Tanker's away

An Air Force Reserve KC-135 Stratotanker lifts off from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., for a refueling mission July 22. This is just one of the many transient aircraft that visit Eglin daily. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Bring it in

Airman 1st Class Josh Mouser, a 46th Maintenance Group crew chief, gives the stop command to an arriving F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 22. The 46th Maintenance Group maintains A-10s, F-16s, F-15s, and other aircraft for both the 46th TW and 53rd Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

King crossing

A 53rd Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon soars past Eglin’s famous King Hangar July 22. The wing is responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Ready to roll

53rd Wing pilots prepare for a sortie in F-16 Fighting Falcons at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 22. The wing is responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

JSF pilot

Lt. Col. Eric Smith, operations director for the 58th Fighter Squadron, is the first Air Force pilot certified to fly the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. He delivered the first aircraft to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Chrissy Cuttita)

JSF II

33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainers bring out chocks to secure the newly arrived second F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 20. The pilot, Maj. Joseph Bachmann, of the 33rd Operations Group, is the first Marine pilot to be JSF certified. Aircraft AF-8 is the flagship for the 58th Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)