Marine Fighter Assault Squadron (VMFA) 251, part of the 2nd Marine Plane Wing (MAW), obtained its first F-35C Lightning II jet at the moment at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Level, North Carolina.
In keeping with a press launch, the occasion marks the beginning of F-35C deliveries to MCAS Cherry Level, persevering with the Marine Corps’ transition from legacy plane to the fifth-generation F-35.
VMFA-251, often known as the “Thunderbolts” or “T-Bolts,” is the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35C squadron. The F-35C variant, designed for carrier-based operations, boasts superior stealth, agility, maneuverability, and real-time sensor fusion, offering pilots with a major battlefield benefit. Its superior inner gas capability offers it an extended fight radius and prolonged on-station instances in comparison with the F-35B variant, which is designed for brief takeoff and vertical touchdown.
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“Right now’s arrival of our first carrier-based, fifth-generation fighter-attack plane represents an infinite milestone for MAG-14, MCAS Cherry Level, 2nd MAW, and the F-35 neighborhood,” stated Col. Benjamin Grant, commanding officer of Marine Plane Group (MAG) 14. “The one-two punch supplied by the F-35C’s elevated vary and the F-35B’s STOVL functionality will give MAG-14 and the Marine Air-Floor Process Power a major benefit sooner or later battle.”
The F-35C will play a pivotal position in increasing the fight capabilities of Marine aviation, particularly because the Marine Corps continues to combine fifth-generation plane into its fleet. Its means to function from each land bases and standard plane carriers makes it a flexible asset for the Marine Air-Floor Process Power (MAGTF) and the U.S. Navy’s joint operations.
VMFA-251 had been deactivated in 2020 after getting back from a deployment in help of Operation Inherent Resolve. The squadron, which had flown F/A-18 Hornets for 34 years, was relocated to MCAS Cherry Level to start its transition to the F-35C and is now working towards official reactivation and Protected for Flight certification.
Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, commanding officer of VMFA-251 and the pilot of the newly delivered F-35C, highlighted the importance of the brand new plane. “The F-35C Lightning II brings large fight energy to 2nd MAW, MAG-14, and MCAS Cherry Level. Its vary, firepower, sensors, and survivability, coupled with the truth that it’s actually a Joint plane, makes it a deadly asset for Marine aviation.”
The Thunderbolts are anticipated to reactivate within the coming months, persevering with their legacy with the superior F-35C platform. VMFA-251’s reactivation and transition to the F-35C are a part of the broader efforts to make sure the Marine Corps stays outfitted to face trendy threats in a quickly altering world safety surroundings.
Because the aviation fight factor of the II Marine Expeditionary Power, 2nd MAW is poised to guide the Marine Corps into the long run with the improved capabilities supplied by the F-35C.
