First F-35 Lightning II arrives

DOD’s first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter soars over the Northwest Florida airspace before landing at its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, July 14. Its pilot, Lt. Col. Eric Smith, of the 58th Fighter Squadron, is the first Air Force qualified JSF pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joely Santiago)

First F-35 Lightning II arrives

Tech. Sgt. Brian West, of the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals in DOD's newest aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter to a stop at its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. West is the crew chief for the first F-35. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

First F-35 Lightning II arrives

Lt. Col. Eric Smith, of the 58th Fighter Squadron, talks with his squadron and wing commanders after piloting the first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

First F-35 Lightning II arrives

Lt. Col. Eric Smith, of the 58th Fighter Squadron, passes his helmet to a maintainer after bringing the first F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

First F-35 Lightning II

Members of the 33rd Fighter Wing came out to see DoD’s newest aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, when it arrived to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

First F-35 Lightning II

F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter crew chief, Tech. Sgt. Brian West, watches his aircraft approach for the first time at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. Aircraft 0747 is DoD’s newest aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)