U.S. Marine Corps Deploys First F-35 Squadron to Japan: Enhancing Indo-Pacific Operations

The United States Marine Corps has marked a significant milestone by deploying its first F-35B Lightning II squadron from the continental U.S. to Japan, signaling a strategic enhancement of aviation capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. On March 8, 2025, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 (VMFA-214), known as the "Black Sheep," arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program (UDP).

VMFA-214, based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, is under Marine Aircraft Group 13 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. This deployment temporarily supports Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, thereby reinforcing operations in the Indo-Pacific.

The squadron transitioned to the F-35B platform in March 2022, becoming the first to integrate this advanced aircraft into the rotational deployment program. Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Guyette, VMFA-214's commanding officer, outlined the deployment's objectives: seamless integration with Marine and joint forces, enhancing combined warfighting readiness, refining operations from austere locations, and aligning with key Marine Corps concepts like Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations to maximize survivability and airpower projection.

Colonel Kyle B. Shoop, commander of MAG-12, emphasized the strategic importance of the deployment, noting that the addition of a U.S.-based F-35B squadron enhances Marine aviation's contribution to joint and allied operations. He stated that this deployment increases Marine aviation's ability to operate from both established and minimally developed locations, supporting distributed operations in the Indo-Pacific.

This deployment is part of the Marine Corps' broader transition from legacy aircraft like the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier to the fifth-generation F-35 platform. The 2025 Marine Aviation Plan highlighted this shift's importance, aiming to strengthen the service's operational capabilities in the region's challenging environments.

Major General Marcus B. Annibale, commanding general of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, highlighted the long-term implications of the deployment. He noted that as the Marine Corps advances its aviation plan, more F-35 squadrons will be established, munitions with greater capabilities will become available, support systems will strengthen, and the F-35's technology suite will continue to evolve.

F-35B Lightning II Specifications:

• Role: Multirole strike fighter
• Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
• Variants: F-35A (CTOL), F-35B (STOVL), F-35C (CV)
• Powerplant: Single Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-600 turbofan engine
• Maximum Speed: Approximately Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph or 1,930 km/h)
• Combat Radius: Over 450 nautical miles (833 km)
• Armament Capacity: Up to 5,700 pounds (2,590 kg) of internal payload; additional external capacity available when stealth is not a priority
• Stealth Features: Reduced radar cross-section for enhanced survivability
• Avionics: Advanced sensor fusion, electronic warfare capabilities, and network-centric warfare systems

The F-35B's short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities allow it to operate from various platforms and austere environments, making it a versatile asset for expeditionary operations. This deployment underscores the Marine Corps' commitment to modernizing its aviation assets and enhancing operational readiness in strategically vital regions.