Air Force F-35 completes first test flight

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This Air Force version of the F-35 Lightning II completed a test flight from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, April 20, 2010. The F-35 is the first aircraft to be developed to meet the needs of three services - the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps - and U.S. allies, with variants being developed simultaneously by prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

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F-35 Lightning II

This Air Force version of the F-35 Lightning II completed a test flight from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, April 20, 2010. The F-35 is the first aircraft to be developed to meet the needs of three services - the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps - and U.S. allies, with variants being developed simultaneously by prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

WASHINGTON - The Air Force version of the F-35A flew for an hour April 20 from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, becoming the seventh F-35 Lightning II to fly.

AF-2, the conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, is the Air Force's version of the Joint Strike Fighter. This fifth-generation fighter is the first one to carry an internal GAU-22/A 25-millimeter Gatling gun weapon system.

"The first flight of AF-2 is a significant achievement for the F-35 program, the U.S. Air Force and our international partners who will operate the F-35A," said James "Sandy" Sandstrom, Lockheed Martin's F-35 U.S. Air Force program manager. "This aircraft is configured to test and verify the multiple weapons loads that will deliver fifth generation combat capability to the warfighter.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gonzalez, fire protection craftsman assigned to the 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, extinguishes a fire during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2025. During the DFT, the 156th CES developed their skill proficiency in a new area of responsibility while supporting real-world projects that support the U.S. European Command operations.

Puerto Rico Air Guard Conducts Deployment for Training at Aviano

By Senior Airman Victoria Jewett, | July 7, 2025

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a Deployment for Training June 16-27 in Italy to develop their skills proficiency within the U.S. European...

Airmen from the 168th Wing Medical Group, along with their counterparts from other Air National Guard units, conduct radiation monitoring during field training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, June 2025. The training enhances the unit’s ability to detect and respond to radiological threats in deployed or contingency environments.

Alaska Air Guard 168th Medical Group Trains for High-Stakes Missions

By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 7, 2025

ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. — The Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing Medical Group continues to strengthen its operational edge, proving lethality in today’s battlespace isn’t just about combat power -...

Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2

By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...

Air Force F-35 completes first test flight

Puerto Rico Air Guard Conducts Deployment for Training at Aviano

Alaska Air Guard 168th Medical Group Trains for High-Stakes Missions

Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2

Washington Army Guard Trains in Water Bucket Operations

Alaska Army Guard Rescues Family Stranded on River During Storm