The first Marine Corps
squadron stationed on the East Coast received its first F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters. The squadron is based at Cherry Point, North Carolina. The advanced F-35C fighter jets were delivered on September 17 to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). While the F-35
is built by Lockheed Martin
,

it is a massive international program that includes the input of many major defense contractors
(including British and other European defense contractors).

First East Coast Marine Corps F-35Cs

The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) stated, “VMFA-251 is the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron.”

Marine Corps pilot in F-35C

Photo: Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing l DVIDS

“Today’s arrival of our first carrier-based, fifth-generation fighter-attack aircraft represents an enormous milestone for MAG-14, MCAS Cherry Point, 2nd MAW, and the F-35 community. The one-two punch provided by the F-35C’s increased range and the F-35B’s STOVL capability will give MAG-14 and the MAGTF a significant advantage in the future fight. I’m proud of the team of Marines and Sailors at MAG-14 and VMFA-251 for their professionalism and dedication, and grateful for our partners in the Marine Corps and the joint force that made today’s event possible.” Col. Benjamin Grant, commanding officer, MAG-14

For 34 years, the VMFA-251 (known as the “Thunderbolts”) operated as a F/A-18 Hornet squadron. These were deactivated in a ceremony in April 2020 after returning from supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The squadron relocated to Cherry Point to begin its transition to the F-35 program.

Navy_launches_first_local_F-35C_sortie_(cropped)

The squadron is still undergoing official reactivation and is working towards receiving its Safe for Flight certification. They are expected to reactivate in the coming months and fly the F-35s for many years to come.

Marine Corps F-35Cs

The F-35 is produced in three different variants – the F-35A (for the US and allied air forces), the F-35C (the carrier-based US Navy variant), and the F-35B (the Marine variant and allies with smaller aircraft carriers). While the Marine Corps is expected to procure 353 STOVL F-35Bs, the service is also planning to purchase 67 F-35C carrier variant fighter jets (meaning only the Navy and Marines will operate the variant).

The F-35C is larger than the F-35B and has longer ranges. It provides “operational maneuverability and persistence to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).” The F-35C boasts a greater internal fuel capacity, enabling it to enjoy a significantly increased combat radius and longer on-station times compared to the F-35B.

Marine Corps F-35C landing in North Carolina

Photo: Chief Warrant Officer Akeel Austin 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing l DVIDS

Separately, the Marine Corps (like the Navy with its carriers and F-35Cs) is

gradually recertifying its amphibious assault ships to carry the F-35Bs
. In an email to Simple Flying, Lockheed Martin stated it has now delivered 1,020+ F-35s, including over 700 F-35As, almost 200 F-35Bs, and almost 100 F-35Cs. Lockheed plans to have a stable production rate of 156 fighter jets per year from 2025, including all variants and the few assembled in international Final Assembly and Check-Out facilities in Japan and Italy.

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