First flight VMFA-225 with F-35B

On 25 September 2021, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225 Vikings ('CE-xx') made their first flight with the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II at MCAS Yuma (AZ). This flight marked the end of the first phase in the transition from a legacy F/A-18D Hornet squadron to an F-35B squadron.

VMFA-225 is the fifth operational F-35B squadron. The unit stopped operating the F/A-18D Hornet on 23 January 2020. They expect to reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) with the F-35B by February 2023.

Scramble Magazine wrote on 6 February 2021 on the re-designation of VMFA(AW)-225 to VMFA-225.

Photo by USMC Lance Cpl. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean