Vermont Business Magazine The first two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets are scheduled to arrive at the Burlington International Airport on Thursday, September 19, 2019, according to a statement from the Vermont National Guard. The 158th Fighter Wing will be the first Air National Guard unit to field a squadron of F-35As. Brig Gen Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard, said in a video accompanying the announcement that the planes will not be nuclear capable and that the Vermont Guard will not include a nuclear mission. He also reiterated that the planes will take off without afterburners 95 percent of the time.
"This is such an exciting time for the 158th Fighter Wing, and we are looking forward to sharing it with the community,” said Col. David Smith, commander, 158th Fighter Wing. “Our Green Mountain Boy pilots are flying them to Vermont from Fort Worth, Texas, and they can’t wait. We have all worked very hard to prepare for this moment, and I assure you our Airmen are ready.”
To view video message from General Knight, click on image.
There have been over 420 aircraft delivered to 12 different countries at 19 different bases worldwide. The F-35 has over 205,000 flight hours. More than 850 pilots and over 8,120 maintainers are trained on the F-35 airframe.
“The outstanding legacy of the Vermont Air National Guard is on full display, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard. “It’s been a long time coming, and we are thrilled to welcome the F-35 to Vermont. Now, we can get to work on our own Vermont Air National Guard aircraft.”
Source: Vermont National Guard 9.18.2019. USAF photo.