FRESNO, CA ( KMJ ) – Four new aircraft now based at NAS Lemoore, represent a new chapter for the U.S. Navy. The F-35C is set to become a major part of the U.S. Navy’s future aircraft-carrier based fleet.
The formation of F-35C Lightning II fighter jets arrived at Naval Air Station Lemoore Wednesday afternoon. The aircraft join the recently reactivated Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, the “Rough Raiders”.
Preparation for the new planes started in July 2015, with construction to expand the hangers on base to accommodate them. The construction was completed alongside extra training facilities on site and improvements to the simulator building.
When the work began, Captain David Koss told KMJ the plan for what happens next was already mapped out.
“So, in January of 2018, we’ll transition that first squadron. It will take about 8-10 months, and then after that, that aircraft will start a work-up cycle and after that we’ll deploy aboard the first aircraft carrier.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
