While all eyes are focused on the F-35s currently in U.K., halfway across the world, VMFA-211 became the first AV-8B unit to transition to the F-35B at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma on Jun. 30.
An AV-8B Harrier and an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter conduct a flyover during a re-designation and change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 30. During the ceremony, Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 transitioned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 making it the first Harrier squadron to become an F-35 squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released.)
Lt. Col. William Maples (right) passes the flag to Lt. Col. Chad Vaughn (left) as he relinquishes command of the transitioning squadron during a re-designation and change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 30. During the ceremony, Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 transitioned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 making it the first AV-8B Harrier squadron to become an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released.)Sgt. Maj. Allen Goodyear, sergeant major of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, and Col. Marcus Annibale, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, salute the colors during a re-designation and change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 30. During the ceremony, Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 transitioned to VMFA-211 making it the first AV-8B Harrier squadron to become an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released.)Lt. Col. William Maples is presented a Meritorious Service Medal during a re-designation and change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 30. During the ceremony, Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 transitioned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 making it the first AV-8B Harrier squadron to become an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released.)Lt. Col. William Maples’ wife is congratulated after receiving a certificate of appreciation during a re-designation and change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 30. During the ceremony, Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 transitioned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 making it the first AV-8B Harrier squadron to become an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released.)An AV-8B Harrier pilot and an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter pilot return from conducting a flyover during a re-designation and change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., June 30. During the ceremony, Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 transitioned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 making it the first Harrier squadron to become an F-35 squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released.)
