The Black Knights of VMFA-314 Receive USMC first F-35C Lightning II

The Black Knights of VMFA-314 Receive USMC first F-35C Lightning II at Miramar

By Dario Leone
Jan 27 2020
Share this article

3rd Marine Air Wing made history when it welcomed the Marine Corps’ first F-35C Lightning II to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 21, 2020.

3rd Marine Air Wing made history when it welcomed the Marine Corps’ first F-35C Lightning II to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 21, 2020.

The Marines and sailors of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, the “Black Knights,” are extremely proud of their legacy and tradition of making aviation history.

“It should be no surprise that VMFA-314 is once again leading the way into the next generation of fighter attack aircraft,” said Lt. Col Cedar Hinton, commanding officer of VMFA-314.

The Black Knights of VMFA-314 Receive USMC first F-35C Lightning II

As told by 1st Lt. Charles Allen, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in the article Lightning Strikes Miramar: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing welcomes Corps’ first F-35C, the squadron’s history began with its commissioning in 1943 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, as the “Bob’s Cats.” In 1952, they were the first squadron in 3rd MAW to transition to jet aircraft and fly the F-9F Panther. In 1957, they officially became the “Black Knights” with the arrival of the F-4D Skyray. In October 1961, the “Black Knights” were the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-4B Phantom and in 1982, the first in the Department of the Navy to fly the F/A-18 Hornet.

The “Black Knights” have proven themselves time and again from campaigns in the South Pacific to the Vietnam War and from Operation El Dorado Canyon to the Global War on Terror.

The F-35C is one of three variants fielded by the Department of Defense. It is a result of decades of advancements that provide aviation capabilities previously thought unattainable.

The “C” variant was designed to operate from an aircraft carrier and is the first 5th generation long-range stealth strike fighter jet designed for that mission. The F-35C’s control surfaces and landing gear are better equipped for carrier operation than the other variants. The F-35C is equipped with larger internal fuel storage, which when combined with its ability to refuel in-flight, extends its range and allows for enhanced flight time when compared to other aircraft.

F-35C Print
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-35C Lightning II VFA-125 Rough Raiders, NJ406, 169160 / 2018

The F-35 variants include the F-35A, which utilizes conventional takeoff and landing and is designed to operate from traditional land-based runways. The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing variant and specifically designed to operate from austere airfields and amphibious ships. 3rd MAW is proud that it now employs the first F-35C squadron along with two F-35B squadrons with more planned in the near future.

“The F-35C represents the leading edge of advanced fighter attack aircraft today,” said Hinton. “It will give the Black Knights a technological advantage across the entire spectrum of tactical aviation. This includes everything from advanced sensor and weapon integration to increased range and endurance. We will be more survivable and more lethal than we have ever been.”

The “Black Knights” are now one of three F-35 squadrons in 3rd MAW, with more coming soon, which gives credence to 3rd MAW’s reputation as the Marine Corps’ premier and most lethal aviation wing.
The “Black Knights’” transition to the F-35C began in June 2019 and was marked by the traditional “sun-down” ceremony where VMFA-314 flew the Hornet for the last time. After which, they began training on the F-35C.

F-35B Model
This model is available in multiple sizes from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

The next 3rd MAW squadron set to transition from the F/A-18 is VMFA-225, which will celebrate their last F/A-18 flight on Jan. 23, 2020.

VMFA-314 spent the latter portion of 2019 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California preparing for their operations certifications and completing squadron-wide F-35C qualifications. This process ensured the squadron was equipped with qualified personnel to implement the maintenance and safety programs necessary for an operational F-35 squadron.

“Transitioning a squadron into a new aircraft with many new Marines comes with a lot of challenges,” said Hinton. “However, it also provides a unique opportunity to start fresh and build a strong squadron culture from the ground up. We are all extremely excited to ensure the ‘Black Knights’ continue our legacy of leading from the front as we deliver this new capability to 3rd MAW.”

3rd MAW will continue to pave the way for the future of Marine Corps aviation and “Fix, Fly, and Fight” as the Marine Corps’ largest aircraft wing.

The Black Knights of VMFA-314 Receive USMC first F-35C Lightning II

Photo credit: Sgt. Dominic Romero / U.S. Marine Corps


Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.



    Share this article
    Back to top
    My Agile Privacy
    This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate.
    Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices