The 58th Fighter Squadron has undertaken the largest forward deployment of the F-35A to date with their participation in Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Wisconsin. The 58th is part of the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. No precise numbers have been confirmed but in the videos below there looks to be at least ten F-35s on the ramp.
Northern Lightning is a tactical-level, joint training exercise that emphasizes fifth and fourth generation assets engaged in a contested, degraded environment.
Also taking part are Boeing EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-132 and Boeing E-3 Sentries from the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base.
A 132nd Electronic Attack Squadron EA-18 Growler lands at Volk Field, Wis. Aug. 22, 2016, during Northern Lightning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stormy Archer)
132nd Electronic Attack Squadron EA-18 Growlers and 33rd Fighter Wing F-35As taxi down the flightline during Northern Lightning Aug. 22, 2016, at Volk Field, Wis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stormy Archer)
Col. Lance Pilch, 33rd Fighter Wing commander, lands at Volk Field, Wis. Aug. 23, 2016, during Northern Lightning. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stormy Archer)