Vigilant Shield

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jam Baro, crew chief, from the 46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, blue aircraft maintenance unit, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and Maj. James Geoppinger review all paperwork before a mission during exercise Vigilant Shield 12 on Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 6, 2011. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

Vigilant Shield

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jon Peek, crew chief, from the 46th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, blue aircraft maintenance unit, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., prepares a F-16 Fighting Falcon for a mission during exercise Vigilant Shield 12 on Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 6, 2011. The exercise in Key West will be the "first-ever proof of concept" for the military's Joint Deployable Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, a collection of high-end radars and missile systems as well as aircraft that work in tandem in the event of a threat to the continental United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

337 TES tests B-1 maritime readiness

Maj. Andrew Pernell, 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron, begins a pre-flight inspection for a flight to test maritime readiness at the Gulf of Mexico Sept. 15, 2011 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The 337 TES will embark on a first-ever test of a B-1 Bomber’s maritime capabilities with laser-guided weaponry at a testing range in the Gulf of Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko/ Released)

337 TES tests B-1 maritime readiness

Capt. Chad Fulkerson, Capt. Shane Garner and Lt. Col. Steven Myers, 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron, attend a pre-flight briefing Sept. 15, 2011 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The 337 TES will embark on a first-ever test of B-1 Bomber’s maritime capabilities with laser-guided weaponry at a testing range in the Gulf of Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko/ Released)

Twin JSF arrival

Two more F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters were delivered to Eglin with 33rd Fighter Wing piloted F-16s escorting the jets to their new home Aug. 31. Labeled as AF-10 and AF-11 by Lockheed Martin, the JSFs bring the total count of the fifth generation fighter aircraft here to four. The aircraft here are used for JSF maintenance training until all certifications are complete. More F-35s are scheduled to arrive at Eglin this year, including at least one short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant, BF-6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joely Santiago)

Twin JSF arrival

Two more F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters were delivered to Eglin with 33rd Fighter Wing piloted F-16s escorting the jets to their new home Aug. 31. Labeled as AF-10 and AF-11 by Lockheed Martin, the JSFs bring the total count of the fifth generation fighter aircraft here to four. The aircraft here are used for JSF maintenance training until all certifications are complete. More F-35s are scheduled to arrive at Eglin this year, including at least one short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant, BF-6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joely Santiago)