First Operational F-35Bs delivered to USMC

Official welcoming ceremonies at Yuma marked the handover of the jets to the Marines. The delivery of the first three operational-coded 5th generation F-35B STOVL fighters marks the beginning of STOVL tactical operational training at Air Station Yuma.

These three aircraft increase the number of STOVL aircraft delivered to the Marine Corps to 16.

13 Marine Corps STOVLs are assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 at Eglin AFB, Fla., supporting pilot and maintainer training.

Photo Caption
From the left, Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos, U.S. Senator John McCain (Az.) and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey Scott stand near an F-35B at Marine Corp Air Station Yuma, Ariz. after the squadron’s re-designation ceremony Nov. 20.

F-35B in flight.