Marine Corps F-35B Conducts Combat Strikes in Afghanistan
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

This news is classified in: Defense Homeland Security Military Aircraft

Sep 28, 2018

Marine Corps F-35B Conducts Combat Strikes in Afghanistan

The Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II conducted its first combat strikes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan yesterday.
An F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter.

The airstrike in support of ground clearance operations was deemed successful by the ground force commander.

“The F-35B is a significant enhancement in theater amphibious and air warfighting capability, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy,” said Navy Vice Adm. Scott A. Stearney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. “As part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, this platform supports operations on the ground from international waters, all while enabling maritime superiority that enhances stability and security.”

Emotion Detection and Recognition Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

Emotion Detection and Recognition Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

By Component (Software and Services), By Technology (Pattern Recognition Network, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Others), By Verticals (IT & ITES, Healthcare & Social Assistance, Telecommunications, Retail & eCommerce, BFSI and Others), By Region, and By Competition, 2019-2029F

Download free sample pages

Replacement for Harrier
The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is the first combat-deployed MEU to replace the AV-8B Harrier with the F-35B Lightning II. The F-35B’s from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 are embarked on the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex as part of Essex Amphibious Ready Group.

“The opportunity for us to be the first Navy-Marine Corps team to employ the F-35B in support of maneuver forces on the ground demonstrates one aspect of the capabilities this platform brings to the region, our allies and our partners,” said Marine Corps Col. Chandler S. Nelms, commanding officer of the 13th MEU.



Zero Trust Government Symposium 2024

Zero Trust Government Symposium 2024

National Harbor, MD
Jul 17 - 18, 2024

View agenda
Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit 2024

National Harbor, MD
Jun 26 - 27, 2024

View agenda