The Pentagon has announced that MSgt Randy J. Gillespie, 44, died July 9 in Herat, Afghanistan, of wounds received from small arms fire near Camp Stone. Gillespie deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Luke AFB, Ariz.
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
