Marines form new F-35B Fighter Attack Squadron in Japan

gnilrig

Marines form new F-35B Fighter Attack Squadron in Japan - UPI.com

By Ed Adamczyk

An F-35B fighter plane arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, where a new squadron, to be known as VMFA-242, was officially formed. Photo by LCpl. Joseph Abrego/U.S. Marine Corps 

Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps at Iwakuni, Japan, announced formation of a new attack squadron on Friday in anticipation of the arrival of F-35B fighter planes.

Marine Aircraft Group 12 re-designated Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, or VMFA-242. The change is part of the Marine Corps' ongoing transition process from F/A-18 Hornet fighter planes to the more-advanced F-35B Lightning II.

It will be the second overseas Marine squadron, a 1st Marine Aircraft Wing statement on Friday said.

The first squadron, also at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, was established in 2017. VMFA-242 was ceremonially dedicated last week, and included a change of command, as Lt. Col. Andrew Kelemen was succeeded by Lt. Col. Michael Wyrsch.

"The F-35 represents the future of Marine Corps tactical aviation and will eventually replace the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler in all units across the Marine Corps," 1st Marine Aircraft Wing officials said in the statement.

The Marine Corps' variant of the plane, the F-35B, has stealth technology and short-takeoff and vertical-landing capabilities that allow it to operate from aircraft carriers and flat-deck amphibious assault ships.

The Marines did not indicate when the first F-35B will be delivered to VMFA-242.

United Technologies Pratt & Whitney nabs $111.1M for F-35B propulsion systems

Uncle Sam tells F-35B allies they'll have to fly the things a lot more if they want to help out around South China Sea

Marine Corps tests ‘the most lethal, aviation-capable amphibious assault ship’

F-35 Lightning II: Details