On July 14, 2011 the first for the 33rd FW, F-35A 08-0747, arrived at Eglin AFB in formation with two F-16s.

Eglin bound. F-35A 08-0747/’EG' in formation with an F-16C over the beach at Destin near Eglin on July 14, 2011 on its delivery flight to the 33rd FW.

F-35A 08-0746/'EG' has tail markings for the 58th Fighter Squadron.

Another F-35A destined for the 33rd FW is 08-0750 (AF-12) seen departing Fort Worth on a functional check flight.

F-35A 08-0747/'EG' over the beach at Destin, Florida near Eglin AFB on July 14, 2011 following its delivery flight from Fort Worth.

Samuel King Jr/US Air Force 3 F-35A 08-0746 taxies to parking at Eglin on July 20, 2011.

SSgt Michael sanders ot the both Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspects F-35A 08-0747 at Eglin AFB.

F-35A 08-0746/'EG' getting 'chocked' for the first time at Eglin AFB on July 20, 2011.

Marine Maj Joseph 'OD' Bachmann is one of two pilots assigned to the 33rd FW currently qualified to fly the F-35.

Lt Col Eric Smith, 58th FS Director of Operations, talks with his commanders after piloting the first F-35A to Eglin AFB on July 14, 2011.

Major Bachmann watches his crew chief during engine shutdown after delivering the second F-35A to Eglin on July 20, 2011.

Lt Col Eric Smith piloted the first F-35A on a delivery flight from Fort Worth, Texas to Eglin AFB, Florida on July 14, 2011.

TSgt Tim West marshals F-35A 08-0747 to parking at Eglin AFB on July 14, 2011.

Shot of an F-35 Full Mission Simulator. The first of three such simulators was installed at Eglin AFB in January 2011.

One of three different training simulators in use with the 33rd FW is the ejection system maintenance trainer comprising a full size replica of the front nose of the aircraft.