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F-35 Lightning II Program

Defense Media Activity - Marines

Nov. 15, 2009 | 5:03

B-Roll of Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron - 501 (VMFAT-501) will officially stand up as part of the Joint Integrated Training Center located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The work done at Patuxent River will enable the Marine Corps to start training Marine pilots and maintainers at this time next year. Additionally, the Marine Corps is scheduled to have its first operational squadron in 2012.

The STOVL F-35B Lightning II replaces three different variants of USMC combat aircraft (F/A-18, AV-8B and EA-6B), improves operational capabilities, provides flexible basing options ashore and afloat, and reduces aviation training and maintenance costs across the Corps.

This 5th generation multi-role fighter has significant advantages over the Marine Corps' current tactical fixed-wing squadrons. The STOVL JSF will: (1) carry more ordnance with greater range than the F/A-18 Hornet; (2) operate from austere environments like the AV-8B Harrier; and (3) possess Electronic Warfare technology and capability like the EA-6B Prowler. See Also "F-35 Lightning II Program" in the package section. Produced by Sgt. Todd Hunter.