The first F-35 support facility in Europe has opened at RAF Lakenheath.
The new facility for F-35A Lightning II boasts 16 maintenance bays, covering 15,660 square feet, and houses 240 pieces of support equipment used for maintenance and inspection.
It is the first of its kind for the US Air Force in Europe and Africa.
The 495th Fighter Squadron held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 17, to mark the occasion.
The facility will serve as the base's main operating center for the F-35 support program.
Tech. Sgt. Todd Spencer, F-35 support section chief, said: "This facility, having the capabilities that it does, allows us to keep our equipment functional.
"This is going to expand the EMS mission and will allow us to facilitate far more maintenance, at a faster rate."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here