Lt. Col. Lee Kloos, 58th Fighter Squadron commander at Eglin AFB, Fla., became the Air Force’s first non-developmental test pilot to qualify to fly the F-35A strike fighter, announced Eglin officials. Kloos completed the last of his six qualification flights on May 31, they said. He will now train and qualify other pilots in the 33rd Fighter Wing’s initial pilot cadre to fly the F-35. Eglin is home to the initial joint F-35 schoolhouse that the 33rd FW runs. (Eglin photo caption by Maj. Karen Roganov)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…