The U.S. Air Force’s 500th F-35A Lightning II fighter jet arrived at the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville on July 9, 2025, marking a milestone in the service’s transition to fifth-generation airpower.
The aircraft is one of the first three F-35As permanently assigned to the wing, known as “the Thunder,” and features the unit’s legacy tail flash.
Its arrival continues the multi-year process of replacing the retired F-15C/D Eagles and positions the wing to complete its phased conversion without a break in readiness. During the transition, the 125th Fighter Wing will continue to operate a mix of its own aircraft and loaned F-35s from other Air National Guard units.
“These new F-35s, which include the Air Force’s 500th, represent the forefront of fifth-generation airpower,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Pasko, commander of the 159th Fighter Squadron. “We expect to play an integral role in potential future conflicts, and our citizen-Airmen stand ready to answer the nation’s call; anytime, anywhere.”
The Lightning II brings stealth, advanced sensors, and electronic-warfare capabilities to the force, replacing the fourth-generation Eagles. Air Force leaders say these capabilities enhance both homeland defense missions and operations abroad under the Agile Combat Employment model, which emphasizes mobility and rapid redeployment to complicate adversary targeting.
“The Guard’s ability to field fifth-generation aircraft in key regions gives combatant commanders the reach, resilience and rapid response they need,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard L. Coffey, assistant adjutant general – air, Florida National Guard, and commander of the Florida Air National Guard. “Jacksonville’s strategic location and joint partnerships expand the Air Force’s options and ensure our Airmen are at the forefront of our nation’s defense.”
The arrival comes as senior Air Force leaders continue to warn of challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Testifying before a Senate defense subcommittee, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin pointed to China’s military modernization and its ambitions to alter regional stability. “We now operate in a world where the [People’s Republic of China] is not only rapidly modernizing its military, but doing so with a clear intent to coerce its neighbors and reshape the international order,” Allvin said. “The United States must maintain airpower dominance if we are to safeguard our security, deter aggression, and prevail in conflict.”
To support the F-35, the Jacksonville base has completed new facilities and infrastructure upgrades, including a simulator complex, hangar improvements for low-observable maintenance, and a climate-controlled weapons-load facility. The wing also coordinated with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to widen taxiways at Jacksonville International Airport to accommodate the Lightning II.
“Modern hardware and software demand modern skill sets,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Carl Guckenberger, commander of the 125th Maintenance Group. “Our Airmen have embraced the challenge, directly supporting the conversion efforts while simultaneously completing thousands of hours of formal training so our jets are ready to launch on time and on target.”
Jacksonville is now the fourth Air National Guard wing to operate the F-35, joining units in Vermont, Wisconsin, and Alabama. Across the Air Force, nine units currently fly the Lightning II.
The milestone delivery adds to the growing global fleet of F-35s. By the end of 2024, Lockheed Martin had delivered a total of 1,102 aircraft.
That figure included 797 F-35As built for the United States and allied air forces, along with 203 short takeoff and vertical landing F-35Bs built for the U.S. Marine Corps, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and the Italian Navy. The first examples for Japan’s Navy are also in production and delivery.
According to F35.com, more than 1,215 F-35s of all variants have now been delivered worldwide, flown by over 3,000 pilots who have accumulated more than one million flight hours.