The commander of the 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron—the unit that maintains F-22s for the 1st Fighter Wing at JB Langley-Eustis, Va.—has been relieved of command, several media outlets reported. Lt. Col. Ivan Pennington, who has led the squadron for the last two years, was removed March 25 by 1st FW Commander Col. Pete Fesler, reported The Virginian-Pilot. “We hold commanders to the highest standards, and when they fall short of these expectations, they must be held accountable,” Fesler said in a statement, though he did not provide any details about how Pennington may have failed to meet expectations. Maj. Jason Moehle has been named interim commander.
The Pentagon awarded a $2.02 billion contract for Lot 17 of F-35 engines to contractor Pratt & Whitney on June 5. Work on the F135 engine is expected to be completed by December 2025.