The Air Force took another step forward with its newest fighter jet when an advanced F-35 Lightning II landed at the service's lead training base.

The Pentagon on Friday grounded its fleet of F-35 fighter jets after discovering a cracked engine blade in one plane.

The launch of the first F-35 Lightning II flight here March 6 is a small step into the next half century of air dominance.

Officials at the Aeronautical Systems Center here issued a Military Flight Release today that will allow the F-35A Lightning II fighter to begin initial operations