F-35 in STOVL mode

F-35B test aircraft BF-1 on flight 147, Aug. 22, 2011. Lt. Col. Fred Schenk pilots the aircraft in short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) mode.

The above photos look like no big deal right?  I mean sure we've seen the F-35 in STOVL mode before....but one thing should be apparent.  Its over water and you can bet that these flights are in preparation for the shipboard tests due to start this fall.

My gut reaction?  Expect the Marine Corps to move up its IOC even further.  I wouldn't be surprised to see these planes being sent to Marine bases in late 2012