Lightning And Lightning II

Photo by Paul Weatherman

With a backdrop of both a P-38 Lightning and an F-35A Lightning II, four World War II pilots spoke about their flying experiences before a crowd gathered at the F-35 test force hangar at Edwards AFB, California, on 3 October 2011. Bill Behrns, Frank Hurlbut, Bert Torrey, and Sandy Willford, all P-38 pilots during World War II, shared their stories and feelings about the first Lockheed Lightning. Willford noted that a 1939 newsreel of a P-38 convinced him to become an Aviation Cadet and fly that particular aircraft type. Lt. Col. George Griffiths, the commander of 461st Flight Test Squadron commander, welcomed the veterans and spoke about the significance of this event.