First F-35 Lightning II

The Air Force’s first joint strike fighter pilot, Lt. Col. Eric Smith, of the 58th Fighter Squadron, taxis his squadron’s newest aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, 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

DoD's newest aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, taxis in to its new home, the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

First F-35 Lightning II

DoD's newest aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, taxis across the 33rd Fighter Wing flightline at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

First F-35 Lightning II

The Air Force’s first joint strike fighter pilot, Lt. Col. Eric Smith, of the 58th Fighter Squadron, taxis his squadron’s newest aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., July 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

33rd FW Open House

Eric Litton, F-35 Academic Training Center instructor, explains the phases of maintenance training to Gunnery Sergeant Trey Coon, 33rd Maintenance Group quality assurance NCO in charge, during the 33rd Fighter Wing's open house for members May 27. The sergeant and his wife, Rebecca, had the first time opportunity to look at the virtual classroom set up for F-35 maintainers. Mr. Litton said academics are step one before entering the classroom to conduct maintenance tasks using an avatar on screen with an electronic work order. According to the current syllabus, hands on training will begin in simulators and on the flight line after tasks are perfected in cyberspace. (U.S. Air Force photo/Chrissy Cuttita)

33rd FW Open House

Marine Capt. Mitch Grey and his family get an up close look at the Ejection System Maintenance Trainer at the Academic Training Center during the 33rd Fighter Wing's open house for personnel and family May 27. Ron Snider, instructor, briefed the family and other visitors on how the mock cockpit will be used for training DoD's future F-35 maintainers and pilots. Leaders at the wing created the half-day itinerary followed by a picnic to showcase the unit to their integrated team and build camaraderie among themselves and contracted partners. (U.S. Air Force photo/Chrissy Cuttita)