F-35 to arrive at Eglin

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Joint Strike Fighter, F-35, is scheduled to arrive here at approximately 11:30 a.m. April 21 for its first visit to the Emerald Coast. Designated AA-1, the aircraft will spend a few days in the local area. 

Anyone with a valid Department of Defense identification card will have a chance to get up close and personal with the newest fighter aircraft in the inventory.

"The visit provides an opportunity to introduce the aircraft to the community," said Col. Arnie Bunch, AAC vice commander. "Many community leaders requested a visit and this demonstrates a commitment by the Air Force to work closely with community leaders." 

According to Kathleen Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, the sortie scheduled on April 22 will not fly over Valparaiso. 

"Although not required by the ROD, the decision to not fly AA-1 over Val-P is consistent with our commitment to minimize noise over that community until we finish the supplemental analysis," Ms. Ferguson said.
 
There are two opportunities for base personnel to see AA-1. The schedule is subject to change. The aircraft will be parked on Juliet-1 near Hanager 103 on April 21 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.  Anyone with valid flightline credentials can go out to the hangar to see the plane.  On April 22, the aircraft will be in Hangar 103 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.   The F-35 will also be parked outside the Climatic Laboratory on April 23 from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m.  It is scheduled to take off April 24 at 11:00 a.m.