Los Angeles, CA (November 21, 2012): U.S. Senator John McCain, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and numerous dignitaries were on hand November 20, 2012 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ to welcome the Marine Corps’ first squadron of pilots for the F-35B, the world’s first supersonic short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth aircraft.

MCAS Yuma is the first military base in the United States to have the F-35, which integrates advanced stealth technology into a highly agile, supersonic aircraft that provides the pilot with unprecedented situational awareness and unmatched lethality and survivability.

Maytag Aircraft Corporation, Mercury Air Group’s government contracting company, is responsible for fueling the F-35B at Yuma, along with all other rotary and fixed wing aircraft on base.

“We have been planning for the arrival of the F-35B for several months. We are honored that Maytag Aircraft personnel are playing an active role in supporting this amazing aircraft. Maytag Driver System Operator Freddie D. Mullins was the very first person to provide government contracted refueling service to the newly arrived F-35B. I commend Freddie D., our Yuma Manager Randy Wilson and the entire Maytag entire team for their diligence in providing superior service to the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter,” said David Nelson, President & Chief Operating Officer of Maytag Aircraft Corporation.

The F-35B would replace Cold War-era aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier. MCAS Yuma anticipates receiving 15 more F-35B aircraft over the next year.

"This aircraft will outperform any other aircraft in the world for many many years ahead," McCain said.

According to base officials, the Department of Defense has spent nearly $500 million in upgrading facilities, hangars and runways at the Yuma base to accommodate the F-35B.