Recently, a string of military exercises and operations saw the F-35B Lightning II play an again crucial role in enhancing U.S. and allied naval forces capabilities.
It’s been led in these developments by the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, with a demonstration of aircraft flexibility and smooth cooperation between the US Marine Corps and the US Navy.
The VMFA-211 has worked hand-in-glove with the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in refining tactics and expanding the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to project power. The VMFA-211 executed a series of exercises with Tripoli that significantly enhanced the readiness and interoperability of both units.
Under the aviation certifications, the training held in Yuma, Arizona prepared the flight deck crews for the safe launching and recovery of emergencies on the flight deck.
The exercises allowed for the actual landresultedipoli’s flight deck crews and the simul carrier landing for VMFA-211 pilots. Intensive training resulted in the full aviation certification of tripoli and carrier qualification by VMFA-211 pilots day and night.
A pilot was shifted from basic to advanced Landing Signal Officer position, as the squadron worked toward getting ready for upcoming deployments.
“The flight deck is very dynamic and can be hazardous,” said Maj. Courtenay Franklin, F-35B pilot and aviation safety officer with VMFA-211. “It’s important that the people on the flight deck are trained and qualified to operate safely around the aircraft.”
The F-35 B takes off and lands vertically, but its operations perfectly fit the task of taking off and landing aboard an amphibious assault ship, such as the Tripoli. The pilot of VMFA-211, Capt. Leland Raymond said one of the essentials to joint operation is understanding how to land in a standard fashion on a ship.
In another display of operational flexibility, the F-35B also was viewed as if a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 was transporting much-needed support equipment to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest ship, the Izumo-class destroyer JS Kaga, off the coast of Southern California.
The operation demonstrated the readiness of operational collaboration between the US and Japanese militaries to grow their collective abilities in the Pacific.
The CH-53E airlifted a Mobile Cleaning Recovery Recycle System, which is essential for keeping the flight deck ready for embarked F-35B aircraft during ongoing developmental testing on the JS Kaga. The successful delivery highlighted the interoperability of U.S. and Japanese forces and their expanding capability to conduct mission-critical operations together.
Meanwhile, the advanced technology of the F-35B continues to enthrall military experts and enthusiasts alike.
The vertical landing mode for aircraft is often considered an afterburner, but this one relies on the thrust of its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine and a Rolls-Royce Lift Fan.
This setup produces more than 40,000 pounds of thrust so that the F-35B can make short takeoff and short runway or even vertical landing without using the afterburner.
The advanced flight control system of the F-35 B enables it to transition into vertical mode safely and land safely on ship decks. Its stealth and multi-role functions make it a valuable asset in modern naval warfare.
With these modifications in U.S. Marine Corps and Navy tactics, not to mention its interoperability improvements with allied forces, the F-35B Lightning II finds itself comfortably at the spearhead of it all. Providing unmatched operational flexibility, the platform ensures regional security.