Daily Real Estate News Monday, August 15, 2011
With fewer rentals available across the country but strong demand, rents are expected to rise rapidly, experts say. Rents are expected to rise faster than the 2 percent to 3 percent average annual increase that was predicted earlier this year, RISMedia reports.
Vacancies for rental housing was 9.2 percent for the second quarter — 1.4 percent lower than a year ago — and a level that hasn’t been reached since 2003, according to the Census Bureau
Monday, August 15, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
AIR FORCE HOUSING PRIVATIZATION PUT ON HOLD
As the Base Commander of Edwards AFB noted in a late Press Release on Friday, August 12, 2011, the Privatization Program, which includes Eglin AFB is put on hold. What does this mean? The private sector will continue to be asked to shoulder the burden of finding ways to house their servicemen and women during this uncertainity. Again, as a former Military Housing Director, I can assure you the cost of housing the military by giving them their housing entitlement, is far more cost efficient than building housing on base, and is the first choice when providing housing in a specific area. I expect Eglin will be announcing this very shortly, as well. Give me a call, if you have any questions.
Commander's Message: AF puts hold on housing privatization
by Col. Gregory Schwab
95th Air Base Wing commander
8/12/2011 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Edwards AFB Military Family Housing Community,This is to inform you that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations has directed actions related to the upcoming Continental Group Housing Privatization project be put on hold. The Continental Group Housing Privatization project includes Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Eielson AFB, Alaska; McConnell AFB, Kan.; Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.; and Hurlburt Field, Fla. According to Housing Privatization Program Management officials, the project was placed on hold due to Air Force issues unrelated to housing privatization, the Continental Group Housing Privatization project or Picerne Military Housing. What this means to you, the Edwards AFB residents, is that the 95th Air Base Wing will take no further action towards privatization at this time. Issues dealing with signing leases, starting allotments for rent, transferring yard care responsibilities to Picerne will not proceed any further. We will provide you an update when any further information becomes available. For now, all Edwards residents should continue to use the military family housing office as the source for all their housing needs.
Commander's Message: AF puts hold on housing privatization
by Col. Gregory Schwab
95th Air Base Wing commander
8/12/2011 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Edwards AFB Military Family Housing Community,This is to inform you that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations has directed actions related to the upcoming Continental Group Housing Privatization project be put on hold. The Continental Group Housing Privatization project includes Edwards AFB, Calif.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Eielson AFB, Alaska; McConnell AFB, Kan.; Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.; and Hurlburt Field, Fla. According to Housing Privatization Program Management officials, the project was placed on hold due to Air Force issues unrelated to housing privatization, the Continental Group Housing Privatization project or Picerne Military Housing. What this means to you, the Edwards AFB residents, is that the 95th Air Base Wing will take no further action towards privatization at this time. Issues dealing with signing leases, starting allotments for rent, transferring yard care responsibilities to Picerne will not proceed any further. We will provide you an update when any further information becomes available. For now, all Edwards residents should continue to use the military family housing office as the source for all their housing needs.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
"FORBES MAGAZINE" PUTS OKALOOSA COUNTY IN TOP 20 GEEK CITY LIST
What does this mean. This is what I have been describing to many of you for years. As noted, Eglin AFB is the sister base of Edwards AFB, which was largely responsible for the silicone valley of the west coast. With one of the missions of Eglin AFB being testing (weapons and planes), and now with the Training of the F-35 pilots, you can see how this is playing out. Weapons may be expensive, however personnel are much more expensive. Morale of this story. With these factors in our area, more and more defense contractors are finding their way to our area, not only for military application of this technology, but commercial application of this technology, as well.
