The first squadron of US Marine Corps (USMC) F-35C fighter jets is departing for its first trip to the Indo-Pacific region. The VMFA-314 Black Knights, based at Naval Marine Air Station Miramar, Calif., will be aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
Abe, as he is popularly called, is leading Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG 3), departing on its voyage with Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). The aircraft carrier left the port of San Diego on Monday (03). Accompanying the ship are the guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and the destroyers USS Fitzgerald, Gridley, Sampson and Spruance.
In 2020, VMFA-314 became the first Marine Corps unit to receive the F-35C Lightning II, variant for operations on aircraft carriers. The squadron, which previously operated the F/A-18C/D Hornet, reached full operational capability with the new fighter in July 2021.
"Our squadron is proud to have pioneered the F-35C program through stand-up and transition to the Department of Defense's newest fighter aircraft," said Major Zachary P. Hartnett, executive officer of VMFA-314.
“Completing this phase of training now allows our squadron to shift our focus to the next task, the first Marine Corps deployment aboard an aircraft carrier with the F-35C Lightning II early next year.”
“The entire CSG 3 team is trained and ready to deter and, if necessary, win conflicts as called for by the leaders of our country”, says Rear iral JT Anderson, commander of CSG 3. “As we depart today on this scheduled deployment, I know that the Sailors and Marines on this team will continue to serve this great nation and its people. It is an honor to do this.”
In addition to the USMC F-35Cs, Abe Lincoln also receives CMV-22B Ospreys from the VRM-30 Titans squadron, the first to receive this model in the US Navy. The Osprey is replacing the C-2 Greyhound in Carrier On Board Delivery missions. The new aircraft are integrated with the Air Wing's F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, E-2D and MH-60R/S.
