419th reservists train to fuel F-35 Published May 1, 2014 By Senior Airman Crystal Charriere 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- During their two-week annual training here, reservists from the 419th Logistics Readiness Squadron were certified to refuel the F-35A Lightning II in preparation for the jet's arrival to Hill AFB in fall 2015. "The opportunity to have this sneak peek into the refueling process of an F-35 will reduce or eliminate the learning curve for us when we get this aircraft at Hill," said Senior Airman Timothy Potter, fuels specialist in the 419th LRS. "Our experience here will make what we do safer and more efficient." Tech. Sgt. Jacob Rosser, also a fuels specialist, said the F-35 refueling process is similar to the F-16, so it's not a matter of being retrained, but becoming familiar with the aircraft. "It's cool being right on the front line and seeing the jets up close," Rosser said. "The job satisfaction comes from knowing that without fuels, pilots would be pedestrians."