USMC F-35B Used in Combat for the First Time

Report and photos by Steven Valinski

September 27, 2018

According a USMC statement, “The Marine Corps F-35B, Lightning II, conducted its first combat strikes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan, Sept. 27.”

“During this mission the F-35B conducted an air strike in support of ground clearance operations, and the strike was deemed successful by the ground force commander,” the statement added.

“The F-35B is a significant enhancement in theater amphibious and air warfighting capability, operational flexibility, and tactical supremacy,” said Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central command in a USMC statement. “As part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, this platform supports operations on the ground from international waters, all while enabling maritime superiority that enhances stability and security.”

The strike was conducted with an F-35B from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 ‘Wake Island Avengers’ based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma. VMFA-211 is currently supporting the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2).

“The opportunity for us to be the first Navy, Marine Corps team to employ the F-35B in support of maneuver forces on the ground demonstrates one aspect of the capabilities this platform brings to the region, our allies, and our partners,” said Col. Chandler Nelms, commanding officer, 13th MEU in a USMC statement.

The F-35B is the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35. The “B” variant is considered a far superior replacement for the AV-8B Harrier II for the Marine Corps. The USMC was the first to declare F-35 initial operational capability (IOC).

Steven Valinski

Publisher at Aviation Photography Digest

Steven is from Long Island, New York and now resides in sunny Mesa, Arizona. Steven’s love for aviation began when he was a child with a fascination for WWII aircraft. This love of aviation was further fostered by his uncle, a long-time Trans World Airlines (TWA) employee who had a passion for all forms of aviation.

Steven’s interest in photography began when he was 16 years old when he received his first SLR camera, a Minolta XGA. It makes sense that eventually his passion for aviation and photography would merge into a love for aviation photography.

In addition to being the web designer, webmaster and chief editor of Aviation Photography Digest, Steven has been published in numerous magazines worldwide.

Steven has an M.S. from Boston University and uses Nikon photographic equipment.

Steven is a Nikon NPS Titanium member.

Steven can be reached at: [email protected]