Air Education and Training Command has established a site activation task force to oversee the establishment of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter training mission at Eglin AFB, Fla., reports Lois Walsh. The Air Force announced last year that Eglin would train Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied pilots and maintainers for the new F-35. Air Force Col. George Ross heads the SATAF, a 12-person joint service team, which oversees a $400 million construction effort and coordination of service-specific training needs. Already the environmental impact process for the F-35 mission and an Army move developed a wrinkle, causing a one-year delay in the BRAC 2005-directed movement of an Army element to Eglin. The SATAF also must oversee the shift of the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin from Air Combat Command and F-15s to AETC for the F-35 training role.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…

