USS Abraham Lincoln, pictured on 3 January leaving San Diego. (Photo: USN/MC1 Robert S Price)
The USMC is deploying F-35C Lightning II aircraft operationally for the first time in a USN carrier strike group (CSG) that departed from San Diego on 3 January for a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
F-35Cs from VMFA-314 (part of Carrier Air Wing 9) are aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. VMFA-314 declared FOC in July 2021.
In addition, USN CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotors from the VRM-30 fleet logistics squadron will also deploy for the first time.
The CSG also comprises the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald, USS Gridley, USS Sampson and USS Spruance.
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
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