JASDF pilot flies first F-35 mission

JASDF F-35A 69-8702 on approach to Luke AFB on February 8. Rolf Flinzner A FIRST Japan Air Self- Defense Force (JASDF) pilot has flown a sortie in a 944th Fighter Wing F-35A at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The pilot for the February 7 mission was Lt Col Nakano. During the flight, Lt Col Nakano was accompanied by Lt Col Sean Holahan, 944th Operations Group Detachment 2 ‘Ninjas’ commander, who also flew a JASDF F-35A. Lt Col Nakano said: “This