The 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB, Ariz., received its first F-35A this week. The jet is the first for the squadron, which is tasked with advanced pilot training, and the 51st jet assigned to Luke, according to a base news release. Squadron commander Lt. Col. Matt Vedder flew the flagship jet to Luke from the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas. “It’s a monumental day and a huge milestone for the base,” Vedder said.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.


