American website: F-35C fighter jet carries out its first combat strikes from the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in Yemen

The U.S. Navy has confirmed a significant naval aviation milestone, announcing that Marine Corps F-35C II Thunderbolt aircraft, operated by Marine Fighter Squadron 314, conducted their first combat airstrikes from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln ( CVN 72 ).

The strikes, carried out on November 9 and 10, 2024, targeted Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and marked a significant deployment of the carrier-based F-35C aircraft in the F-35 stealth fighter family.

VMFA-314 , known as the “Black Knights” and operating as part of Carrier Air Wing ( CVW) 9 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, carried out precision strikes on weapons storage facilities located within Houthi-controlled territory.

These facilities have been used to store conventional weapons, including anti-ship missiles, which the Houthis have used to target U.S. and international ships navigating vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The operation was a pivotal effort to reduce the Houthis' ability to disrupt maritime traffic and ensure the security of international waters.

The F-35C Lightning II , designed specifically to meet the operational needs of the US Navy, is the first carrier-based stealth fighter to enter service.

As the naval version of the Joint Strike Fighter program, the F-35C features larger wings, robust landing gear and a decoy hook designed to handle the unique requirements of taking off and landing on aircraft carriers.

With its folding wings for easy storage on ships, the F-35C increases the deck space of aircraft carriers, a critical factor for naval operations.

Its longer wingspan, compared to the F-35A and F-35B , also improves range and maneuverability, which is critical for missions that require extended range over maritime and littoral environments.

In addition to structural improvements, the F-35C integrates advanced avionics, sensors and stealth technology, enabling it to perform a variety of missions, including air strikes, air superiority, reconnaissance and electronic warfare.

These capabilities allow the aircraft to evade advanced radar systems, gather real-time intelligence, and strike high-value targets with precision, making it an indispensable asset in contested environments.

The aircraft's ability to seamlessly link with other assets in a carrier strike group enhances situational awareness and lethality for the entire fleet.

The recent airstrikes reflect the integration of VMFA-314 into the carrier strike group’s operations, demonstrating its readiness and the operational maturity of the F-35C platform. The strikes also underscore the strategic importance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which serve as vital corridors for global trade.

Iran-backed Houthi forces have increasingly used advanced weapons, including missiles and drones, to threaten these shipping lanes, escalating regional tensions.

By targeting Houthi weapons storage facilities, the U.S. military aims to deter further aggression and ensure the free flow of commerce through these vital waterways.

The deployment of the F-35C to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln highlights the U.S. military’s ability to project power and respond quickly to emerging threats.

As the only Marine squadron currently operating the F-35C, VMFA-314 has demonstrated its ability to integrate with the Navy’s carrier wings, underscoring the versatility and effectiveness of this advanced aircraft in protecting U.S. and allied interests in the region.

This mission, the first combat use of the F-35C by the Marine Corps, demonstrates the synergy of advanced technology and tactical execution, underscoring the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ role as global leaders in maritime security and power projection.

Source: Navel News Navy