Page 3 - Nellis, Creech and NTTR Bullseye 11-13-15

BULLSEYE
www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb
EXCHANGE, from page 1 ___
Along the concession mall is
updated flooring, signage, as well
as kiosks. The food court adver-
tises new seating, tables and drink
stations.
The grand opening ceremony’s
opening remarks were made by 99th
Air Base Wing commander Col.
Richard Boutwell who spoke after
the presentation of the colors by the
Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard.
“This is a great day for team Nel-
lis, Creech, and the Nevada Test
and Training Range,” said Bout-
well. “Part of our mission in the
99th Air Base Wing is to improve
support to our Airmen — that’s Ac-
tive Duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees
and their families. You (the Army
& Air Force Exchange Service)
certainly do that. We could not do
our mission because our people
are our mission and you certainly
support them. Really it is a privilege by a ribbon cutting ceremony, cake
and honor to have you as mission
partners.”
Boutwell also expressed his
An Italian F-35 Lightning II pilot shakes the hand of Squadron Leader Nathan
Draper, an Australian maintenance liaison officer, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.,
Nov. 5. Two Italian pilots completed their initial F-35 Lightning II training
flights marking the first F-35 flights under control of Italian pilots.
News 3November 13, 2015
Facebook.com/NellisBullseye
gratitude to all parties involved in U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Loftis
the renovation of the Exchange.
Col. Richard Boutwell, 99th Air Base Wing commander, gives opening remarks at the Exchange on
Following Boutwell with closing Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during the grand opening ceremony Nov. 10. The 221,800 square-foot
remarks was the deputy director of shopping center experienced its first remodel in 13 years. It features updates to the main store as
AAFES, Mike Immler. well as the food court and concessions.
“It’s an honor to be here,” said
Immler. “Without the partnership
that we have with Nellis AFB this
facility would not be like it is today.
We were able to partner with the in-
stallation here. We had some needs
and they came to the rescue with
some hard-earned dollars, and we
were able to get this place renovated
and updated with their help.
“Colonel Boutwell talked about
the community and it is a tribute
to the community. This is an inte-
grated opportunity and integrated
project and we are just so proud to
be a part of the Nellis family and
Nellis community.”
Immler’s speech was followed
and refreshments.
The Nellis AFB Exchange’s op-
erating hours are Monday through
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
F-35, from page 1___________________ The pilots began the academic training
phase Sept. 21, which involved approximately
reality and shows how Luke AFB is becoming the 90 days of classroom and simulator instruc-
international training hub for the F-35.” tion under the supervision of the 56th Train-
ing Squadron before the pilots could step into
The international partnerships were on the jet.
further display as two U.S. student pilots took
their first flights as well, one guided by a U.S. “New pilots will be trained in an environ-
instructor pilot and the other by an Australian. ment where they learn how to work seam-
lessly with other nations both from a practical
“It is great from an Australian partner per- standpoint and a tactical basis,” an Italian
spective to be contributing to the outcome of pilot said. “Future students coming through
training F-35 aircrew,” said Squadron Leader the course will be able to fly on many different
Nathan Draper, an Australian participant tails, so it is a perfect integration.”
maintenance liaison officer. “To see (a U.S.
Air Force instructor pilot) alongside an Aus- When the Italian pilots return home, they
sie jet, with an Italian partner getting his first will be equipped to help develop the training
flight is seeing the vision for the program programs of their own air forces and will
come to fruition. It is a great day for the F-35 help pioneer the next generation of global
and a big milestone for our team.” F-35 pilots.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ridge Shan U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ridge Shan
An Italian F-35 Lightning II pilot is met by a 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airman at Luke Air Force Base,
Ariz., Nov. 5. The pilot flew the first Italian F-35 training mission.