Yuma-based Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
The Corps created the Pentagon’s first operational squadron of F-35 planes in 2012. Yuma-based Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 has since flown more than 1,000 sorties totaling about 1,700 flight hours.
The Marine Corps said its plan to become the first service to declare initial operational capability for the jet, in July 2015, is on track despite the temporary grounding of the entire F-35 fleet this summer because of an engine malfunction in the Air Force version.
“This is the most advanced and newest fighter aircraft in the world. … the future of Marine aviation,” Col. John Farnam, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, said in opening remarks…..
It’s not the full capability … but we will have weapons integrated, we will have combat capability. And the Marine Corps is raising its hand, saying ‘combatant commanders and Mr. President, … it’s available,” said Gillette, 42, of Lincoln, Neb.
In Yuma and Twentynine Palms the “Green Knights” have been flying in large scale combat exercises, dropping simulated ordnance and making vertical landings.
They currently are restricted to flying at 450 knots. With 2B software the speed limit rises to 550 knots, they can drop live ordnance, and the flight envelope opens to a greater angle of attack and G-loads.