Acquiring parts for an airframe that you already have is far different than taking a $60 million stealth fighter and flying it with the Thunderbirds. Those JSFs are going to the fleet first, that I can guarantee you. End of discussion.
The Air Force version is cheaper than $60 million. I never said that they wouldn't go to the fleet first. Of course they would have to set up a training pipeline and a few squadrons. I said I would almost bet they would transition to JSF's around 2015. Which is almost the decade you said, so I don't see what you don't agree about.
I know the Navy plans on doing it around 2020 (will it happen? probably not) but I don't see the Navy flying a better jet in a AIR demonstration.
Here is an example of the Air Force's messed up thinking:
Col. Thomas flew to Hill AFB, Wednesday, to bring home the first-ever Thunderbird Block 52. Over the next 12 months, the team will transition to the newer, faster version of the F-16, with the first all-Block 52 demonstration to take place in 2009.
The 11 current Block 32 Thunderbird jets will eventually be refurbished and returned to combat-capable status for use in squadrons around the Air Force.
This is from the Thunderbirds website. Don't you think the fastest most expensive F16's should be supporting the war?