Page 5 - F-35B and USMC

The Integration of the F-35B into USMC Operations

INTRODUCTION

This special report provides an update on the introduction and integration of the F-35B into evolving USMC
operations. With the significant change introduced into the amphibious fleet and for USMC land based
operations by the Osprey, the F-35 B is accelerating the transformation of the CORPS into a wide-ranging
insertion force able to operate across the range of military operations.

The report begins with an update on the recent testing onboard the USS America with regard to the F-35B
with the Osprey onboard as well. We then turn to insights provided from Yuma Marine Corps Air Station by
MAWTS-1, and the two operational F-35 squadrons, which have been based there. The Green Knights or
VMFA-121 is on the move to Japan and will go back to the origins, namely Pacific operations.

We will then conclude with a series of articles, which look at the impact of the integration of the Osprey and
the F-35B on the sea base and the evolving strategic options, which are emerging along with the tactical
innovations of the new force. The ampbhious ready group is being transformed into an amphibious task force,
which is highly “Integratable” with air, and maritime based combat forces which together will shape what the
US Navy leadership refers to as a kill web.

In short, although the F-35 is an innovative piece of combat technology it is its interaction with other key
elements of innovation, which are opening up new capabilities and options for an integrated air and maritime
force. And closely associated with the Marines in all of this is the UK, which is a core participant from the
ground up in terms of integrating the F-35B with their new sea basing capabilities as well.

If there is a political will to build up the US Navy ship numbers, no better investment can be made than in the
ampbhious fleet where the sea base is experiencing a revolution. Investment in new amphibious ships coupled
with the investments in Ospreys, F-35s and CH-53Ks will provide US leaders with significantly expanded
strategic flexibility and tactical operations.

THE MARINES ONBOARD THE USS AMERICA: THE REMAKING OF THE
AMPHIBIOUS STRIKE FORCE

By Todd Miller

12/4/16
“We’d always say ‘if its really a bad air to air (A2A) threat, get some additional jets up there, get some
more capability.’

I have no pause or hesitation that this jet will dominate in an A2A environment, would dominate in a strike
environment, dominate in a CAS environment, and would also do a very nice job in an electronic warfare
realm as well.”

Marines. At their mention I suspect most think, “storming the beaches.” Amphibious vehicles first in, troops
storm ashore. That capability still exists, but today there is a far greater capability, one that will provide a
vexing challenge for any adversary.

Already transformed by the mobility of the Osprey, the F-35B offers a critical upgrade to the Marine Air-
Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and amphibious assault. The first wave is no longer limited to the beach or
uncontested space, it can effectively reach locations 450 miles from the shipborne base – even in contested
airspace.

Page 4