Geekville
Engineers, scientists, techies boost Okaloosa to Forbes Top 20
By KATY HOUGHTON
Florida Freedom Newspapers
If Okaloosa County had a closet, tucked beneath the stacks of flip-flops and swimsuits would be a pair of horn-rimmed glasses, a TI-89 graphing calculator and some freshly pressed khakis. The Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Destin metro area recently was ranked No. 20 on Forbes list of America’s Geekiest Cities. The report defined geeks as “any workers with a bachelor’s level of knowledge and education in science or engineering-related fields or workers in occupations that require some degree of technical knowledge or training.” Larry Sassano, president of the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, said it was interesting to see the small Metropolitan Statistical Area among large cities such as Seattle and San Jose, Calif. “The STEMs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are strengths in our area because of our excellent universities and colleges and our top-ranked schools,” said Sassano, who added that the area’s 250-plus contractors and Eglin Air Force Base’s research and development and test and evaluation missions attract many engineers, scientists and technical men and women. “Given all the expansion in the area, I could see there being a lot of attraction for those skill sets,” said Matthew Myers, a Destin resident and IT manager with Niceville’s Data Software Services. Still, he said he was stunned to see the area on the list of hot spots such as Framingham, Mass., home of Bose, Staples and a sizable Genzyme research center. After serving in the Air Force, Myers worked in the tech industry in Dallas for a Fortune 1000 company. But all projects were cut after 9/11, and he decided to move to the beach town he had vacationed at for years. After starting his computer service and repair business 10 years ago, “the hardest obstacle for me was finding employees with that fine, basic skill set I needed,” he said. Myers said he believes Eglin and Hurlburt Field help to enhance those numbers by attracting several defense contractors for big projects. “I think this is more of attraction. There is not much homegrown so to speak,” he said. Of the workforce in the Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin area, 8.8 percent, about 7,200 workers, are employed in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics field. John Elamad, a civil and structural engineer, also was surprised to see the area on the list of high tech venues. Despite the lack of workers in the private sector, “Eglin Air Force Base is a prime location for defense contractors. Not only is it one of the largest, but several missions are carried out from there,” said Elamad, the owner of EMC in Destin. It takes geeks to “service military equipment and conduct research and development on new projects.” Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, hopes the chamber can use the ranking to help bring more small, techoriented companies to the area. “Even though the list is titled ‘geekiest,’ I think it’s a great compliment,” he said.
Geekville
Engineers, scientists, techies boost Okaloosa to Forbes Top 20
By KATY HOUGHTON
Florida Freedom Newspapers
If Okaloosa County had a closet, tucked beneath the stacks of flip-flops and swimsuits would be a pair of horn-rimmed glasses, a TI-89 graphing calculator and some freshly pressed khakis. The Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Destin metro area recently was ranked No. 20 on Forbes list of America’s Geekiest Cities. The report defined geeks as “any workers with a bachelor’s level of knowledge and education in science or engineering-related fields or workers in occupations that require some degree of technical knowledge or training.” Larry Sassano, president of the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, said it was interesting to see the small Metropolitan Statistical Area among large cities such as Seattle and San Jose, Calif. “The STEMs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are strengths in our area because of our excellent universities and colleges and our top-ranked schools,” said Sassano, who added that the area’s 250-plus contractors and Eglin Air Force Base’s research and development and test and evaluation missions attract many engineers, scientists and technical men and women. “Given all the expansion in the area, I could see there being a lot of attraction for those skill sets,” said Matthew Myers, a Destin resident and IT manager with Niceville’s Data Software Services. Still, he said he was stunned to see the area on the list of hot spots such as Framingham, Mass., home of Bose, Staples and a sizable Genzyme research center. After serving in the Air Force, Myers worked in the tech industry in Dallas for a Fortune 1000 company. But all projects were cut after 9/11, and he decided to move to the beach town he had vacationed at for years. After starting his computer service and repair business 10 years ago, “the hardest obstacle for me was finding employees with that fine, basic skill set I needed,” he said. Myers said he believes Eglin and Hurlburt Field help to enhance those numbers by attracting several defense contractors for big projects. “I think this is more of attraction. There is not much homegrown so to speak,” he said. Of the workforce in the Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin area, 8.8 percent, about 7,200 workers, are employed in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics field. John Elamad, a civil and structural engineer, also was surprised to see the area on the list of high tech venues. Despite the lack of workers in the private sector, “Eglin Air Force Base is a prime location for defense contractors. Not only is it one of the largest, but several missions are carried out from there,” said Elamad, the owner of EMC in Destin. It takes geeks to “service military equipment and conduct research and development on new projects.” Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, hopes the chamber can use the ranking to help bring more small, techoriented companies to the area. “Even though the list is titled ‘geekiest,’ I think it’s a great compliment,” he said.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
ABC "GOOD MORNING AMERICA" MAKES DESTIN A TOP TEN MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN AMERICA
Okay my fellow natives, it is not like we didn’t know this already. I guess the 4.5 million viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America will find out now.
"Good Morning America," Emeril Lagasse to profile Destin on Thursday in bid for No. 1 spot
William Hatfield
2011-08-08 15:33:57
It’s a good day for Destin on Good Morning America — but it could be even better with your vote.
