USAF training its F-35 pilots to carry out basic maintenance and refueling chores in austere environments

USAF training its F-35 pilots to carry out basic maintenance

Taken on Apr. 1, 2024 at Nellis Air Force Base, the photos in this post feature US Air Force (USAF) Maj. Zach Saunders, F-35 division commander assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, performing refueling and post-flight checks on the tires of an F-35 Lightning II as part of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP).

Airmen completing IPOP for an F-35 Lightning II are also featured in the images.

Participating in IPOP allows pilots the opportunity to learn maintenance and refueling techniques, extending operational range.

The intent for IPOP Tactics Development and Evaluation is to equip Combat Air Forces with a tool that permits location agnostic off-station operations for the F-35 Lightning II to operate without the deployment of maintenance personnel.

Austere environments

According to Alert 5, the captions accompanying photos released by the US Air Force emphasize that IPOP training prioritizes safety and efficient resource utilization.

The exercises provide a controlled environment for pilots to develop basic maintenance skills while ensuring the safe operation of the F-35 in austere environments.

Great power competition

Noteworthy, as already reported, being able to operate from small, rough airfields is a requirement, as the Defense Department shifts its focus to great power competition where major airfields could be at risk in a fight.

The USAF must evolve from its dependence on well-established airfields given China and Russia can increasingly hold overseas US bases at risk. In fact, even though the service can overcome some disadvantage with long-range bombers, a war in which missiles knock out American air bases and prevent the ability to launch and recover short-range fighter jets is unlikely to end well.