First Combat Coded F-35A Weapons Drop

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A very important test started last week as the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) from Edwards AFB, California, sent six of their F-35As, pilots, maintainers and equipment to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, for a series of operational tests. This marks the first time an F-35A has deployed to a base with no F-35 presence. "People, aircraft and equipment physically moved hundreds of miles away," said Senior Master Sgt. James Coleman, 31st TES Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent. "We did this specifically and purposefully to a base that has no organic F-35 support." The pilots worked with U.S. Navy Seals, F-15Es, A-10s as well as Apache and Blackhawk helicopters to provide a realistic battlefield environment. “From a pilot perspective, you kind of feel like Superman out there when you realize the person you’re fighting has absolutely no idea where you’re at,” said F-35 pilot Maj. Tom “Tweak” Hayes. “It’s like being in a boxing match with someone you can’t see.” That’s a ringing endorsement about how the jet performs for the warfighter, and it’s not possible without everyone doing their part to contribute to the F-35. Read more about this important deployment here.

First Combat Coded F-35A Weapons Drop

In other IOC news, Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill AFB dropped laser-guided bombs above the Utah Test and Training Range, marking the first time an F-35 combat unit employed weapons from the F-35A. The F-35A is no stranger to dropping weapons in testing, but this is the first time it’s been done on combat coded jets designed to deploy once the U.S. Air Force declares IOC. Read more about the weapons drops here.

Norwegian Pilot Blog Looking internationally, I have two items to share from Norway. First, Major Morten “Dolby” Hanche, Norway’s first pilot, authored a blog in which he relays his experiences conducting basic flying maneuvers or BFM in the jet compared to his previous experiences in the F-16. I believe you will find it enlightening compared to inaccurate news reports of the past. For those English only language people, the English translation is below the Norwegian post when you scroll down.

Foundation Stone The second is a show of true progress within the Norway border. Monday, His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon laid down the foundation stone for the new F-35 Squadron HQ at Ørland Air Force Base. During the ceremony to mark the occasion, Norway’s State Secretary of Defense (Deputy Minister) Mr. Øystein Bø stated: “The Squadron Headquarters is the first of several facilities that will support the new F-35 combat aircraft for the Norwegian Armed Forces, and will further develop the base as our future combat aircraft base. Laying down the Foundation Stone here at Ørland today is therefore an important milestone in preparing for the arrival of the first F-35 on Norwegian soil during the fall of 2017. The acquisition of the F-35 is one of our largest and most important investments, and is critical for the defence of our nation. Through the procurement of the F-35, we receive one of our most important military capabilities which will help protect our security for decades to come.”

Chief’s Heroes Last week I attended the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida. It was a great week and Air Force leadership expressed its continued support for the F-35. Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, III, gave his annual address and usually honors heroes who have done great things for the service or aviation in general. I’m extremely pleased to note that Gen. Welsh included our F-35 lead test pilot Alan Norman to his list of heroes at the event for his contributions to all of our stealth programs over the years to include both the F-22 and F-35. Please take the time to listen to the Chief’s words in this video. Alan, you are a great American and thank you for all you’ve done over the years and continue to do for us now! Have a great week everyone!