On March 19, 2009, then-Major Ty “O.D.” Bachmann flew AA-1, the first F-35 Lightning II, for a test flight in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the first Marine and second service member to evaluate the F-35's flight and in-air characteristics. Bachmann would later use this knowledge to best inform the future F-35B's operational test activities.  

The next feature in the F-35 Joint Program Office’s Blast From the Past series focuses on Bachmann’s experience test flying the F-35. Bachmann also speaks about being the lead instructor responsible for teaching the new U.S. and international F-35 pilots its game changing capabilities. 

Read more: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/440664/marine-leads-example-test-pilot-first-f-35a-meet-lt-col-ty-od-bachmann