Alert 5

Aviation News

Category: Marines

F-35B could be making its combat debut within days

Posted on by alert5

CNN is reporting that the F-35B, currently deployed on board USS Essex, could be making its combat debut within days.

INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 2 2018) – An F-35B Lightning II, attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, launches from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a regularly scheduled deployment of Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG and 13th MEU is the first U.S. Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations with the transformational warfighting capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II, making it a more lethal, flexible and persistent force, leading to a more stable region for our partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chandler Harrell)

Continue reading “F-35B could be making its combat debut within days”

#FighterFriday

Posted on by alert5

PACIFIC OCEAN – F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Detachment 211, the Wake Island Avengers, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fly over Wake Island during a regularly scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 13th MEU, August 1, 2018. The Essex ARG/MEU team is a strong, flexible, responsive and consistent force deployed to the 7th fleet area of operations to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies ad maintain a presence ready to respond to any crisis from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations. The Essex ARG and 13th MEU is the first continental United States Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy with the F-35B Lightning. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco J. Diaz Jr.)

Continue reading “#FighterFriday”