."It's not because it isn't a good aircraft, and it's not

  • Officials reaffirm Pentagon's commitment to F-35

    Estimated costs for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter have increased over the life of the program, but the Defense Department is working to contain cost growth and remains committed to the fifth-generation fighter, defense officials said March 29.Frank Kendall III said during confirmation

  • SecDef: U.S. remains committed to F-35 program

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta yesterday reaffirmed the Defense Department's commitment to the F-35 joint strike fighter program and to ensuring it remains within the defense strategy's budget.The secretary spoke at a news conference following a meeting with Mexican and Canadian defense leaders

  • F-35 reaches critical juncture after strong year, official says

    The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program -- the centerpiece of future tactical aviation and a key to implementing new military strategic guidance -- made strong progress in its development last year, a defense official said today.Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense for

  • Exchange program enriches safety of aviation community

    Two international officers assigned to the Air Force Safety Center's Aviation Safety Division have bolstered their countries' aviation safety program by working side-by-side with their U.S. Air Force partners.German Air Force Lt. Col. Rudi Stein and Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Peter Laurin agree

  • FY 13 military construction requests outlined to Congress

    Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics discussed military construction projects contained in the service's fiscal 2013 President's Budget request during a congressional hearing March 8. "Our FY13 budget request responds to two main drivers: The Budget

  • Eglin AFB conducts first F-35 launch

    No matter what uniform they wear, service members of the 33rd Fighter Wing know the launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.Morale was high even though the sortie was abbreviated by the pilot's determination of "in flight

  • VCSAF discusses benefits, uniforms, F-35 while at Luke

    The Air Force's vice chief of staff addressed a packed house during an Airmen's Call here March 2.Gen. Phil Breedlove, who visited Luke AFB for two days, covered a variety of issues during the all-call, to include military benefits, the F-35 Lightning II, and uniform policy.Breedlove began by

  • Fifth generation fighters crucial to air superiority

    The Air Force is the world's most advanced air and space force and, with the integration of fifth generation aircraft, is gaining new tactical advantages that transcend beyond just stealth into areas such as enhanced maneuverability, multi-role capabilities and fused sensor and avionics systems that

  • CSAF highlights fiscal 2013 military construction efforts

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed military construction projects contained in the service's fiscal 2013 budget request during a congressional hearing March 1 here. Schwartz joined Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Robert Hale; Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno;

  • Air Force issues flight release for Eglin AFB F-35A

    Officials at the Aeronautical Systems Center here issued a Military Flight Release today that will allow the F-35A Lightning II fighter to begin initial operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.This decision was reached after an airworthiness board conducted an assessment that evaluated potential