For the first time in Eglin's air space, F-35A Lightning

For the first time in Eglin's air space, F-35A Lightning II pilots navigate their aircraft toward an Air Force Reserve KC-135 Stratotanker from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron, March ARB, Calif. The initial cadre of Air Force F-35 instructor pilots at the 33rd Fighter Wing trained with others to qualify in aerial refueling for the joint strike fighter. Their success will add another capability for student pilot training to the F-35 Integrated Training Center here. The 33rd FW is responsible for F-35 A/B/C Lightning II pilot and maintainer training for the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force and, in the future, at least eight coalition partners. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service/aircraft variant, will be established at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo, Sr./RELEASED)