The 104th Fighter Wing was selected to receive the F-35 in 2024 following the final record of decision. Since then, the unit has been sending pilots and maintenance personnel for training on the new platform while preparing infrastructure and logistics systems for the aircraft’s arrival.
Adam Casineau, senior master sergeant and aerospace ground equipment superintendent for the 104th, said, “This is the first item on the checklist for us as a wing when it comes to the delivery of the F-35.”
“Now that we have this equipment, we are about ready to host the first delivery of jets,” Casineau added.
The Air National Guard said personnel from maintenance and logistics units worked together to receive, unpack, inspect and catalogue the incoming equipment. The shipment included hand tools, avionics programmers, engine hoists and transporters required to support F-35 operations.
Scott McGowen, commander of the 104th Maintenance Squadron, said, “Integrating our new F-35 support equipment directly enhances our operational readiness, but it wouldn’t be possible without our maintainers and logisticians.”
“Their relentless effort in working through these shipments ensures our team has exactly what it needs to execute the mission,” McGowen added.
According to the release, the equipment is part of a shared inventory system commonly referred to as the Joint Program Office pool. The equipment remains owned by Lockheed Martin and is distributed among F-35 units worldwide under international security management procedures.
Andrew Bamberg, a field sales support systems engineer at Lockheed Martin, assisted with processing the equipment and training personnel on the company’s Autonomic Logistics Information System, known as ALIS. The system is used to manage and track equipment movement within the Joint Program Office pool.
“Once everything is entered to be processed, we will go to each work center and go over the ALIS portion,” Bamberg said. “ALIS is what maintenance and maintainers will use to do their everyday business”.
Personnel from the 115th Fighter Wing and the 173rd Fighter Wing also participated in the process at Barnes Air National Guard Base. The Air National Guard said the visiting units shared operational lessons and observed the equipment integration process as both organizations continue preparations related to the F-35 program.
The 104th Fighter Wing remains on schedule to receive its first F-35 aircraft in June. According to the Air National Guard, the arrival of the support equipment represents a key step toward establishing full operational capability with the new fighter platform.
