F-35 Lightning II! :: Nauka ~ Tehnika ~ Military

Subject:
Joint Strike Fighter Named Lightning II
From:
DoD News <dlnews_sender@DTIC.MIL>
Date:
Fri, 7 Jul 2006 17:24:00 -0400
To:
DODNEWS-L@DTIC.MIL

NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 646-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jul 07, 2006 Media Contact: (703)697-5131
Public/Industry(703)428-0711

Joint Strike Fighter Named Lightning II
The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England, and Air Force Chief of Staff
Gen. T. Michael Moseley announced today 'Lightning II' as the F-35 name during
a Joint Strike Fighter inauguration ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas.

Moseley made the final decision after an extensive nomination and review
process that was coordinated with the other military services and partner
nations.

In naming the F-35 General Moseley said, "Today, the enemies of peace and
freedom have been put on notice. They have feared this day because the F-35
provides the coalition warfighter the perfect blend of speed, precision, and
stealth.

"In my travels, airmen have given me some great suggestions that we'll see on
new Air Force weapons systems in the near future," he said. "The name for the
F-35, 'Lightning II,' was a win for aviation heritage and culture."

The heritage associated with this name played a significant role in its
selection. The original P-38 'Lightning' was also a strike fighter and had
the most air-to-air kills in the Pacific area of responsibility in World War
II. Both of America's top two aces, Maj. Richard Bong, with 40 kills, and
Maj. Thomas McGuire, with 38 kills, scored all their victories in the P-38
'Lightning' in World War II.

The 'Lightning II' name also draws parallels with a formidable force of
nature. Like lightning, the F-35 'Lightning II' will strike with destructive
force. The stealth characteristics of the jet will allow the F-35 to strike
the enemy with accuracy and unpredictability.

The F-35 'Lightning II' is the next generation strike fighter bringing
cutting-edge technologies to the battlespace of the future. The 'Lightning II'
advanced airframe, logistics, avionics, propulsion systems, stealth, and
firepower will make it an affordable, lethal, supportable and survivable
aircraft for warfighters across the globe.

The Air Force is the Department of Defense's executive agent for designating
and naming military aerospace vehicles. Air Force and Navy representatives
proposed the 'Lightning II' name during the review process.