Photo By Scott Swofford | On March 24, the first United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) aircraft, an F-35...... read more read more
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On March 24, the first United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) aircraft, an F-35 Lightning II, from the 495th Fighter Squadron was inducted into the Euro-Mediterranean Airframe Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U) facility in Cameri, Italy. This marks a historic milestone as the first USAFE aircraft to enter an overseas continental U.S. (OCONUS) Regional Depot.
"Italy's significant investment in the Euro-Mediterranean Regional Air Vehicle Maintenance Depot is a testament to our enduring commitment to regional security and cooperation,” said Capt. Sigfrido Chiandussi, the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) Italian National Deputy. “This investment is not simply a financial contribution; it is an investment that strengthens the ability of partner nations to work together seamlessly, enhancing our collective response to shared challenges.”
The achievement follows a year and a half of intensive coordination led by the F-35 JPO, involving representatives from USAFE, the Italian Ministry of Defense, Lockheed Martin, and Leonardo. With this move, the U.S. Air Force becomes the fourth partner and fifth service to join the European Regional Depot, reinforcing Cameri’s role as a key hub for F-35 sustainment.
“Italy is proud to be a driving force behind this crucial initiative, and we are confident that our investment will yield significant returns in terms of regional security, stability, and prosperity for all,” said Chiandussi.
Now, the U.S. joins Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands in utilizing the facility for modifications, repairs, and upgrades to their F-35 fleets. This milestone emphasizes the growing importance of Cameri in global F-35 sustainment operations. The induction of AF303 into the Euro-Mediterranean Regional Depot highlights the facility’s capability to support multiple partner nations, solidifying its reputation as a crucial asset for the program.
The success strengthens international cooperation within the F-35 program and sets the stage for an expanded USAF presence in the MRO&U network. This milestone is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the F-35 JPO, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, and the broader F-35 enterprise, underscoring the program’s commitment to global partnerships and sustainment excellence.
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2025 07:29 |
| Story ID: | 493710 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 335 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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