Columbus lad 9K'th F-35 maintainer

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - Airman First Class Benjamin Missel, who grew up around Columbus (Miss.) Air Force Base, graduated in March as the 9,000th F-35 maintainer from the 33d Fighter Wing’s training program. Following graduation, he has reported to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., home to 93 F-35As and four training squadrons for F-35 pilots and maintenance personnel, for follow-on training. Luke is home to 93 F-35s and four training squadrons for F-35 pilots and maintainers. “We’re so proud of the work done by the maintainers at the Academic Training Center” at Eglin, said Chief Master Sgt. Alex Morgan, 33d FW command chief. “This milestone is really exciting (because) these Airmen are the future” of the F-35 program. “I chose the maintenance career field,” Missel said, “because I wanted to be around aircraft and … about the pilot community.” He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University, but he also admits that his priorities may change to pilot training in the future. (Source: 33rd Fighter Wing 04/21/20) https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2158857/second-generation-airman-helps-fifth-gen-fighter-reach-milestone/.