F-35B’s first at sea deployment will be from Japan, aboard USS Bonhomme Richard

After arriving at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan in January next year, VMFA-121 will prepare for the F-35B’s first at sea deployment in 2018 aboard Sasebo-based USS Bonhomme Richard.

F-35B after vertical landing
By U.S. Navy Photo By Mass Communication Specialist First Class Tommy Lamkin [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Ten aircraft will make the deployment to Japan, this will be followed by six more F-35Bs that will join the unit during summer. The squadron will then bring six fighters aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.