Media Gallery

Two F-35A Lightning IIs from the 33rd FW soar over Eglin AFB's range during the unit’s first joint strike fighter formation flight on April 10th, 2012. Lt. Col. Eric Smith, 58th FS director of operations, flew the lead aircraft while Marine Maj. Joseph Bachmann, Fighter...

An F-35A Lightning II from the 33rd FW soars alongside a KC-135R Stratotanker and an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the unit’s first joint strike fighter air-to-air refuel mission on April 11th, 2012. Lt. Col. Eric Smith, 58th FS director of operations and first Air Force...

Lt. Col. Eric Smith, 58th FS director of operations, connects his F-35A Lightning II with a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th ARW, during the first joint strike fighter air-to-air refueling accomplished by the 33rd FW on April 11th, 2012. [USAF photo by Capt. Casey Smith]

Lockheed Martin test pilot Bill Gigliotti flew F-35A AF-16 (USAF serial 09-5003), on its inaugural flight on May 3rd, 2012 from NAS Fort Worth. The aircraft will be assigned to the 33rd FW at Eglin AFB. [Lockheed Martin photo by Carl Richards]

An F-35A Lightning II from the 33rd FW at Eglin AFB and an F-22A Raptor from the 43rd FS at Tyndall AFB soar over the Emerald Coast on September 19th, 2012. This was the first time the two fifth-generation fighters have flown together for the Air Force. [USAF photo by MSgt....
See also: F-35: Newest fighter much more than just 'stealthy plane'

Lt. Col. Eric Smith taxis in an F-35 at Eglin AFB on May 9th, 2012. [Lockheed Martin photo]

USAF F-35A #10-5013 from the 58th FS lands at NAS Fort Worth on December 18th, 2012. [Photo by Nicholas Peterman]

USAF F-35A #10-5013 spotted during a test flight at NAS Fort Worth on January 31st, 2013 destined for delivery to the 58th FS. [Photo by Keith Snyder]

USAF F-35A #10-5013 spotted during a test flight at NAS Fort Worth on January 31st, 2013 destined for delivery to the 58th FS. [Photo by Keith Snyder]