The U.S. Marine Corps this week announced Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 has achieved initial operational capability for the F-35C Lightning II.

This declaration enables the VMFA-314 to deploy the F-35C onto aircraft carriers to support combat operations around the world, according to the Navy.

"The F-35 is an expeditionary platform that extends the reach of our Marines and machines, and increases our ability to support joint and allied partners at a moment's notice," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, 3rd MAW commanding general.

"By effectively employing the F-35, MAGTF [Marine Air-Ground Task Force] commanders have the potential to dominate our adversaries in a joint battlespace, in the air and out at sea," Mahoney said.

The Navy declared initial operational capability with its fleet of F-35C in February 2019, joining the Marines and the Air Force in declaring their variants of the aircraft -- the F-35A and F-35B -- mission ready and capable.

To receive the qualification at the squadron level, the unit must meet the Headquarters Marine Corps standards, which define the minimum number of trained Marines, pilots and mission-ready aircraft a squadron needs to become complete.

"VMFA-314's declaration of IOC is a significant milestone not only for 3rd MAW but also the Marine Corps," Lt. Col. Duncan French, VMFA-314 executive officer.

"VMFA-314 is the first F-35C squadron in the Marine Corps. The F-35C's unique capabilities, compared to the F-35B and legacy aircraft, provide the Marine Corps with a complementary increase in combat projection and the ability to operate from the U.S. Navy's aircraft carriers," French said.

The F-35 is considered the most advanced stealth fighter jet ever developed. It may also be the most expensive: a report released last year by the Department of Defense said the F-35 was the primary driver of a 4 percent increase in the Pentagon's budget.

Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

CH-53K King Stallion helicopter simulator is ready for training
Washington DC (UPI) Dec 02, 2020
U.S. Marine Corps training devices simulating CH-53K heavy lift helicopters are ready for use, manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced on Wednesday. The suite of portable training devices was declared "Ready for Training" at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina. "These training devices will prepare aircrew and maintainers for the full suite of capabilities of the CH-53K in a safe and cost-effective manner," Lockheed's Tom Gordon said in a press release on Wednesday. ... read more