On August 1, 2023, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, made a significant milestone in its evolution. It transitioned from an air dominance training mission to a fully combat capable F-35A Lightning II fighter wing as the first of more than 70 F-35s arrived to begin filling three projected squadrons. 

Standing up three operational F-35 fighter squadrons at Tyndall increases Air Force lethality and combat readiness, aligning with the National Defense Strategy objectives to deter and combat aggression from adversaries. With its prime location and direct access to the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Range Complex, Tyndall's gaining of the F-35 elevates global deterrence to another level. 

The transition into a combat-oriented mission also shifts Tyndall into the Air Force Force Generation model (AFFORGEN), making it a lead wing capable of worldwide deployment operations and homeland defense. Fully operational fighter squadrons will participate in large-scale exercises aimed at improving interoperability between fourth and fifth-generation airframes and joint force operations. 

Accepting the F-35 encourages strong collaboration between allied partners across global theaters, propelling the 325th Fighter Wing into an offensive state to gain a competitive edge over adversaries. The arrival of the F-35s maintains Tyndall's pivotal role in shaping the future of air warfare, building on its rich history of hosting and supporting cutting-edge aircraft and missions.