Exclusive: US Marine Corps F-35C Conducts First Combat Strikes from USS Abraham Lincoln in Yemen.

The U.S. Navy has confirmed a significant milestone in naval aviation, announcing that Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft, operated by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, executed their first combat airstrikes from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The strikes, conducted on November 9-10, 2024, targeted Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and marked a critical deployment of the F-35C aircraft carrier-based variant in the F-35 stealth fighter family.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 conducted the first F-35C combat air strikes from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. (Picture source: U.S. Navy)

VMFA-314, known as the "Black Knights" and operating as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aboard the Nimitz-class carrier, carried out precision strikes on weapons storage facilities located within Houthi-controlled territories. These facilities were used to store conventional weaponry, including anti-ship missiles, that the Houthis had employed to target both U.S. and international vessels navigating vital shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The operation was a decisive effort to degrade the Houthis’ ability to disrupt maritime traffic and ensure the security of international waters. 

The F-35C Lightning II, tailored specifically for the U.S. Navy’s operational needs, is the first carrier-capable stealth fighter to enter service. As the Navy’s variant of the Joint Strike Fighter program, the F-35C features larger wings, robust landing gear, and an arrestor hook designed to handle the unique demands of carrier takeoffs and landings. With its wings folding for easier storage aboard ships, the F-35C maximizes deck space on carriers, a crucial factor for naval operations. Its longer wingspan, compared to the F-35A and F-35B variants, improves range and maneuverability, critical in missions requiring extended reach over maritime and coastal environments. 

Beyond its structural enhancements, the F-35C integrates advanced avionics, sensors, and stealth technology, enabling it to perform various missions, including air-to-ground strikes, air superiority, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. These capabilities allow the aircraft to evade sophisticated 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 link seamlessly with other assets in a carrier strike group enhances the situational awareness and lethality of the entire fleet. 

For VMFA-314, this deployment represents another landmark in the history of aviation firsts. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, the “Black Knights” transitioned from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35C in 2020, becoming the first Marine Corps squadron to operate this carrier-optimized variant. The squadron’s legacy includes being the first operational Marine unit to fly both the F-4 Phantom and the F/A-18 Hornet, solidifying their reputation as innovators within Marine Corps aviation. 

The recent airstrikes reflect the integration of VMFA-314 into carrier strike group operations, demonstrating their readiness and the operational maturity of the F-35C platform. The strikes also underline 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 weaponry, including missiles and drones, to threaten these shipping lanes, escalating regional tensions. By targeting the Houthis’ weapon storage facilities, the U.S. military aims to deter further aggression and ensure the free flow of commerce through these critical waterways. 

The deployment of the F-35C aboard the USS *Abraham Lincoln* highlights the U.S. military’s ability to project power and respond rapidly to emerging threats. As the only Marine Corps squadron currently flying the F-35C, VMFA-314 has proven its capability to integrate with Navy carrier air wings, underscoring the versatility and combat effectiveness of this advanced aircraft in safeguarding U.S. and allied interests in the region. 

This mission, marking the first combat use of the F-35C by Marine Corps forces, showcases the synergy between cutting-edge technology and tactical execution, reaffirming the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps role as global leaders in maritime security and power projection.