The F-35 schoolhouse at Eglin AFB, Fla., recently launched its first formal F-35 maintenance course. “This is hugely significant for all services because we are getting our maintainers prepped for when we are fully stood up for F-35 training in the near future,” said Col. Andrew Toth commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing that oversees the schoolhouse’s joint F-35 training. Comprised of seasoned aircraftsmen cross-training from other platforms, the first class will form the future cadre to train students once pipeline courses begin. “Up until this point, we’ve been conducting small group tryouts . . . to verify the [F-35 maintenance] system is meeting the requirements needed,” explained schoolhouse superintendent SMSgt. Richard Brown. Pipeline maintenance courses at the F-35 Academic Training Center at Eglin are slated to begin in 2014. Eglin’s pilot syllabus is still in validation. (Eglin report by Maj. Karen Roganov)
Since President Donald Trump first unveiled his “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative in late January, much of the focus for it has been focused on space—how the Pentagon may deploy dozens, if not hundreds, of sensors and interceptors into orbit to protect the continental U.S. from missile barrages. But the Air…