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First F-35B Block 4 delivered to USMC’s VMFA-533
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35B Lightning II jet recently aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina.
As told by 2nd Lt. John Graham, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in the article VMFA-533 becomes first operational F-35 squadron aboard MCAS Beaufort to receive aircraft, VMFA-533 is the Marine Corps’ second East Coast operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron, and the first aboard MCAS Beaufort. Prior to today, the only F-35 aircraft stationed aboard MCAS Beaufort were assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, who is tasked with conducting core introduction fighter/attack training for prospective F-35 pilots. The arrival of the aircraft marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Beaufort’s operational squadrons, defined as units whose primary purpose is supporting Marine Corps and Department of Defense operations. Today’s arrival continues 2nd MAW’s operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft to the F-35.
F-35B Block 4
“The delivery of VMFA-533’s first Block 4 F-35B starts another chapter in the storied history of the squadron that began almost 81 years ago to date, and is a major steppingstone to increasing the lethality of MAG-31 and our ability to contribute to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and joint force,” said Col. Michael Cassidy, commanding officer, MAG-31. “Transitioning a squadron is no small feat, and significant preparation by VMFA-533’s Marines and Sailors has occurred over the past year to get them to this point. I’m excited about what the future holds for VMFA-533 as they take this significant step in their history, and I very much look forward to their contribution to the sound of freedom at MCAS Beaufort.”
Block 4 upgrades provide an advancement of several capabilities for the F-35, including upgraded weapons carriage capability, added advanced non-kinetic electronic warfare capabilities, and improved target recognition. Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3), which enables Block 4, introduces open mission systems architecture, greater computing power, enhancements to the panoramic cockpit display, and a larger memory unit.
“This arrival marks the new era in the Marine Corps’ employment of the F-35. The year long process of preparing for our first Block 4 F-35 demonstrates the patience and perseverance of the Marines in this squadron,” said Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett, commanding officer, VMFA-533.
VMFA-533
VMFA(AW)-533, colloquially known as “America’s Squadron” among squadrons assigned to MCAS Beaufort due to its red, white, and blue insignia, redesignated to VMFA-533 during a ceremony on Sep. 28, 2023.
The squadron’s redesignation concluded its 31 years as a F/A-18 Hornet squadron. VMFA-533 received the first F/A-18D Hornet on Sep. 1, 1992 and moved to MCAS Beaufort, SC, from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. This made them the first all weather fighter attack squadron in 2nd MAW. The Hawks employed the F/A-18D with the Litening II FLIR/TV pod in a myriad of roles which included reconnaissance, surveillance, convoy escort, close-air support, strike missions, forward air controller airborne (FAC(A)) and tactical air controller airborne (TAC(A)).
Soon to follow were countless new training opportunities as the squadron developed and refined new techniques and procedures to match the more capable platform. These techniques have been repeatedly put to the test during countless deployments around the world until the unit began the transition to the F-35 last year.
The squadron is currently going through the process of aircraft acceptance and working towards receiving its Safe for Flight certification.
VMFA-533 is a subordinate unit of 2nd MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.
The Lightning II
The most advanced node in a 21st Century Security network-centric architecture, the F-35 serves as a powerful force multiplier with advanced sensors and communications suites. Its 5th Generation capabilities make the F-35 the most survivable and connected fighter aircraft in the world, giving pilots an advantage against any adversary and enabling them to execute their mission and come home safely
The F-35B is the first-ever supersonic, radar-evading stealth aircraft with short takeoff/ vertical landing (STOVL) capability, giving it the unique capability to operate from a variety of ships, roads and austere bases near frontline combat zones. STOVL operation is made possible through a patented shaft-driven LiftFan propulsion system. This propulsion approach overcomes many of the temperature, velocity and power challenges of direct-lift systems.
Photo credit: Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo, Lance Cpl. Nathan Saucier / U.S. Marine Corps
