U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, applauded Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s decision to remove the F-35B Lightning II from "probation."  “The decision to grant the F-35B full status is essential for the Marine Corps to operate and move seamlessly from the sea, ashore, and in the air,” said Senator Hagan.  “It is the tactical capabilities of these types of planes that allowed Marines from North Carolina to save F-15 pilots who crashed in Libya last summer,” Hagan explained.  Senator Hagan worked with the Governor's office, NC's Commerce Secretary, and the North Carolina Military Foundation to ensure North Carolina’s selection as host of the Marine Corps Joint Strike Fighter.  Hagan also said, “F-35B represents the future of aviation for the Marine Corps and all of Eastern North Carolina.  I expect the F-35Bs to attract more defense companies, defense contracts, and defense jobs to our state.”