Seven Lockheed F-35Bs have embarked on the USS America (LHA-6) amphibious assault ship. Five of the aircraft will conduct operational testing, whilst two others will begin the third phase of developmental test (DT-III).
DT-III will be carried out by VX-23 and will test operations in a high-sea state, shipboard landings, and night operations.
VMX-1 will be conducting operations focused on preparing maintenance crews and pilots for the first deployment of the F-35B aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1), scheduled to start in just over a year.
VMFA-211 will also take part in the testing.
An F-35B Lightning II aircraft is launched from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyle Goldberg/Released)
An F-35B Lightning II aircraft is taxied on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin Wooddy/Released)