USAF creates first overseas F-35A squadron 17 February 2021 by Gareth Jennings The US Air Force (USAF) is to stand up the 495th ‘Valkyries’ Squadron as its first overseas unit to operate the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The first of two new US Air Force F-35A units at RAF Lakenheath in the UK is to be designated the 495th ‘Valkyries’ Squadron. (US Air Force) The 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath in the UK made the announcement on 16 February, noting that the new name was selected from a poll taken in December 2020. The 495th Squadron has also been given the motto ‘Mala Ipsa Nova’, Latin for ‘Bad News Itself’.