The ABC morning show put our city among its “10 Most Beautiful Places in America” list along with Asheville, N.C., Aspen, Colo., Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii and others. Now it wants America to determine which is the "awe-inspiring winner."
It’s all thanks to Terri Rose of Niceville, who nominated “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
“Dramatic sunsets, miles and miles of seashore and sugar-white sand all make Destin, Fla., the "Most Beautiful Place in America" for 'GMA' viewer Terri Rose of Niceville,” the television show’s web site states. “When Rose submitted her description of the seaside town, nestled in Florida's northern panhandle, we knew we had to find that spot.”
GMA, which attracts an average audience of about 4.5 million people, is profiling all ten locations. Sandestin resident, Food Network superstar chef and GMA contributor Emeril Lagasse will be the tour guide during the segment, which will air on Thursday morning, according to an on-air plug. The morning show’s web site is also inviting viewers to vote online for the top spot.
To vote for Destin as the top spot in the “10 Most Beautiful Places” list, click here.
“Destin, Fla., a seaside town in Florida's northern Panhandle earned a spot on "Good Morning America's" 10 Most Beautiful Places list for it's gorgeous beaches, ripe for boating, sailing and fishing,” the Web site states. “Just ask Emeril Lagasse who went out on a boat and explored the treasure trove of ocean life, from snapper to mackerel to grouper and more.”
Here's the city of Destin's take on the news.
ABC’S GOOD MORNING AMERICA NAMES DESTIN IN 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN AMERICA
The City of Destin, along with the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC), encourages everyone to tune in this week to ABC’s Good Morning America as it names Destin as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.
GMA will likely air the Destin segment during tomorrow morning’s show. However, it could be Thursday or Friday as the countdown continues throughout the week.
Destin Mayor Sam Seevers says, “This is incredible news and now the rest of the country will see just how beautiful our city is. And, it doesn’t stop with aesthetics. The most wonderful people in the country live right here. I am so proud to call Destin my home.”
The contest began with GMA’s request for anyone to submit a picture of their most beautiful place in America. Producers sifted through thousands and concluded with Destin in the top ten. The winning photo was of a signature sunset over the Destin Bridge at Harry T’s.
GMA came to Destin to film the special segment last week with correspondent and world-renowned chef Emeril Lagasse. The show interviewed the TDC’s public relations associate, Nicole Scott, to speak on what makes Destin so special.
“Destin is a very unique place in that it is still a secret place to some. It still has that casual small-town feel with southern charm and hospitality. It’s no surprise that it is ranked within GMA’s Top Ten, but it is still extremely flattering to have such recognition,” says Scott.
GMA has requested everyone to cast their vote within the Top Ten. Please take a few moments to cast your vote for Destin! Please click on the following link to view and vote!
"Good Morning America," Emeril Lagasse to profile Destin on Thursday in bid for No. 1 spot
William Hatfield
2011-08-08 15:33:57
It’s a good day for Destin on Good Morning America — but it could be even better with your vote.
The ABC morning show put our city among its “10 Most Beautiful Places in America” list along with Asheville, N.C., Aspen, Colo., Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii and others. Now it wants America to determine which is the "awe-inspiring winner."
It’s all thanks to Terri Rose of Niceville, who nominated “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
“Dramatic sunsets, miles and miles of seashore and sugar-white sand all make Destin, Fla., the "Most Beautiful Place in America" for 'GMA' viewer Terri Rose of Niceville,” the television show’s web site states. “When Rose submitted her description of the seaside town, nestled in Florida's northern panhandle, we knew we had to find that spot.”
GMA, which attracts an average audience of about 4.5 million people, is profiling all ten locations. Sandestin resident, Food Network superstar chef and GMA contributor Emeril Lagasse will be the tour guide during the segment, which will air on Thursday morning, according to an on-air plug. The morning show’s web site is also inviting viewers to vote online for the top spot.
To vote for Destin as the top spot in the “10 Most Beautiful Places” list, click here.
“Destin, Fla., a seaside town in Florida's northern Panhandle earned a spot on "Good Morning America's" 10 Most Beautiful Places list for it's gorgeous beaches, ripe for boating, sailing and fishing,” the Web site states. “Just ask Emeril Lagasse who went out on a boat and explored the treasure trove of ocean life, from snapper to mackerel to grouper and more.”
Here's the city of Destin's take on the news.
