Warlords perform 1st F-35B flight [supported by USMC alone]

[spazsinbad]

Warlords perform first F-35B flight
12 Sep 2014 by Cpl. Sarah Cherry

"MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 executed the first F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter flight supported entirely by Marine maintenance, Sept. 4.

Maj. Michael Rountree, the aircraft maintenance officer of VMFAT-501, piloted the flight.

“It’s the culmination of the past three years of preparation and training and hard work to get the maintenance department trained, set-up and moved to Beaufort from Eglin,” said Rountree, a native of Houston, Texas. “It feels pretty good. We passed our safe for flight inspection with flying colors due to the experience and professionalism of our maintenance Marines.

“Just seeing such high marks and great results as the maintenance officer makes me proud to be a part of this effort and a part of this squadron,” he said....

...“The Marines understand the historical significance of this plane and this program,” said Rountree. “Marines are putting in a greater level of rigor, attention to detail and thoughtful maintenance practices so that we can ensure that we are doing it right the first time. They are building the legacy of the F-35 on a solid foundation.”

Once the aircraft are fully operational, VMFAT-501 plans to train student pilots on the F-35B platform. Before relocating to the Air Station, the Warlords qualified more than 40 Marine Corps F-35B pilots.

The squadron plans to eventually graduate 60 pilots a year...."

Source: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/141970/war ... 35b-flight