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)
The Space Force has officially expanded its concept for combining operations, sustainment, cyber, and intelligence functions all under one roof, dropping the “provisional” tag from units that kicked off the idea last year and transitioning two more Deltas and missions to the structure.