Initially equipped with the Lockheed P-38J Lightning, the squadron began transitioning to the North American P-51D Mustang in August 1944. On Sept. 23, McCubbin was promoted to first lieutenant.

The above graphic shows how the F-35 Lightning II compares with its namesake and 75-year-old predecessor, the P-38J Lightning. In many ways, the planes do not resemble each other, and represent 75 ...