First Thunderbolts F-35C delivered
On 17 september 2024, the first USMC East Coast based F-35C Lightning II was delivered to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 Thunderbolts ('DW-xxx') at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station (NC). The F-35C is designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases.
Unfortunately, the new Lightning II with BuNo 170501 (c/n CF-93) was still unmarked. The unit markings will probably be applied in the coming days.
At the West Coast, two squadrons are operational on the F-35C, these are VMFA-311 Tomcats ('WL-xx') and VMFA-314 Black Knights ('VM-3xx'), both flying from Miramar MCAS (CA).
The second F-35C unit at Cherry Point MCAS (NC), VMFA-115 Silver Eagles ('VE-xx') ceased their Hornet operations on 9 November 2023 and is working up towards delivery of their first fighters.
Credit photo: USMC photo by by Lance Cpl. Mya Seymour