US F-35s Flying Nearly Around the Clock in Indo-Pacific Region

"The US Air Force’s F-35A fighter squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, has been flying at a relentless pace since the squadron’s aircraft started to arrive at the base in late October, according to a new report.

"We're approaching 1,000 flight hours and 500 sorties; we'll probably have that here in the next few weeks," Master Sgt. Brian Sarafin told Defense News in a report published Monday. An average day consists of the 12 F-35 aircraft flying between 12 and 14 sorties per day. Since the plane is frequently damaged or malfunctioning, repair and maintenance crews are working "around the clock" to keep the planes ready to fly, Defense News noted.

© AP Photo/ Rick Bowmer

US to Equip Future F-35 Fighters with Nuke Capabilities - Nuclear Posture Review

The service described the deployment as a "long-planned deployment" that is "designed to demonstrate the continuing US commitment to stability and security in the region" in an October news release. Outside of that description there have been few details about what the F-35s actually do during their sorties..."

at https://sputniknews.com/military/201802051061382276-us-f-35-flying-around-clock-indo/