F-35A Lighting II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.-based 56th Fighter Wing began conducting integrated direct support practice sorties in October. The flights marked the first time the two aircraft types operated together. At times, the aircraft faced off as adversaries; at other times, the aircraft practiced conducting joint strike missions. In time, the F-35 will replace the F-16 in the Air Force’s inventory.