The F-35B Lightning II aircraft recently arrived at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on MacDill Air Force Base in Florida for a two-day visit to inform CENTCOM leadership about the capabilities and limitations of the F-35B platform.
The aircraft is fully operational and ready for combat. It will make its first combat deployment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“For all the versions of the F-35, we combine a very robust sensor package and probably the best group of sensors that’s being flown on any aircraft in the world right now in terms of how varied they are in their capabilities,” Lt Col. Chad Vaughn, an F-35B pilot stationed at Marine Aircraft Group 11, out of Yuma, Arizona, said. “This version of the F-35B, specifically because of its short take off and vertical landing capabilities, opens up a lot of basing options, specifically expeditionary basing operations that we haven’t had in the past.”
The F-35B can conduct full spectrum combat operations from simple to complex for the Amphibious Readiness Group and the 13th MEU. Its strategic attack capabilities enable it to destroy or neutralize adversary targets that threaten ARG/ MEU Marines, Sailors, and other U.S. or coalition assets.
The aircraft uses advanced avionics to equip the pilot with real-time access to battle-area information with overall coverage and relay data to commanders in the air, on land or at sea. The F-35B also includes radar-evading stealth and advanced logistical support with a wide-range sensor package.
“The F-35B is more than just an aircraft,” Lt Col. Jaime Macias, chief of plans at Marine Corps Forces Central Command, said. “It’s a system of systems that’s flying; its got sensors and anti-axis aerial denial capabilities.”