11/6/2012 - The Integrated Test Force here completed its 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing and F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft Nov. 2. Flight operations for the F-35 began on the Emerald Coast March 6. There are currently 22 F-35s at Eglin as the fleet continues to grow supporting the team as it trains instructor pilots and maintainers. The team accomplished the 500 sorties in 238 days cutting the time between each milestone sortie. (Lockheed Martin photos by Neal Chapman)

11/6/2012 - The Integrated Test Force here completed its 500th combined sortie for both the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing and F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft Nov. 2. Flight operations for the F-35 began on the Emerald Coast March 6. There are currently 22 F-35s at Eglin as the fleet continues to grow supporting the team as it trains instructor pilots and maintainers. The team accomplished the 500 sorties in 238 days cutting the time between each milestone sortie. (Lockheed Martin photos by Neal Chapman)