Page 31 - F-35B and USMC

The Integration of the F-35B into USMC Operations

Even into contested areas the F-35 can work with the Osprey to save lives and to extract pilots from
harm’s way.

This micro capability is reflective of what the USMC-USN team can do from the sea with an F-35 enabled
force and be able to deliver the ground combat element via the Osprey backed by the F-35 as a
significantly expanded close air support aircraft.

The dynamics of integration with the F-35 with the Osprey and changing concepts of operations provides
political leaders with new strategic options for inserting and withdrawing force against a threat.

We also discussed a key shift as the number of F-35s goes up, the role of the user groups will be enhanced in
shaping the future evolution of the aircraft.

Major Duke noted that already at WTI courses NAVAIR engineers are coming to the courses and observing
how the aircraft is being used by Marines in those courses.

“They sent two engineers last Spring.

This has happened in the past, so it is back to the future in effect as we shape the way ahead for the F-35.”

In short, the role of MAWTS-1 and its students will become key demand side driver for how the software
defined and upgradeable aircraft, which is the F-35, evolves. If you do not get the point about software
upgradeability you will not understand what the F-35 is all about.

THE GREEN KNIGHTS ON THE WAY TO JAPAN: A DISCUSSION WITH LT.
COL. BARDO, CO, VMFA-121

By Ed Timperlake and Robbin Laird

1/2/17

We last visited VMF-121 prior it being declared IOC with the F-35B.

That visit was in the Summer of 2014 and we spent time the then XO of the Squadron, Major Summa, now Lt.
Col. Summa and the CO of the Beaufort Squadron of F-35s, namely the Warlords of Marine Fighter Attack
Training Squadron 501, which we have also visited.

http://www.sldinfo.com/visiting-the-f-35-squadron-at-yuma-air-station-the-executive-officer-of-vmf121-
provides-an-update/
http://www.sldinfo.com/visiting-mcas-beaufort-air-station-f-35b-and-renorming-airpower/

During our most recent visit to MCAS Yuma we had a chance to visit both of the IOC F-35B squadrons in
Marine Aircraft Group-13.

We also visited with MAWTS-1 and VMX-1, who have just returned from DT-III testing onboard the USS
America.

The first F-35B IOC squadron in the world, VMF-121, the Green Knights, are in the processing of
transitioning to their deployment in Japan.

Equipment and personnel are already on the way to Japan and the squadron will fly out this winter across the
Northern Pacific to operate from Japan.

Page 30