The first F-35 deployment from the United States to the US Marine Corps’ (MC) Japan-based aviation forces has occurred. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214 is based in MC Air Station Yuma, Arizona, US and has deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. This is a part of the MC’s Unit Deployment Program to temporarily support MAG-12, 1st MAW flight operations in the Indo-Pacific.
“Our focus during this deployment is threefold,” said the Commanding Officer of VMFA-214, Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Guyette. “To seamlessly integrate within Marine forces, joint forces, and regional allies and improve warfighting readiness as a combined force, refine our ability to operate from austere locations, and align with key Marine Corps concepts like Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations to maximize survivability and airpower projection."
VMFA-214, also known as the Black Sheep, is the first F-35 squadron to take part in this rotation of Marine aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific. It transitioned to the F-35B platform in March 2022.
“In the bigger picture, as the Marine Corps advances its aviation plan, more F-35 squadrons will stand up, munitions with greater capabilities will become available, the platform's support systems will strengthen, and the F-35's technology suite will continue to evolve,” stated the Commanding General of 1st MAW, Major General Marcus B. Annibale. “As more F-35 squadrons deploy to the remote and contested environments of the Indo-Pacific, Marine Aviation’s readiness will grow, and our capabilities as a combined force in this region will become even more lethal.”
VMFA-214’s deployment marked the transition from 4th to 5th generation aircraft, completing a goal of the February 2025 Marine Aviation Plan.