Marine F-35 pilot presents to Kofa JROTC ahead of Yuma Airshow

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Students in the Kofa High School JROTC program got a sense for what it takes to fly one of the fastest and most advanced aircrafts in the U.S. military.

Marine Corps Major Andrew Sanchez, an F-35 pilot, visited the program to demonstrate the skills, training and technology involved in piloting the F-35 and F-35B fighter jets. His presentation gave students an inside perspective on modern military aviation and the career opportunities available in the Marines.

The visit also highlighted Yuma’s close connection to the aircraft. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is home to more F-35B jets than any other military base in the world, making the region a major hub for the aircraft’s training and operations.

With many JROTC students considering future service in the military, Sanchez said he wanted to give them a clearer picture of what that path could look like.

“A lot of them are going to go into the military and it’s important that they understand what they’re getting into, and the certain capabilities that we have, so they can kind of choose their career path and figure out what’s best for them,” Sanchez said.

He also spoke about what makes Yuma the ideal location for flying aircrafts, and specifically jets.

“The amount of airspace around here - there’s so many mountains, there’s so many places you can fly. There’s just a lot to do tactically, which is why the weapons and tactics course is here in Yuma, Arizona.”

Sanchez will also be taking to the skies this weekend. He is scheduled to pilot an F-35B during Saturday’s Yuma Airshow.