ABC’S GOOD MORNING AMERICA NAMES DESTIN IN 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN AMERICA
The City of Destin, along with the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC), encourages everyone to tune in this week to ABC’s Good Morning America as it names Destin as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.
GMA will likely air the Destin segment during tomorrow morning’s show. However, it could be Thursday or Friday as the countdown continues throughout the week.
Destin Mayor Sam Seevers says, “This is incredible news and now the rest of the country will see just how beautiful our city is. And, it doesn’t stop with aesthetics. The most wonderful people in the country live right here. I am so proud to call Destin my home.”
The contest began with GMA’s request for anyone to submit a picture of their most beautiful place in America. Producers sifted through thousands and concluded with Destin in the top ten. The winning photo was of a signature sunset over the Destin Bridge at Harry T’s.
GMA came to Destin to film the special segment last week with correspondent and world-renowned chef Emeril Lagasse. The show interviewed the TDC’s public relations associate, Nicole Scott, to speak on what makes Destin so special.
“Destin is a very unique place in that it is still a secret place to some. It still has that casual small-town feel with southern charm and hospitality. It’s no surprise that it is ranked within GMA’s Top Ten, but it is still extremely flattering to have such recognition,” says Scott.
GMA has requested everyone to cast their vote within the Top Ten. Please take a few moments to cast your vote for Destin! Please click on the following link to view and vote!
Monday, August 8, 2011
EGLIN AFB AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL RECEIVES ACCOLADES AT NATIONAL DEFENSE CONFERENCE
Eglin AFB receive an accolade for being the Department of Defense (DOD) Installation of the Year. This is one of the highest praises for a military installation and is just another reason why future growth is probable here in the Panhandle of Florida. With over a BILLION dollars of construction completed or in the works at this time, it shows the commitment the DOD has in streamlining processes and maximizing the talents and resources at Eglin AFB and the surrounding areas. With this said, you will find them looking to consolidate these resources and personnel in our area. Our area is not only a cost benefit to the military, it is a strategic location in our defense of our country.
EDC DSI Member and Eglin AFB Receive Accolades at National Defense Conference
Kay Rasmussen, Vice President Community & Economic Development
July 30, 2011, Economic Development Council serving Okaloosa County
Two local military proponents were honored recently at the annual national Association of Defense Communities conference in Norfolk, Virginia. The ADC Awards Program is a unique national program which recognizes outstanding quality projects and initiatives in communities with active and realigning or closing installations, the individuals that lead them and members from the military supporting them recognizing them for their outstanding achievements. The program recognizes innovative plans and projects and is the centerpiece of ADC’s efforts to identify and promote best practices. Santa Rosa Commissioner Don Salter and Col Sal Nodjomian, 96ABW/CC Commander received two of the eight honors extended at the conference.
Don Salter has participated on the DSI for a number of years representing Santa Rosa County and was recently honored at the National Association of Defense Communities’ annual conference in Norfolk, VA. Over the past 20 years, Don Salter, a commissioner for Santa Rosa County, has been a guiding force in Northwest Florida’s support of the military, helping to protect Naval Air Station Whiting Field from encroachment while strengthening ties among the region’s installations, local leaders and businesses. In addition, Salter has also provided unwavering support in honor of and in assistance toward military veterans. In recognition of his long-standing efforts, the national Association of Defense Communities selected Salter to receive its Active Base Community Leadership Award at its July conference.
The Defense Support Initiative is sponsored by the Economic Development Council serving Okaloosa County and focuses its efforts on supporting local military installations and their missions, the communities that house them and local jobs resulting from the military’s presence. The DSI is a tri-county committee comprised of approximately 25 members of retired military officers, Military Affairs Committees, and community and business leaders.
Salter comments on the award, “I am honored to have been nominated and to receive the ADC 2011 Defense Community Award – and I accept this prestigious recognition on behalf of all who have fought so hard over the years to support the continued military presence in our community.” He continues, “I am especially appreciative of Kay Rasmussen, Jim Breitenfeld and the members of the three-county Defense Support Initiative who supported my nomination for the award and for all that they do to support our warriors and their families in Northwest Florida.”
Eglin Air Force Base was honored with the distinguished DOD Installation of the Year award for their support and partnership of the Northwest Florida Greenway Initiative. The Greenway Initiative was created in 2000 by the EDC and its DSI with support from the first of four state Defense Infrastructure Grants. The Greenway project was initiated to protect and sustain existing military lands and airspace, preserve the environmental quality and biodiversity of the region, maintain the economic viability of the timber lands, and create additional recreational activities by protecting a corridor of undeveloped land between the Eglin Air Force Base Range and the Apalachicola National Forest. Col. Sal Nodjomian, Commander 96 ABW/CC was present at the conference to receive the recognition.
EDC DSI Member and Eglin AFB Receive Accolades at National Defense Conference
Kay Rasmussen, Vice President Community & Economic Development
July 30, 2011, Economic Development Council serving Okaloosa County
Two local military proponents were honored recently at the annual national Association of Defense Communities conference in Norfolk, Virginia. The ADC Awards Program is a unique national program which recognizes outstanding quality projects and initiatives in communities with active and realigning or closing installations, the individuals that lead them and members from the military supporting them recognizing them for their outstanding achievements. The program recognizes innovative plans and projects and is the centerpiece of ADC’s efforts to identify and promote best practices. Santa Rosa Commissioner Don Salter and Col Sal Nodjomian, 96ABW/CC Commander received two of the eight honors extended at the conference.
Don Salter has participated on the DSI for a number of years representing Santa Rosa County and was recently honored at the National Association of Defense Communities’ annual conference in Norfolk, VA. Over the past 20 years, Don Salter, a commissioner for Santa Rosa County, has been a guiding force in Northwest Florida’s support of the military, helping to protect Naval Air Station Whiting Field from encroachment while strengthening ties among the region’s installations, local leaders and businesses. In addition, Salter has also provided unwavering support in honor of and in assistance toward military veterans. In recognition of his long-standing efforts, the national Association of Defense Communities selected Salter to receive its Active Base Community Leadership Award at its July conference.
The Defense Support Initiative is sponsored by the Economic Development Council serving Okaloosa County and focuses its efforts on supporting local military installations and their missions, the communities that house them and local jobs resulting from the military’s presence. The DSI is a tri-county committee comprised of approximately 25 members of retired military officers, Military Affairs Committees, and community and business leaders.
Salter comments on the award, “I am honored to have been nominated and to receive the ADC 2011 Defense Community Award – and I accept this prestigious recognition on behalf of all who have fought so hard over the years to support the continued military presence in our community.” He continues, “I am especially appreciative of Kay Rasmussen, Jim Breitenfeld and the members of the three-county Defense Support Initiative who supported my nomination for the award and for all that they do to support our warriors and their families in Northwest Florida.”
Eglin Air Force Base was honored with the distinguished DOD Installation of the Year award for their support and partnership of the Northwest Florida Greenway Initiative. The Greenway Initiative was created in 2000 by the EDC and its DSI with support from the first of four state Defense Infrastructure Grants. The Greenway project was initiated to protect and sustain existing military lands and airspace, preserve the environmental quality and biodiversity of the region, maintain the economic viability of the timber lands, and create additional recreational activities by protecting a corridor of undeveloped land between the Eglin Air Force Base Range and the Apalachicola National Forest. Col. Sal Nodjomian, Commander 96 ABW/CC was present at the conference to receive the recognition.
Monday, August 1, 2011
F-35 TRAINING SQUADRON GEARING UP AT EGLIN AFB
As mentioned before, if you thought the 7th Special Forces Group was going to make an impact in the area, you haven’t seen anything. Having attended a number of briefings, both public and private on the F-35 Training Squadron, I am quite confident this program is going to provide a number of opportunities throughout the area for many years to come. As you read below, Eglin is gearing up for this growth, which will include temporary and permanent lodging for a number of folks.
