The at sea period with CSG-3 evaluated
the mission readiness of a u.s navy
battle group and its ability to perform
as an integrated unit. The exercise ensures squadrons such as VMFA 314 are fully prepared to work
alongside other elements aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as a cohesive fighting
force. Completing this exercise is a critical
phase in the training cycle and comes as
the next big step for our squadron as we
continue to integrate the F-35C into the
carrier air wing, said Lieutenant Colonel Brendan M Walsh commanding officer VMFA 314.
The ability to bring the F-35C to carrier
air wing 9 allows us to fill a
significant role as an instrumental
force multiplier. By leveraging our aircraft's stealth and
sensor capabilities we are able to
provide the other platforms we work
alongside with critical intelligence and
battlespace awareness thought previously
unobtainable by any of the marine corps
legacy platforms.
Time spent with Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln tested VMFA 314's ability to perform in various
mission sets alongside their navy
counterparts operating aircraft such as
the E/A-18G Growler, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet E-2D Hawkeye, MH-60R/S Seahawk and the CMV-22 Osprey. During the exercise, the squadrons
completed multiple mission sets together
including integrated C and air
engagements.
Integrating the F-35C within the many
elements of a u.s navy battle group
provides the capability, flexibility and
performance necessary to strengthen the
carrier strike group's ability to
respond to any spectrum of military
operations and preserve the united
states power at sea.
Our squadron is proud to have pioneered
the F-35C program through the stand-up
and transition to the dodd's newest
fighter aircraft. Completing this phase
of training now allows our squadron to
shift our focus to the next task at hand. The marine corps first deployment aboard
an aircraft carrier with the F-35C lightning 2 early next year, said Major Zachary P Hartnett executive officer of VMFA 314.
VMFA 314 was the first marine corps
squadron to transition to the F-35C variant of the joint strike fighter
after retiring its legacy F/A-18A/C aircraft and receiving its first F-35C on
january 21/2020. Now as the marine corps continues to
develop as a modernized naval force, deploying squadrons to key strategic
maritime locations enables the marine
corps the capability to deter adversary
aggression and if required, decisively
win in conflict.
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