Page 6 - F-35B and USMC

The Integration of the F-35B into USMC Operations

What once came ashore like a wave, now comes as lightning strikes in a violent storm.

Marines on the beach, Marines from behind, and Marines within the adversary’s territory. Marines striking
swiftly with maximum effect to deal with high value targets, including terror cells – all with the stand alone
capability to do so.

This is the “Aerial Amphibious Assault” Force, and these are the Marines of the 21st century battlespace.

It is a capability the US Marine Corps (USMC) has patiently and steadfastly build towards, and the pieces
are coming together;

Integration with the US Navy LHA Class Amphibious Assault Carrier – The USS America & USS Tripoli (under
construction). The LHA class offers enhanced \ dedicated support for Marine aviation assets.

MV-22B Osprey. The Osprey offers extended range and speed for troop insertion, as well as air to air
refueling support.
Existing Attack Helicopters (UH-1Y Venom & AH-1Z Viper).

F-35B Lightning II. The F-35B replaces the AV-8B, F/A-18 Hornet & EA-6B Prowler. The aircraft offers
exceptional performance Air to Air (A2A), Air to Ground (A2G), Close Air Support (CAS), Electronic Warfare
(EW), Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
(ISR) all with the capability to operate stealthily within contested areas.

CH-53K “King Stallion” When introduced (2019) the CH-53K will provide nearly 3x the heavy lift capability
of the CH-53E.

The USS America (LHA-6) is a maritime base which provides unrivaled flexibility.

Park it where you want in international waters. Forward deploy it to a region for any contingency, and a
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is at the ready. The LHA platform is ideal for military operations involving
troop insertion, (anti-terrorism activities) where the objective is to infiltrate, accomplish the mission and leave
no boots behind on the ground.

The LHA offers the flexibility to adjust mix from heavy jet (F-35B) to heavy tiltrotor (MV-22B) or rotor wing.
Utilizing the MV-22B and the F-35B, the USMC can effectively insert troops 450 miles from the ship in under 2
hours.

The platform offers the flexibility to work together with additional amphibious assault carriers (LHD) when
amphibious vehicles are desired, as well as with the support of the USN Supercarrier.

Not a replacement for either, the LHA provides flexibility for the military to tailor a force most suitable for
the mission at hand.

Second Line of Defense and a handful of gathered journalists recently had the opportunity to visit with Lt.
General Jon “Dog” Davis, USMC Deputy Commandant for Aviation, and Col. George “Sack”
Rowell, Commanding Officer of VMX-1 (Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron).
The visit took place after DT-III, during a “Proof of Concept” demonstration on the USS America, November
18-20, 2016.

General Davis, can you describe the tactical implications of the USS America with F-35B, MV-22B & other
Marine aviation assets?
Second Line of Defense

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