Rude Rams deployed to Europe
Amidst fears of Russia invading Ukraine, the USAF sent a dozen 5th Generation fighter aircraft to Europe.
On the afternoon of 16 February 2022, twelve Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs from the 34th Fighter Squadron arrived at Spangdahlem air base (Germany).
Based at Hill AFB (UT), the 34th Fighter Squadron, named the Rude Rams, were taken from the USAF's toolbox when additional forces are required for a designated Lead Wing, also known as Lead Wings in Extremis.
Recently, the 388th Fighter Wing with its squadrons, including the 34th FS, were assigned to provide enabling requirements when needed.
At this moment Scramble Magazine assesses that Spangdahlem's 52nd Fighter Wing has become the lead wing. It is not known how long the Hill based F-35As will stay or even if they will stay at Spangdahlem. We assess that his will depend on further developments in Ukraine.
The following 34th FS HL coded F-35As are now at Spangdahlem:
Photos by Adrian Stürmer / patch by aviatorgear