Fort Worth Fighter Wing Marks ‘New Era’ with First F-35s

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Fort Worth Fighter Wing Marks ‘New Era’ with First F-35s
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Fort Worth Fighter Wing Marks ‘New Era’ with First F-35s

August 16, 2024

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United States Air Force F-35
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The 301st Fighter Wing recently received its first two F-35s at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, marking a new era for Air Force Reserve Command’s first standalone F-35 wing. 

The aircraft are the first of 26 F-35As for the Cowtown unit tasked with training and deploying combat-ready Airmen. The 301st has operated F-16s for the past three decades.

‘New Chapter’

“The arrival of the F-35 marks a new chapter for the 301st Fighter Wing,” said Col. Benjamin R. Harrison, 301st Fighter Wing commander.

The unit’s first two F-35s are equipped with initial Tech Refresh-3 (TR-3) software, which enables new cutting-edge Block 4 capabilities.

F-35 pilot

Not Ferry Far

Ferry flights – transporting an aircraft to its home base – can be short or long and involve single or multi-leg trips. These hometown hops were relatively simpler affairs. 

F-35 preparing for take off
This F-35 (pictured) took off from a shared runway between Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. After a short and successful ferry flight, the jet returned to base via the same runway. 
F-35 taking off
F-35 in air
F-35 safely landing

Future Fighters

Last year, the 301st Fighter Wing conducted their last deployment with F-16s – a bittersweet milestone for members of Texas’ only Air Force Reserve fighter unit.

“The F-16 has been the backbone of our operations for decades, and it’s sad to see it go,”  Harrison said last year. “But at the same time, we're excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead.”

Read more about TR-3 and Block 4 Upgrades:

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