U.S. Navy Receives First F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft from Lockheed Martin

: Posted On Sunday, 23 June 2013 09:31

Naval Forces News - USA

U.S. Navy Receives First F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft from Lockheed Martin

The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 received the Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft from Lockheed Martin yesterday at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (June 22, 2013) Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Tabert, F-35C Lightning II instructor pilot, U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-101 lands this afternoon at Eglin Air Force Base's 33d Fighter Wing after a two hour flight from Ft. Worth, Texas. The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 received the Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft from Lockheed Martin today at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. VFA 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, will serve as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training both aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C. U.S. Air Force Photo by Maj. Karen Roganov, 33d Fighter Wing Public Affairs (Released)

The F-35C is a fifth generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment.

The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy's premier strike fighter.

By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers electronic attack aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye battle management and control aircraft, Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) air vehicles, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.

VFA 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, will serve as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training both aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C.

From Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs