MAY 28, 2025 – Behind the scenes of every successful airpower mission is a dedicated team of logistics professionals ensuring that personnel, equipment, and resources are precisely where they need to be at the right time. At the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing, this critical role falls upon the shoulders of the 125th Logistics Readiness Squadron, a team who recently faced a monumental challenge: seamlessly transitioning from the legacy F-15 Eagle to the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, a critical step in modernizing the Air Force for the future fight.
The arrival of the F-35 brought about significant changes, not only in terms of aircraft capability but also in the logistical demands placed upon the 125th LRS. Each of the squadron’s diverse sections – material management, the transportation management office, fuels management, deployment and distribution, and vehicle management – faced unique hurdles in adapting to the advanced technology and specialized requirements of the fifth-generation fighter.
This massive undertaking involved the strategic management and movement of thousands of aircraft components to various bases and storage facilities while simultaneously receiving and integrating thousands of new aircraft parts into the wing’s inventory.
“Our key successes during the conversion process include training personnel on the F-35’s logistics systems, ensuring major infrastructure upgrades, dispersing more than 15,000 F-15 parts and equipment while receiving more than 8,000 F-35A repair assets and support equipment,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kylie Walker, the senior enlisted leader of the 125th LRS.
The material management department played an integral role in meticulously sorting, cataloging, and storing the influx of F-35A components. Simultaneously, TMO coordinated the movement of aircraft parts and equipment throughout the U.S., ensuring timely delivery while minimizing disruptions to the wing’s operational tempo.
To enhance support for the 125th Fighter Wing’s F-35A mission and strategic goals, various 125th LRS Airmen travelled to multiple F-35A units within the U.S. to observe how their Air Force colleagues managed the aircraft’s specialized parts and maintenance procedures within their respective units.
“This effort improved logistical decision-making for F-35A parts and equipment induction, and F-15 asset dispersal,” said Walker. “In addition, it kickstarted our initiative for heightened operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and timely parts delivery, crucial for maintaining readiness, reducing downtime, and meeting strategic objectives.”
This knowledge transfer proved instrumental in streamlining processes, refining decision-making, and ultimately improving the speed and efficiency of F-35A parts delivery. Having critical components readily available on-base lowers shipping delays and downtime, enabling faster repairs.
“Instead of waiting for supplies to ship from a warehouse, it’s already here on base,” said Master Sgt. Matthew Cole, the noncommissioned officer in charge of TMO for the 125th LRS. “If maintenance needs to order it, supply can deliver it within minutes. The aircraft will then be mission-ready quicker.”
Beyond the immediate logistical hurdles, the F-35A conversion serves as a valuable training opportunity for Airmen who must take on the complexities of deployments and real-world operations across the globe.
The 125th LRS continues to adapt, innovate, and strive for excellence, knowing their work is essential to maintaining the 125th Fighter Wing’s combat readiness and ensuring the U.S. Air Force maintains its competitive edge in an increasingly complex security environment. LRS Airmen remain committed to continuous process improvement, seeking ways to further enhance their support for the fifth-generation fighter.
“Our goal is to ensure all personnel are proficient in supply and logistics systems to support the new airframe,” said Walker. “We aim to cultivate an environment of continuous learning and improvement to stay ahead of technological advancements and operational requirements.”
For more information about the wing’s F-35A Lightning II conversion, visit www.125fw.ang.af.mil/News/F-35-Conversion-Updates/.
By Senior Airman Brooke Keisler
125th Fighter Wing Public Affairs