Inaugural F-35 symposium held in Hawaii

Several representatives from the Asia Pacific met in Hawaii this week for the first-ever Pacific Forces F-35 Symposium.

It included senior officers and warfighters from Japan, Australia and South Korea as well as those from the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

There were discussions and briefings about F-35 operations in the Pacific region. These were opportunities to share fifth-generation lessons and help increase the understanding and cooperation between the F-35 countries. The sessions covered different topics including bed down, integration, logistics, sustainment and combat operations.

“Together, our joint and international partners have introduced the most capable combat aircraft in the world to the Pacific," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig Wills, strategy, plans and programs director. 

During the event, the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft was on display.

PACAF officials have touted the Lightning as the latest development in combat operations.

There also were F-35As from the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and F-35Bs from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at the Marine Corps Air Station in Arizona on display.

“Together with our Pacific allies and partners, we’re sending a clear message to our neighbors and friends in the region,” Wills said. “We will continue to invest in the combat capability required to assure our ability to defend freedom and uphold the rules-based international order.”