Page 13 - F-35B and USMC

The Integration of the F-35B into USMC Operations

Tomorrow.

The commanding officer (CO) of VFMA-211 is chomping at the bit, he would deploy them.
So would the CO of VFMA 121.

They are ready.

These airplanes are highly capable and ready to go.”

The potent USMC/USN amphibious assault platform of F-35Bs, MV-22Bs, AH-1Z, UH-1Y and in years to come
CH-53K will soon be sailing the seas.

It is natural to recognize the platforms support of a broad spectrum of military operations and missions.
However, it is important not to overlook the role the assault carriers (LHD) platforms have historically played
and will continue to play; keeping sea lanes free and open for movement of global commerce, and
supporting delivery around the globe of humanitarian aid following natural disasters.

The ongoing success of the USMC introduction of the F-35B fleet speaks to a certain reality.

In short order, the USS America (and companion ships) will be a foreboding presence to some and a
welcome friend to others!

THE MOMENT PILOTS FIRST REALIZED THE F-35 WAS SOMETHING
EXTRAORDINARY

By Todd Miller
12/06/16

Statistics, Milestones, Capabilities, Flight characteristics, Test protocols, Cost, Software blocks. It is easy to get
lost in the complexity of the F-35 program.

The combined F-35 fleet now has over 75,000 flight hours, yet for many there remains a lack of
understanding. Much of this can be expected given many of the F-35s capabilities are classified.

This is compounded by the reality that many do not grasp the war the F-35 was designed to deter – or
fight.

Aerial warfare of the 21st century is not anticipated to consist of within visual range (WVR) dogfights, but
rather the prevailing aircraft will dispatch its adversary without even being detected. 21st Century Warfare
is defined by new terms; “Information Dominance,” “Full Spectrum Dominance,” “Distributed Lethality,” “The
Kill Cloud/Kill Web.”

This warfare has about as much in common with wars of the past as your 1970’s land line has to your
smartphone.

It is in this battlespace that the F-35 is designed to fight and to do so with a distinctly unfair advantage.
To understand the significance and value of the F-35, and whether “it works” or not, cut through the
complexity and noise. Simplify. Put aside the politicians, the ideologues, the self-proclaimed experts and
listen to the voice of the pilots.

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