Pilots with the "Green Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, assigned under the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are scheduled to conduct a series of qualification flights on Wasp over a multi-day period. (MC3 Michael Molina/Navy)
The F-35B Lightning II landed aboard the amphibious assault ship Wasp on March 5, the first time the aircraft has deployed aboard a U.S. Navy ship in the Indo-Pacific.
Assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa, Japan, the F-35B will aid the Expeditionary Strike Group in a routine patrol to strengthen regional alliances and provide rapid-response capabilities.
“Pairing F-35B Lightning IIs with the Wasp represents one of the most significant leaps in war-fighting capability for the Navy-Marine Corps team in our lifetime,” said Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, according to a press release.
An F-35B lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) as part of a routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Molina/Released)
Its arrival supports the UP-Gunned ESG concept, which is aimed at integrating multi-mission surface combatants and F-35Bs into amphibious operations to provide lethality and survivability to three-ship amphibious ready groups.
The guided-missile destroyers Dewey and Sterett are scheduled to assist the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group on operations and training.
During its last deployment, which concluded in October, the Reagan not only operated in U.S. 7th Fleet but also 5th Fleet to support the withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces from Afghanistan.
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