Building the Future: F-35s at Tyndall

The F-35 has officially arrived at the U.S. Air Force’s “Installation of the Future.” The stealth jet is a “catalyst” at Florida’s Tyndall Air Force Base, where the service is advancing the future of American airpower. 

“The arrival of the F-35 marks a new chapter for Tyndall,” said Col. George Watkins, 325th Fighter Wing commander, when the first three aircraft touched down in August. “It represents the introduction of the most advanced and technologically sophisticated fighter aircraft into the 325th Fighter Wing’s operational fleet.”

"It's been incredible," said Watkins during the Nov. 6 arrival ceremony. "It's been pretty exciting to get the planes off the ground and get the pilots into training."

More than 70 F-35s are slated to join the unit, which is transitioning into a combat-capable F-35A fighter wing. 

Tyndall’s location makes it an ideal F-35 training and operational hub, shaping the future of air warfare. The base’s own future was less certain just five years ago, when Hurricane Michael devastated the site.

Tyndall Air Force Base is rising like a phoenix to meet the global security challenges of tomorrow. With its new F-35 mission, the Sunshine State base is building a brighter future for America and its allies.