JASDF 301st TFS Officially Adopts F-35A

The 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron officially adopted the F-35A today, alongside a move to Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. They've already had the tail markings adapted, unlike how the 302nd's eagle took some time to reappear.

A few more photos from the ceremony: https://twitter.com/jasdf_misawa/status ... 7272956928

https://www.overtdefense.com/2020/12/15 ... the-f-35a/

A ceremony was held at Misawa Air Base to commemorate the change of platform and base. Present at the ceremony were two F-35As already painted with the 301st’s tail markings. The frog’s scarf has been updated as well, going to three stars to match the squadron’s new parent unit, the 3rd Air Wing.

The 301st’s adoption of the F-35A marks the official retirement of the F-4EJ Kai from JASDF frontline service, with a send-off ceremony held last month. The retirement comes after a second livestream of an F-4EJ Kai training sortie on December 9, featuring Phantom 436. While not broadcast during the livestream, Phantom 436 received a water cannon salute after landing following the sortie, as has become tradition for the final flights of JASDF Phantoms.

Frog flying in a snowstorm. (Coooooold.)

Frog Video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvmdBSsSNUM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-VT3I_G0c4

Frog flying in a snowstorm. (Coooooold.)

[BF4C mode='on']

That's heresy, we all know that the F-35 cannot fly in sub-zero ice conditions so those photos must be photoshoped!

[BF4C mode='off']


forgot that we're already in 2021 (or probably not )

The 13th and 14th Fighter Squadrons of the 35th Air Wing (USAF) also operate out of Misawa Air Base. I wonder when they will convert to the F-35A???

Updated 30minutes later
*sarcasm on*Japan and Australia declare IOC for their F-35s?! Didnt the read the GAO's memo that the F-35 is not at acceptable mission readiness rates?!?! *sarcasm off*

Japan and Australia declare IOC for their F-35s?!
Didnt the read the GAO's memo that the F-35 is not at acceptable mission readiness rates?!?!

Reports from the GAO or CBO are a waste of time.........

Japan and Australia declare IOC for their F-35s?!
Didnt the read the GAO's memo that the F-35 is not at acceptable mission readiness rates?!?!

Reports from the GAO or CBO are a waste of time.........

Well, at least the CBO tastes well: