500 and Counting: The 500 F-35 Pilot Takes to the Skies

10/14/2017
2017-10-14 Many years ago, Second Line of Defense visited Eglin AFB prior to standing up of the F-35 training facility. Now that training facility has not only matured but is part of a global training network. Recently, Eglin saw a milestone achieved with the 500th F-35 pilot taking to the…

The UK Readies for the Coming of the Queen Elizabeth Carriers: Ski Jump Testing

10/14/2017
2017-10-14 As the first Queen Elizabeth class carrier has begun its two year period of sea trials earlier this year. Part of the preparation for operations is ski jump training for F-35B pilots. This training is being initially at Pax River where a ski jump test and training facility has…

RAF Valley Air Station, Wales, Receives Upgrades: Supporting the F-35s and Typhoons

10/14/2017
2017-10-14 According to a UK MoD article published on September 26, 2017, the Welsh based RAF Valley Air Station has been modernized to play its role in the introduction of the F-35 and the evolution of the Typhoon-F-35 core to the RAF strike force. The station is primarily used for…

Offensive Air Support Exercise at MAWTS-1

10/14/2017
10/14/2017: U.S. Soldiers attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) conduct an Offensive Air Support (OAS) exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) at Yodaville, Ariz., Oct. 3, 2017. The OAS exercise is designed to focus on the integration of air combat element aviation assets with a developed ground scheme…

F-35B at MAWTS-1

10/12/2017
10/12/2017: A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepares to land after a Tactical Intercept/Air Combat Maneuvering exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) near Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2017. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre,…