The 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, ushered in a new chapter in its storied history on Aug. 8, with the arrival of its first F-35A Lightning II. This delivery marks a significant milestone for both the wing and the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), as the 301st becomes AFRC’s inaugural stand-alone F-35 wing.
Col. Benjamin R. Harrison, 301st Fighter Wing commander, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “The arrival of the F-35 marks a new chapter for the 301st Fighter Wing. While it replaces our aging fleet of F-16s and introduces the most technologically advanced fighter into the wing, none of this would be possible without the dedication and professionalism of our Airmen, civilians, and contractors.”
The wing’s F-35 acquisition plan involves a phased approach, with two aircraft delivered initially and a total of 26 F-35As expected over the next 12-15 months. This gradual integration allows for a smooth transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcons, which served as the wing’s primary aircraft from 1992 until their recent divestment in 2023.
The F-35 beddown process, which began in 2016, is projected to continue until 2026. During this period, the wing will focus on building essential competencies and proficiencies among its personnel to ensure maximum combat readiness. Col. Harrison noted that an initial cadre of formally trained F-35 pilots and maintainers has been hand-selected to lead the conversion process.
This transition represents the latest evolution in the 301st Fighter Wing’s long history, which dates back to World War II when the unit operated P-47N Thunderbolts. As the wing integrates the F-35A, it will continue its core mission of training and deploying combat-ready airmen, now equipped with the Air Force’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter.
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