US Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, 24 July 2024. Credit: DVIDS.

The US Marine Corps has reached a milestone in its transition to using fifth-generation multi-role aircraft, with one tactical aviation unit – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing – declaring initial operating capability (IOC) of the F-35C Lightning II on 31 July 2024.

The US Navy plans to procure 273 F-35Cs, a carrier-suitable version of the aircraft, and the Marines will also procure 67 units.

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Currently, both maritime services operate the fourth-generation F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F-35C. However, the Marine Corps aims to transition to an all fifth-generation fighter force down the line.

Since the platform first entered service in 2019, the Department of the Navy has insisted that the common design element will minimise acquisition and operating costs by allowing interoperability with the Air Force and several other global Joint Strike Fighter users.

Receiving IOC qualification means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to sustain its mission essential tasks. These tasks include close air support, strike coordination and reconnaissance, anti-air warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses and electronic attacks.

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Formerly VMA-311, the “Tomcats” of VMFA-311 reactivated in April 2023 as part of the Marine Corps’ transition to an all fifth-generation force. VMFA-311 achieved its “Safe for Flight” certification in September 2023, allowing the squadron to conduct independent flight operations.

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The squadron flew more than 900 sorties, approximately 1,700 hours, and completed more than 800 simulator hours and 2,400 maintenance actions to reach IOC.

In addition, VMFA-311 Marines have trained at the most advanced aviation schools. Major Timothy Potter, an F-35C pilot, graduated from the US Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program, more commonly known as TOPGUN, becoming a pilot instructor and increasing the squadron’s ability to train other pilots.

Warrant Officer John Page, an aviation ordnance officer, graduated from the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. Marines completed lightning tactics instructor qualifications, air combat manoeuvring qualifications, division lead and section lead qualifications.

The next step for VMFA-311 is full operational capability, attained when VMFA-311 receives its complete inventory of ten F-35C aircraft, projected for fiscal year 2025.