Night Time on the Flight Line

U.S. Air Force Col. James McFarland, 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander, taxis to the runway April 28, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The F-35A contains state-of-the-art tactical data links that provide the secure sharing of data among its flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Hicks, 58th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares for a night flying operation April 28, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The night flying portion of the pilot training syllabus allows for more qualifications to be checked off during different visibility scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tucker Clement, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, places chock blocks on the tire of an F-35A Lightning II, April 28, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Crew chiefs ensure the aircraft is ready to fly at a moment’s notice to ensure pilots can safely and effectively complete their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II jets, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, prepare for take off April 28, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 33rd FW conducted evening launches to ensure F-35A pilots can fully operate in a night time setting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jaivon Bland, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, finishes marshalling a jet April 27, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 58th Fighter Squadron and 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct night flying operations to accommodate pilot training qualification requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Litteral)

A 33rd Fighter Wing F-35A Lightning II takes off April 28, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The F-35A engine produces 43,000 pounds of thrust and consists of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine and a two-stage low-pressure turbine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Heather LeVeille)

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft, assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, sits on the flight line during night flying operations April 27, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 58th Fighter Squadron and 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct night flying operations to accommodate pilot training qualification requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Litteral)

U.S. Air Force Col. James McFarland, 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander, taxis to a stop after a night flying sortie April 27, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Night flying allows pilots to train in low lighting conditions, ensuring the pilots are always mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Litteral)

U.S. Air Force Col. James McFarland, 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander, brings an F-35A Lightning II aircraft to a stop after a night sortie April 27, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Night flying allows pilots to train in low lighting conditions, ensuring the pilots are always mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Litteral)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dylan Griffiths, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals an F-35A Lightning II after night flying operations April 27, 2021. The 58th Fighter Squadron and 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct night flying operations to accommodate pilot training qualification requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Litteral)

U.S. Air Force Col. James McFarland, 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander, taxis on the flightline after night flying operations April 27, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Night flying allows pilots to train in low lighting conditions, ensuring the pilots are always mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amber Litteral)