Eglin Formation Flight

Posted 10 April 2012
Photo by Capt. Ryan Seymour

Two US pilots from the 33rd Fighter Wing fly over the training range near Eglin AFB during the unit’s first F-35 formation flight on 10 April 2012. Lt. Col. Eric Smith, the 58th Fighter Squadron director of operations, flew the lead F-35A while Marine Maj. Joseph Bachmann, Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501) aircraft maintenance officer, flew as wingman. The pilots, both the first in their service qualified to fly the F-35, were validating pilot syllabus objectives in preparation for future training. The 33rd FW is responsible for F-35A/B/C pilot and maintainer training for the US Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and, in the future, at least eight coalition partners.

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