In a monumental shift towards modernizing its aerial capabilities, the Florida-based 125th Fighter Wing is gearing up for a significant transformation. After three decades of flying the F-15C Eagle, the 125th Fighter Wing is embarking on a journey into the future with the arrival of the F-35A Lightning II, marking a new chapter in the unit’s storied history.
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Chelsea Smith
The momentum towards this transition gained significant traction on Aug. 14, 2023, when Maj. Brannon Ferguson, a seasoned pilot at the 159th Fighter Squadron, flew an F-15C Eagle to its final resting place at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The symbolic departure signified the divestiture of the F-15C Eagle airframe for the 125th Fighter Wing, setting the stage for a remarkable evolution.
This transformation is rooted in the installation’s preparations to welcome the first batch of F-35A Lightning II aircraft, scheduled to arrive in early 2025. Infrastructure enhancements and comprehensive conversion training are well underway to equip Airmen for the new mission ahead. The F-35A, a marvel of fifth-generation aviation technology, will grant the 125th Fighter Wing unparalleled capabilities in air superiority and global strike operations.
“The F-35A Lightning II represents a new era in airborne capabilities for our unit,” said Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, the Air National Guard director had said when the decision was announced in 2020 to bed down the F-35A at the 125th Fighter Wing. “As a vital component of the Total Air Force, the Air National Guard continues to rise to the challenges of our time, embracing these advanced weapon systems to ensure our readiness for the future.”
This bold transition positions the 125th Fighter Wing as the Air National Guard’s fourth F-35 unit. The wing’s legacy, built over years of dedicated service and commitment, will now intertwine with the cutting-edge capabilities of the F-35A, ensuring that the unit remains at the forefront of air power.
Adding to the historic significance of this shift, on Aug. 13, 2021, Capt. Joseph “Sic” Scerra etched his name in the annals of aviation history. Capt. Scerra became the first pilot from the 159th Fighter Squadron to complete a sortie flying the F-35A Lightning II. The milestone flight took place under the banner of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, showcasing the seamless integration and collaborative efforts across Air Force units.
As the F-35A Lightning II prepares to grace the tarmac of the 125th Fighter Wing’s home base, anticipation and excitement run high among Airmen. The journey from the iconic F-15C Eagle to the technologically advanced F-35A Lightning II underscores the Air National Guard’s commitment to maintaining its unwavering role in safeguarding our nation’s defense.
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