The US Air Force’s (USAF) 34th Fighter Squadron (FS) and 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, US, (AFB) have received the last two F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft.
The latest addition to the units’ fleet shows that they have their full component of operational jets.
388th Maintenance Group commander colonel Michael Miles said: "Having the full number of aircraft in one FS/AMU means we'll soon receive our full personnel and equipment.
“This allows us to meet all potential combat taskings."
The 388th Fighter Wing at the base received its first F-35A in November 2015.
388th Operations Group commander colonel Jason Rueschhoff said: "This allows both operations and maintenance to fine-tune our tactics, techniques and procedures with a focus on maximising our combat lethality.”
Two more F-35A squadrons in the 388th FW will receive a total of 78 fighter jets through 2019.
The 4th FS and 4th AMU would receive the next F-35A this summer, the USAF stated.
The 34th FS, known as the ‘Rude Rams’, became the first operational USAF F-35 squadron when the F-35A achieved initial operational capability last year.
In 2015, pilots at Hill AFB started practising with four full mission simulators linked together to hone their tactical employment of the F-35 against ground and airborne threats, Lockheed Martin stated.
The base also houses Ogden Air Logistics Complex, which provides logistics, support, maintenance and distribution of the F-35 and other USAF aircraft.
Image: 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airman 1st Class Matthew Clark marshals the newest F-35A Lightning II aircraft. Photo: courtesy of the USAF photo/Donovan K Potter.
