Go Bold #98: US Navy Commander Mike Huntsman on flying the F-35C and Operational Test at VX-9 Det Edwards

For this episode we welcome back United States Navy Commander Mike Huntsman for a deeply informative and authoritative conversation on one of naval aviation’s most important and complex programs - the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Commander Huntsman is a combat seasoned U.S. Navy fighter pilot who has just served as the Officer in Charge of VX-9 Detachment Edwards, and that placed him at the center of operational test and evaluation for the U.S. Navy’s most advanced tactical aircraft, the F-35.In this episode, Commander Huntsman explains how VX-9 Detachment Edwards was established at Edwards Air Force Base, and how the Detachment plays a critical role in advancing U.S. Navy and joint warfighting capabilities. Drawing directly from his leadership role, he walks us through the mission of VX-9 and how operational test bridges the gap between developmental testing and fleet units, ensuring that aircraft and systems are ready for combat employment.A major focus of the discussion is the F-35C, the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. Commander Huntsman provides an in-depth look at what makes the F-35C unique, including its design for carrier operations, its handling characteristics, and the capabilities that distinguish it from legacy naval fighters. He breaks down the nuances of the aircraft offering a rare insight into how the F-35C performs.Commander Huntsman also shares details on current and emerging efforts within the operational test community to validate the F-35C’s capabilities across a wide range of mission sets. From weapons like the GBU-53/B StormBreaker, to systems integration, this conversation offers a level of perspective that is seldom available outside the test and evaluation enterprise.This is a standout episode featuring a senior leader with first-hand experience at the leading edge of tactical aviation. The depth, clarity, and credibility of the insights shared underscore what sets Go Bold apart as a global leading platform for authentic, first-hand accounts from senior leaders in the military and industry.If you are interested in tactical aviation, or operational test and evaluation, or the F-35, this episode is essential listening!Our thanks to Commander Huntsman for his time and insight.Go Bold!