Maj. Thomas Hayes, a pilot with the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, a tenant unit at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., talks with a ground crewman before an F-35A test flight at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, Feb 18, 2016. Six operational test and evaluation F-35s and more than 85 Airmen of the 31st TES travelled to Mountain Home AFB to conduct the first simulated deployment test of the F-35A, specifically to execute three key initial operational capability mission sets: suppression of enemy air defenses, close air support and air interdiction. ( Air Force photo by Eddins Jr.) 160218-F-LW

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Maj. Thomas Hayes, a pilot with the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, a tenant unit at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., talks with a ground crewman before an F-35A test flight at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, Feb 18, 2016. Six operational test and evaluation F-35s and more than 85 Airmen of the 31st TES travelled to Mountain Home AFB to conduct the first simulated deployment test of the F-35A, specifically to execute three key initial operational capability mission sets: suppression of enemy air defenses, close air support and air interdiction. ( Air Force photo by Eddins Jr.) 160218-F-LW859-033 by AirmanMagazine

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Photo credit: © Military Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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