WASHINGTON - The U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft reached initial operational capability on July 31, 2015, with a squadron of 10 F-35Bs ready for worldwide deployment.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), based in Yuma, Arizona, is the first squadron to ever become operational with an F-35 variant, following a five-day Operational Readiness Inspection, which concluded on July 17.

"I am pleased to announce that VMFA-121 has achieved Initial Operational Capability in the F-35B, as defined by requirements outlined in the June 2014 Joint Report to Congressional Defense Committees," said Gen. Joseph Dunford, Commandant of the Marine Corps. "VMFA-121 has 10 aircraft in the Block 2B configuration with the requisite performance envelope and weapons clearances, to include the training, sustainment capabilities, and infrastructure to deploy to an austere site or a ship. It is capable of conducting Close Air Support, Offensive and Defensive Counter Air, Air Interdiction, Assault Support Escort, and Armed Reconnaissance as part of a Marine Air Ground Task Force, or in support of the Joint Force."

Dunford added, "Prior to declaring IOC, we have conducted flight operations for seven weeks at sea aboard an L-Class carrier, participated in multiple large force exercises, and executed a recent operational evaluation which included multiple live ordnance sorties. The F-35B's ability to conduct operations from expeditionary airstrips or sea-based carriers provides our nation with its first fifth generation strike fighter, which will transform the way we fight and win."

In Marine Corps service, the F-35 is slated to eventually replace three legacy platforms: the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler.

The Marine Corps has trained and qualified more than 50 F-35B pilots, and certified about 500 maintenance personnel to assume autonomous, organic-level maintenance support for the F-35B.

VMFA-121's transition will be followed by Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211), an AV-8B squadron, which is scheduled to transition to the F-35B in FY16. In 2018, VMA-311 is to conduct its transition to the F-35B.

Source: U.S. Marine Corps