The Ogden Air Logistics Complex on June 30 delivered the 12th modified F-35A to Hill AFB, Utah, reaching the magic number needed for initial operational capability. The logistics center finished a depot-level modification to the F-35A’s fuel system, alleviating an overpressure condition during elevated G-maneuvers, Capt. Jeremy Geidel, deputy commander of the 570th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said in a news release. The delivery to the 388th Fighter Wing and its associate unit the Reserve 419th Fighter Wing gives the two wings 12 F-35As, the minimum required to reach IOC. The Air Force expects to declare initial operational capability between August and December. Hill is slated to eventually have three operational F-35 squadrons, with 78 total aircraft by the end of 2019. (See also: F-35 Passes Deployment Test.)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
