The Air
Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team and the 364th Recruiting Squadron partnered together last month to conduct the largest swear-in ceremony to date of delayed-entry recruits. During the Aug. 30 swear-in at the Travis Air Expo 2008 on the grounds of Travis AFB, Calif., Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, Thunderbirds commander, administered the oath of enlistment to 154 men and women from northern California. The feat narrowly edged out the swear-in ceremony July 19 at the air expo at McChord AFB, Wash., during which Thomas brought in 151 future airmen. The 364th RCS has responsibility for northern and central California. (Travis report by SSgt. Justin Gress)
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
