USAF F-35A Formation Departs RAF Lakenheath Toward the Gulf

At 0905z today, twelve USAF F-35A Lightning II fighters from Hill Air Force Base departed RAF Lakenheath heading southeast toward the Mediterranean, supported by six KC-135 Stratotankers. Tracking data shows the formation pushing past Italy and continuing on a trajectory consistent with deployment toward the Persian Gulf. The scale of tanker support and the structured wave formation indicate a deliberate reinforcement move, not a routine transit.

The six KC-135s involved were:

– 60-0364 (BOBBY 21)
– 63-7996 (BOBBY 12)
– 63-8873 (BOBBY 11)
– 62-3559 (BOBBY 02)
– 61-0324 (BOBBY 01)
– 57-1440 ( BOBBY 22)

The aircraft, all carrying the “HL” tail code of Hill AFB, departed in four distinct flights under the TREND callsign series. Each wave was paired with dedicated refueling assets using the BOBBY callsign family — a clear sign of long-range mission planning.

TREND 21–24 (4x F-35A) operated with BOBBY 01 and BOBBY 02.
TREND 25/26 (2x F-35A) refueled with BOBBY 11.
TREND 35/36 (2x F-35A) were supported by BOBBY 12.
TREND 31–34 (4x F-35A) flew with BOBBY 21 and BOBBY 22.

US air forces available for the air campaign against Iran are therefore increasing even further.