F-35B Operations on USS Kearsarge: The USS Kearsarge has achieved a major operational achievement after completing its initial flying tests with F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team will gain improved combat abilities through this development, which enables fifth-generation stealth aircraft to operate from amphibious assault ships.
The milestone demonstrates successful completion of multiple modernization projects which included extensive employee training and technical enhancements needed to prepare the ship for advanced aviation activities while increasing operational capabilities of its naval forces.
F-35B Operations on USS Kearsarge
The U.S. Navy declared that F-35B jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA 542 completed successful landing and flight operations aboard the ship on February 10, 2026, in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the initial occasion when stealth aircraft conducted operations from Kearsarge’s flight deck.
“This is a historical and tremendous accomplishment for the Navy–Marine Corps–Kearsarge team,” said Capt. Rosie Goscinski, commanding officer of Kearsarge. “Our Sailors have trained tirelessly in preparation to certify our flight deck – all whilst building our combat-credible team, with our integration of the F‑35s. With these enhanced fifth-generation capabilities, the Blue‑Green team always stands together ready to meet the mission—wherever and whenever we are called.”
“Operating the F-35B from the Kearsarge adds real combat capability to Atlantic-based amphibious forces,” said Marine Lt. Col. Jorge Couto, commanding officer of VMFA 542. “It gives us the ability to generate fifth-generation effects wherever they’re needed, without delay. That only works because of the professionalism and dedication of the ship’s company and the Marines who maintain these aircraft every day.”
About USS Kearsarge
USS Kearsarge is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship designed to deploy Marines, aircraft, and landing forces during joint operations at sea and ashore. The vessel measures about 843 feet in length and displaces more than 40,000 tons when fully loaded.
The system operates as a multifunctional platform that supports helicopter operations and tilt-rotor aircraft and short takeoff vertical landing (STOVL) jets, including the F-35B. The ship can accommodate approximately 20 F-35B aircraft in specific operational configurations.
“Kearsarge required extensive modifications throughout the ship to be able to support F-35B Lightning II operations, ranging from significant structural upgrades to the flight deck and to an extensive upgrade to the ship’s combat system suite,” said Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Taylor, mini boss.
“It was a great feeling of accomplishment, seeing the aircraft land on the flight deck for the first time,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handling 1st Class Marcquan Mundy. “It started [during a maintenance period]. The air department had to come together, getting people to schools, training drills and more.”
Why the USAF Still Relies on Its 60 Year Old KC-135 Tankers?
Fifth-Generation Advantage at Sea
The F-35B variant operates its short takeoff and vertical landing capability, which enables operations from amphibious ships without requiring large aircraft carriers. The combination of stealth design, advanced sensors, and network-centric warfare capabilities, which includes military command and control systems, enables the system to achieve enhanced battlefield awareness and attacking abilities.
The F-35B implementation with amphibious assault ships, which supports distributed maritime operations, enables the military to deploy its combat capabilities across different naval assets instead of depending on its major aircraft carriers.
What Upgrades Were Implemented on the Ship?
The recent maintenance work, together with modernization effort,s created the conditions necessary for successful flight operations to occur. The USS Kearsarge underwent a major overhaul that included machinery improvements, enhanced crew facilities, and changes to enable it to operate advanced aircraft systems.
The upgrades became necessary because of F-35B vertical-landing operations, which created intense heat and required special command-and-control systems to work in conjunction with ship operations.
F-35B Operations on USS Kearsarge: Future Operations and Deployments
The USS Kearsarge will proceed through training and certification phases until it reaches its upcoming Marine expeditionary unit deployment. The upcoming exercises will test three areas, which include continuous flight operations and naval asset integration and joint mission operations.
The increasing number of amphibious ships that acquire F-35 capability will establish “lightning carriers” as a crucial element in contemporary naval strategic operations.
