F-35B Cross-Deck Ops Affirm Aircraft Interoperability

A recent exercise in the Arabian Sea demonstrates a strategic advantage for both the U.S. and U.K., military leadership said.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, November 15, 2021 at 05:59 PM ET

Verified

U.S. Marines flying an MV-22B Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct carrier deck landings on HMS Queen Elizabeth while a Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA211) 211 prepares to launch from the flight deck in the Arabian Sea on November 8, 2021. Credit: 1st Lt. Zachary Bodner

Key Takeaways:

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B operations on allied aircraft carriers highlight the critical value of interoperability and expanded access for strategic advantages among partner nations.
Recent exercises, such as cross-decking F-35Bs between the British HMS Queen Elizabeth and the U.S. USS Essex, demonstrate the ability to extend F-35B range and support Distributed Maritime Operations.
These international demonstrations, including landings on Italian and newly modified Japanese carriers, strengthen alliances, foster combined operations, and enhance regional air defense capabilities, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Recent cross-deck operations launching U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs from a British aircraft carrier underscore the value of interoperability among allied carriers, according to U.S. and U.K. military leadership.

During a November 8 exercise in the Arabian Sea, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 21 cross-decked F35Bs between the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship.