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Category: Marines

USS Tripoli completes lightning carrier concept demo with launch of 20 F-35Bs

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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)

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VMA-214 re-designated as VMFA-214

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VMA-214 of the U.S. Marine Corps has been re-designated as VMFA-214 on Mar. 25 as the squadron prepares to transition from the AV-8B to the F-35B.

An AV-8B Harrier and an F-35B Lightning II are staged during the change of command and redesignation ceremony for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, March, 25, 2022. As part of the transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II, Marine Attack Squadron 214 was re-designated as VMFA-214. The F-35B Lightning II is replacing the AV-8B Harrier to introduce unmatched capabilities to the Marine Corps. The F-35B Lightning II represents a leap forward in air dominance by providing the operational agility and tactical supremacy Marines need to provide expeditious and lethal support.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz)

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MV-22B from VMM-261 has crashed in Norway

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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B assigned to VMM-261 has crashed in Norway on Mar. 18. The crash site was found in Gråtådalen in Beiarn, south of Bodø.

U.S. Marines prepare to take off in a MV-22B Osprey at Norwegian Air Force Base Bodø during Exercise Cold Response 22, Norway, March 16, 2022. The Marines are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Exercise Cold Response ’22 is a biennial exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional NATO allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III)

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JAGM achieves IOC on AH-1Z

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The U.S. Marine Corps has declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) on the AH-1Z.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Charles Smith, pilot, Marine Corps Aviation Detachment Patuxent River and Capt. Gregory Moore, operational test director, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), pilot an AH-1Z Viper during a joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) operational test at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Dec. 6, 2021. VMX-1 fired and evaluated the JAGM to determine its suitability and effectiveness to support expeditionary advanced base operations, such as conducting strike and Close Air Support Missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gabrielle Sanders)

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