Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) Nine, Edwards Detachment Officer in Charge Cmdr. Michael “HFM” Huntsman takes off in his F-35C Lightning II on a training exercise Sept. 16, 2024 during Gray Flag at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu. Gray Flag is an annual large-force test event that brings the joint force together to test and evaluate multi-domain systems in a maritime environment, ensuring our nation’s warfighters are equipped with effective, interoperable systems that will help them deter aggression, protect our nation’s prosperity and security, and return home safely to their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Eric Parsons)