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VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, from Virginia and commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, taxis an F-35C Lightning Il at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024. VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael P. Fisher, commanding officer Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes the pass and review with former VMFA 311 commanders during a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. The reactivation and redesignation of VMFA-311 marks the transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II, which brings its unique capabilities to 3rd MAW as a long-range compliment to existing aviation assets. Formerly Marine Attack Squadron 311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael P. Fisher, commanding officer Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes the pass and review with former VMFA 311 commanders during a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. The reactivation and redesignation of VMFA-311 marks the transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II, which brings its unique capabilities to 3rd MAW as a long-range compliment to existing aviation assets. Formerly Marine Attack Squadron 311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 9, 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and further assures 3rd MAW’s commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as part of U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 9, 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and further assures 3rd MAW’s commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as part of U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21. - A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21.

U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 declares their initial operational capability for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps. - U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 declares their initial operational capability for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps.

A U.S. Marine fires an M2 .50-caliber machine gun from a CH-53E Super Stallion in Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 3. - A U.S. Marine fires an M2 .50-caliber machine gun from a CH-53E Super Stallion in Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 3.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II lands on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 11. - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II lands on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 11.

A U.S Marine lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21. - A U.S Marine lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21.