USS Tripoli (LHA 7) demonstrated the lightning carrier concept recently in the Pacific Ocean and 20 F-35Bs from VMFA-211, 225 and VMX-1 were able to take off and land on the amphibious assault ship.
The USS Tripoli (LHA-7), an American-class amphibious assault ship, returns to port at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, April 7, 2022. The Tripoli supported the launch of 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ lightning carrier concept demonstration. The lightning carrier concept demonstration shows that Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft wherever they are required. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rachaelanne Woodward)
The demonstration proved that the American-class amphibious assault ship can be used as a dedicated fixed-wing platform when required.
