Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, has received its first F-35B Lightning II jet. This event marks a significant milestone as the squadron transitions from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B, becoming the second operational F-35 squadron on the East Coast and the first at MCAS Beaufort.
“This arrival marks the new era in the Marine Corps’ employment of the F-35,” said Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett, commanding officer of VMFA-533. “The year-long process of preparing for our first Block 4 F-35 demonstrates the patience and perseverance of the Marines in this squadron. I’m truly proud of the exceptional professionalism and dedication that every Marine in America’s Squadron has shown over the last year, and I’m excited to see their hard work rewarded with the long-awaited delivery of an F-35 to call our own.”
VMFA-533, known as “America’s Squadron” due to its red, white, and blue insignia, concluded its 31 years as an F/A-18 Hornet squadron with a redesignation ceremony on September 28, 2023. The squadron then began preparing for its transition to the F-35 and is currently undergoing aircraft acceptance and working towards receiving its Safe for Flight certification.
The F-35B is a fifth-generation fighter jet that boasts advanced stealth capabilities, agility, and manoeuvrability. It also features advanced sensor and information fusion, providing the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. The F-35B is specifically designed to meet advanced threats while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. One of its key features is the short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) capability, which allows it to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips less than 2,000 feet long.
The Block 4 upgrades incorporated into VMFA-533’s new F-35Bs bring several advancements, including upgraded weapons carriage capability, advanced non-kinetic electronic warfare capabilities, and improved target recognition. Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3), which enables Block 4, introduces open mission systems architecture, greater computing power, enhancements to the panoramic cockpit display, and a larger memory unit.
“The delivery of VMFA-533’s first Block 4 F-35B starts another chapter in the storied history of the squadron that began almost 81 years ago to date, and is a major steppingstone to increasing the lethality of MAG-31 and our ability to contribute to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and joint force,” said Col. Michael Cassidy, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31. “Transitioning a squadron is no small feat, and significant preparation by VMFA-533’s Marines and Sailors has occurred over the past year to get them to this point. I’m excited about what the future holds for VMFA-533 as they take this significant step in their history, and I very much look forward to their contribution to the sound of freedom at MCAS Beaufort.”
Prior to this, the only F-35 aircraft stationed aboard MCAS Beaufort were assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, which is tasked with conducting core introduction fighter/attack training for prospective F-35 pilots. The arrival of the F-35B marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Beaufort’s operational squadrons, which are units primarily focused on supporting Marine Corps and Department of Defense operations. This delivery also signifies the continuation of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW)’s operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft to the F-35.
VMFA-533 is a subordinate unit of 2nd MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.
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