Air Force’s 500th F-35 Now on Duty with Florida Air Guard
Aug. 21, 2025 | By John A. Tirpak
The 500th F-35A built for the U.S. Air Force is on duty with the Florida Air National Guard, the service and contractor Lockheed Martin confirmed Aug. 21.
The jet arrived at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base in July and is one of three that have been delivered to the 125th Fighter Wing. The 125th is the fourth Air Guard unit to operate the F-35A, after Vermont’s 158th Fighter Wing, Alabama’s 187th Fighter, and Wisconsin’s 115th Fighter Wing.
“These new F-35s, which include the Air Force’s 500th, represent the forefront of fifth-generation airpower,” Lt. Col. Joseph Pasko, commander of the 159th Fighter Squadron, said in a statement. “We expect to play an integral role in potential future conflicts, and our citizen-Airmen stand ready to answer nation’s call anytime, anywhere.”
Lockheed confirmed the milestone in response to a query from Air & Space Forces Magazine.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-500th-f-35-now-on-duty/