Eglin gearing up for F-35 training
By MONA MOORE
Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4443 mmoore@nwfdailynews.com EGLIN AFB — The 33rd Fighter Wing might have received its first two F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters, but it is in no hurry to take them for a spin. Eglin’s F-35 Academic Training Center is the first Department of Defense-integrated program for the F-35. Base officials said the ATC will spend the next few months “building a template for how training will be conducted worldwide.” The wing’s mission is to train Air Force, Marine, Navy and international ally pilots and maintainers of the F-35 Lightning II. Each service is reviewing and approving the course syllabi. The wing has started putting the tentative syllabi to use, testing the program that has been under development since last year. According to Eglin officials, the school is slated to start pilot training later this year. “A student pilot at Eglin will receive about 200 hours of academics, 14 simulators, a ground procedures familiarization and six flights in the airplane before deemed qualified,” said Col. Andrew Toth, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing. Once in full swing, the school will train 100 pilots and 2,200 maintainers annually. Maintenance training will begin in August. Students will use simulators at the beginning. “Technological advances in computer-based training is just one of the many improvements students will experience with the military’s latest weapons system,” Toth said. In addition to the Full Mission Simulator system and maintenance trainers, Lockheed Martin will deliver the weapons loader trainer in August. Once the training is complete, the maintainers and pilots are certified ready to fly and maintain the aircraft. The first class of certified operators and maintainers will be the school’s instructors. “The operational utility evaluation for training will begin in October and last approximately 12 weeks. Four pilots, two from operational test and two from the 58th Fighter Squadron, will participate. When completed, they will be fully qualified for early flight training,” Toth said. The training and certification of instructors is expected to continue into next year. So far, two of the wing’s pilots are certified to fly the Joint Strike Fighters. They trained for a month at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., before flying in the first two F-35s this month. Lt. Col. Eric Smith delivered Eglin’s first aircraft, AF-9, on July 14. “Taking off in the F-35 for the first time, I experienced an adrenaline rush like I hadn’t felt since I flew an A-10 for the first time,” Smith said. “The difference this time is the fact that the F-35 is such a new airplane. If something goes wrong you may be the first pilot to deal with the problem, with only your previous fighter experience to rely on. Fortunately, my first flight went off without a hitch.” Smith moved to the 33rd Fighter Wing in 2009 after spending two years as a developmental test pilot with the 46th Test Wing. As the director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron, Smith will oversee flight operations of the initial group of F-35 pilots. Maj. Joseph Bachmann of the 33rd Operations Group is the first Marine to be certified to fly the Joint Strike Fighter. He flew in the second plane, AF-8, on July 20.
Eglin gearing up for F-35 training
By MONA MOORE
Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4443 mmoore@nwfdailynews.com EGLIN AFB — The 33rd Fighter Wing might have received its first two F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters, but it is in no hurry to take them for a spin. Eglin’s F-35 Academic Training Center is the first Department of Defense-integrated program for the F-35. Base officials said the ATC will spend the next few months “building a template for how training will be conducted worldwide.” The wing’s mission is to train Air Force, Marine, Navy and international ally pilots and maintainers of the F-35 Lightning II. Each service is reviewing and approving the course syllabi. The wing has started putting the tentative syllabi to use, testing the program that has been under development since last year. According to Eglin officials, the school is slated to start pilot training later this year. “A student pilot at Eglin will receive about 200 hours of academics, 14 simulators, a ground procedures familiarization and six flights in the airplane before deemed qualified,” said Col. Andrew Toth, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing. Once in full swing, the school will train 100 pilots and 2,200 maintainers annually. Maintenance training will begin in August. Students will use simulators at the beginning. “Technological advances in computer-based training is just one of the many improvements students will experience with the military’s latest weapons system,” Toth said. In addition to the Full Mission Simulator system and maintenance trainers, Lockheed Martin will deliver the weapons loader trainer in August. Once the training is complete, the maintainers and pilots are certified ready to fly and maintain the aircraft. The first class of certified operators and maintainers will be the school’s instructors. “The operational utility evaluation for training will begin in October and last approximately 12 weeks. Four pilots, two from operational test and two from the 58th Fighter Squadron, will participate. When completed, they will be fully qualified for early flight training,” Toth said. The training and certification of instructors is expected to continue into next year. So far, two of the wing’s pilots are certified to fly the Joint Strike Fighters. They trained for a month at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., before flying in the first two F-35s this month. Lt. Col. Eric Smith delivered Eglin’s first aircraft, AF-9, on July 14. “Taking off in the F-35 for the first time, I experienced an adrenaline rush like I hadn’t felt since I flew an A-10 for the first time,” Smith said. “The difference this time is the fact that the F-35 is such a new airplane. If something goes wrong you may be the first pilot to deal with the problem, with only your previous fighter experience to rely on. Fortunately, my first flight went off without a hitch.” Smith moved to the 33rd Fighter Wing in 2009 after spending two years as a developmental test pilot with the 46th Test Wing. As the director of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron, Smith will oversee flight operations of the initial group of F-35 pilots. Maj. Joseph Bachmann of the 33rd Operations Group is the first Marine to be certified to fly the Joint Strike Fighter. He flew in the second plane, AF-8, on July 20.
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