33rd vice commander first military test pilot to fly X-35, F-35

On April 3, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Art Tomassetti became "Lightning 35," the 35th test pilot to fly the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Tomassetti is a trailblazer as he was an original test pilot for the X-35, precursor to today's F-35 aircraft in flight test. We asked Tomassetti to share

Guard’s first F-35 pilots ready to take flight

When military aviators of the future look back at the beginnings of the F-35 program, they may see the names of two Florida National Guard pilots listed among the first to fly the Air Force's fifth-generation fighter jet.Lt. Col. Randal Efferson and Maj. Jay Spohn are the only Guard pilots currently

SEEK Eagle gains with new 3-D laser scanner

When the 46th Test Wing's Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office purchased a 3-D laser scanner system six months ago, they had no idea how much of an impact this system would make."This is state of the art," said Mark Hillman, lead engineer at the SEEK EAGLE. "We are breaking ground for the military."The

Military members get dirty at local mud run

Reserve LRS unit visits Eglin for training

F-35B lifts off for first flight at Eglin

An F-35B Lightning II made its first flight at Eglin Air Force Base today, two months after 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing officially introduced the Marine Corps' fifth generation fighter to the world at the 33rd Fighter Wing."Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 has had an exciting year with the

Critical Days of Summer safety campaign begins

The Critical Days of Summer safety campaign kicked off May 17 at the enlisted hall with safety briefings on drinking and driving, swimming, traffic and boating. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Merchant, the Air Armament Center commander, was the first of five speakers. While encouraging the attendees to enjoy the

Firefighters train to battle aircraft blaze

Aircraft put bombs on targets at Combat Hammer

SFS Airmen close Police Week with retreat ceremony