Weapons load crews from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit initiated certification training July 7 to load external pylons on F-35As. The removable pylons are used to secure external munitions under the aircraft’s wings enhancing its combat capability. The jet is designed to carry up to 18,000 pounds of munitions on 11 internal and external weapons stations depending on mission requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo/Donovan K. Potter)