By Lt. Col Dan Johnson
Every July, as we pause to celebrate the birth of our nation, we are reminded that freedom is never guaranteed—it must be defended. In today’s world of growing geopolitical instability, defense demands investment in the tools, technologies, and capabilities that keep our warfighters safe and our adversaries at bay. The F-35 Lightning II is one of those tools—and one of the most powerful.
It is more than a fighter jet.
It is a cornerstone of American air superiority, a signal of deterrence to would-be aggressors, and a testament to the innovation and grit that define our nation’s defense industrial base. Hundreds of thousands of Americans work on the F-35 every day – over 32,000 of them in Florida alone. The F-35 strengthens our economy as much as it strengthens our military.
The need for this kind of strength is on full display today. Russia's aggression in Ukraine, the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, heightened tensions with China over Taiwan, and increasingly hostile rhetoric from authoritarian regimes all underscore one reality: we are living in a more uncertain world. A credible military posture isn’t provocative—it’s stabilizing. It’s what makes peace possible.
At the US Army’s recent 250th anniversary and military parade, we sent the world a clear message of strength – a reminder for allies and adversaries that America possesses not just the will, but the means to defend our interests and values. Investing in defense platforms like the F-35 is a more enduring—and essential—form of that message for decades to come.
Floridians understand the importance of the F-35 as the quarterback of our national defense. During my service in the United States Marine Corps, I saw firsthand how powerful it is to control the skies and what it means for the protection of our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airman. As a former Marine and retired F/A-18 Squadron Commander air superiority is a force multiplier in high intensity combat operations. Whether on Deep Air Strikes in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia (Operation Allied Force) or executing Close Air Support for our Marines in Al Abar province, Iraq (Iraqi Freedom), investments in superior technology ahead of eventual conflicts kept our team one step ahead of the enemy and lethal when called to action in defense of our great nation.
As we reflect on our American heritage and remember our own national struggle for freedom, let’s also recognize the ongoing effort behind our national security. The F-35 is the most lethal, connected fighter aircraft in the world. It is also a lifeline for our troops, a deterrent against aggression, and a symbol of American resolve.
The F-35 doesn’t just power our economy—it safeguards our freedom. And that’s a mission worth investing in.
Lt. Col Dan Johnson, USMC (Ret) is the Executive Vice President of Albers Aerospace, a veteran-owned family of defense and space contracting companies with operations throughout Florida and Texas and more than 600 team members.