On July 7, 2006, during a joint strike fighter inauguration ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, the Air Force chief of staff unveiled the official name for the F-35 as “Lightning II.”   

As the executive agent responsible for designating and naming military aircraft, the Air Force, in partnership with the Navy, proposed the Lightning II name through a comprehensive nomination and review process that included collaboration with partner nations.  

Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision and at the unveiling ceremony said, "Today, the enemies of peace and freedom have been put on notice. They have feared this day because the F-35 provides the coalition warfighter the perfect blend of speed, precision and stealth. In my travels, Airmen have given me some great suggestions that we'll see on new Air Force weapons systems in the near future," Mosely added. "The name for the F-35, Lightning II, was a win for aviation heritage and culture."  

The selection of the Lightning II name was influenced by the historical significance associated with the original P-38 Lightning, a strike fighter used during World War II. The P-38 was known for its high number of air-to-air kills in the Pacific theater by two American ace pilots, Maj. Richard Bong and Maj. Thomas McGuire. 

 The F-35 Lightning II symbolizes the future of strike fighters, incorporating cutting-edge technologies for the battlespace. For years to come, the F-35 Lightning II will continue to deliver security and stability for the United States and its allies as the most networked and lethal fighter aircraft in the world.