An unmodified US Marine Corps F-35B successfully demonstrated integration with the Navy’s Aegis Combat System in a live fire missile test Monday at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Acting as an elevated sensor, the F-35 detected an over-the-horizon threat and relayed data to a ground launch facility, which accurately fired on the target. The aircraft is based at the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX-1) at Edwards AFB, Fla . The exercise demonstrated the advanced sensor capabilities of the F-35 as well as its ability to partner with existing systems. “This test represents the start of our exploration into the interoperability of the F-35B with other naval assets,” said Lt. Col. Richard Rusnok, VMX-1 F-35B detachment officer in charge, in a press release. “We believe the F-35B will drastically increase the situational awareness and lethality of the naval forces with which it will deploy in the very near future,” he added. (See also: F-35 Lightning Unleashed from the September issue of Air Force Magazine.)
Three Air Force MAJCOMs Get New Leaders
Nov. 6, 2025
With less pomp and public attention because of the government shutdown, three Air Force major commands have gained new leaders in the past week—continuing a major revamp of the service’s senior leadership.
