August 2

What happened on August 2 in aviation and space history.

• August 2, 2016

  The U.S. Air Force declares the F-35A operational

  Milestone — General Herbert Carlisle, head of Air Combat Command, signed the declaration of initial operational capability for the F-35A. The first operational squadron was the 34th Fighter Squadron of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, activated in its new role two weeks earlier. The formal ceremony was held at the base three days after the signature.