[MilCom] JSF Training Center Complete, VMFAT-501 Moves to MCAS Beaufort in January 2014

[Mac McCormick III]

*Pilot training center complete*

*By Cpl. Rubin Tan* | Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort | August 09, 2013

*MCAS Beaufort — *

The Joint Strike Fighter Pilot Training Center was completed this month
with capabilities to hold 8 full mission F-35B simulators, classrooms,
briefing rooms and more.

Construction of new facilities aboard Fightertown continue for the expected
arrival of two training and three operational F-35B squadrons.

F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft is slated to replace the
F/A-18 with Fightertown having the facilities available to train Marine
aviators on the aircraft. The Air Station will serve as the hub for all
F-35B training throughout the Marine Corps.

Advancement in aviation has brought forth the Joint Strike Fighter Program
by Department     of Defense to provide the U.S military and allies,
affordable next generation strike aircraft weapon systems.

The F-35B is a single-engine, single-seat aircraft with capabilities to
perform short takeoffs and vertical landings. New stealth capabilities,
integrated training systems and global sustainment is also incorporated
into the aircraft.

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, who is currently at Eglin Air
Force Base, is expected to relocate to Fightertown in January 2014.

“With the new aircraft, pilots will have ever y tactical advantage in the
modern world environment against technology in air-to-air and air-to-ground
combat scenarios,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Johnson, JSF site
activation task force officer.

Future projects include the construction of vertical landing pads and
landing helicopter deck training facilities.

“After looking at this jet, I received even more comfort in knowing that
this was the next-generation fighter that would support the Marines on the
ground,” said Col. Michael Cederholm, the former MAG-31 commanding officer
in an interview with Leatherneck Magazine. “As a father, I want this
aircraft overhead of my son in a time of crisis, and hope that ever y
parent, spouse and family member finds that same comfort in knowing that
their Marine serving in harm’s way will be supported with the most advanced
technology.”


-- 
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
Savannah, GA
http://kf4lmt.wordpress.com/