The US Marine Corps has deployed the first F-35B Lightning II fighters in Japan by sending the historical VMFA-214 “Black Sheep” unit to MCAS Iwakuni.
Originally deployed under the 13th Marine Aircraft Group and the third Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Yuma, Arizona. This deployment under the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing momentarily combines the squadron with the 12th Marine Aircraft Group (MAG-12), improving Indo-Pacific operations.
Combining three main goals for the deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Guyette, VMFA-214’s commanding officer, described strengthening links between allied and partner troops to raise general operational readiness.
Commander of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Major General Marcus B. Annibale, underlined the long-term effects of the mission.
