Eglin F-35 pilots experience first refuel [Image 8 of 17]

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

05.13.2013

Photo by Master Sgt. John Nimmo, Sr. 

33rd Fighter Wing

For the first time in Eglin's air space, instructor pilot U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Smith, 33rd operations support squadron commander, navigates an F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. toward an Air Force Reserve KC-135R Stratotanker from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron, March ARB, Calif., May 13, 2013. Smith, an Air Force F-35 instructor pilots at the 33rd Fighter Wing trained with others to qualify in aerial refueling for the joint strike fighter. His success will add another capability for student pilot training to the F-35 Integrated Training Center here. The 33rd FW is responsible for F-35 A/B/C Lightning II pilot and maintainer training for the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force and, in the future, at least eight coalition partners. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service/aircraft variant, will be established at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo, Sr./Released)

• Date Taken: 05.13.2013
• Date Posted: 05.19.2013 22:50
• Photo ID: 936043
• VIRIN: 130513-F-XL333-411
• Resolution: 4256x2832
• Size: 2.54 MB
• Location: EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US