USMC F-35Bs refine expeditionary training in Australia
Twelve F-35Bs, flown by a composite unit made up of VFMA-121 and VFMA-124, participated in Pitch Black 2022. (Photo: Roy Choo)
The USMC conducted distributed operations with F-35B fighters during an exercise in Australia, which saw a base functioning as a hub and another as a spoke.
USMC F-35Bs from Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) conducted Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) training in Australia before participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022 in mid-August.
Six of 12 F-35Bs deployed from MCAS Iwakuni to RAAF Base Tindal for the multinational exercise took part in the EABO training at RAAF Base Curtin in Western Australia.
The USMC’s EABO concept emphasises the employment of mobile, distributed, low-signature and easily sustained forces from austere locations to support a larger naval campaign.
The hub-and-spoke notion of EABO – which envisages rapid dispersion of aircraft from major bases to several smaller distributed bases
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael highlights tailored effector solutions for different operational needs
Shephard spoke with Rafael’s CEO about the company’s effector offerings as well as his perspective on one-way attack drones.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
