Two F-35's delivered in one week?

via ASDNews...

Fort Worth, Texas - It was wheels up Wednesday morning for Lockheed Martin's second F-35A Lightning II production jet delivery in a week. Maj. Joseph T. "OD" Bachmann (Marine Corps) piloted the aircraft, known as AF-8, to Eglin Air Force Base where it arrived at 11:50 a.m. CDT. AF-8 joins AF-9 which Lockheed Martin delivered to the 33rd Fighter Wing last Thursday. The jets will be used for training F-35 pilots and maintainers who are slated to begin course work at the base's new F-35 Integrated Training Center this fall. AF-8 is the eighth F-35 to be delivered in 2011.

I simply posted the pic and moved on.

Big mistake.

Production on the F-35 has ramped up, the school house is built and fully staffed, the Marine Corps is already planning for early IOC and the critics are left whimpering in a corner.

This already has been a great week for the F-35.

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducts amphibious assault at Talisman Sabre 2011 --the video

AF-8 Ferry to Eglin AFB

Lockheed Martin delivers second F-35 production jet in a week. It was wheels up Wednesday morning for Lockheed Martin’s second F-35A Lightning II production jet delivery in a week. Maj. Joseph T. “OD” Bachmann (Marine Corps) piloted the aircraft, known as AF-8, to Eglin Air Force Base where it arrived at 11:50 a.m. CDT. On July 20

Sad, Pathetic, Disgraceful. Spin the bullshit Major...Spin!

Instead of crushing the nonsense, HQMC turned a blind eye and now its a full blown disgrace.  Read this story and check out the vid below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Who do I blame.

1.  Battle Rattle Blog.  They started this stupidity by highlighting this craziness.  Kids stuff being pushed by kids.  Disgraceful.

2.  SgtMajor of the Marine Corps.  You'd have to be blind, deaf and mute not to see this coming.  You weren't proactive.  Now we have a stupid stain running down the pants leg of our Corps.

3.  HQMC Social Networking Outfit/Public Affairs.  You're in a military outfit, ya bunch of clowns.  You're not at Google or Vogue or whatever your favorite magazine, TV show etc...  You tried to be cool and its instead made you look inept.

The horse has left the barn.  Lets not be this stupid again.

Australian Army Amphibious Road Map.

Phil!  Awesome find!  Thanks!

My bud, Aussie Digger, shot down my assertion that the Australians needed to develop a Marine Corps.  He made some good points, primarily that the force structure was too small to support the number of troops needed to man the planned amphibious ships that Australia was purchasing.

Well it looks like we both were wrong.  This Australian Road Map document points to the Australian Army becoming a type of hybrid force.  More Marine than traditional Army, and waaaay more amphibious than even the Army leadership could imagine.

I like it.

Australian Army Amphibious Road Map

F-35 Eglin Arrival Highlights

More pics of the 31st MEU's amphibious assault during Talisman Sabre.

Amphibious assault vehicles carrying Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secure Freshwater Beach in an amphibious assault during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. This exercise will increase interoperability, flexibility, and readiness, all of which are force multipliers in maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific.
Photo Date Taken: 7/19/2011 8:44:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

An amphibious assault vehicle carrying elements of Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, charges onto Freshwater Beach in an amphibious assault during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. This exercise will increase interoperability, flexibility, and readiness, all of which are force multipliers in maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific.
Photo Date Taken: 7/19/2011 8:34:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

Marines with Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rush out of an amphibious assault vehicle to secure Freshwater Beach during the amphibious assault in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. This exercise will increase interoperability, flexibility, and readiness, all of which are force multipliers in maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific.
Photo Date Taken: 7/19/2011 8:35:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

An amphibious assault vehicle carrying elements of Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, charges onto Freshwater Beach in an amphibious assault during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. This exercise will increase interoperability, flexibility, and readiness, all of which are force multipliers in maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific.
Photo Date Taken: 7/19/2011 8:34:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

Amphibious assault vehicles carrying Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secure Freshwater Beach during an amphibious assault in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. This exercise will increase interoperability, flexibility, and readiness, all of which are force multipliers in maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific.
Photo Date Taken: 7/19/2011 8:34:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

Marines with Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secure Freshwater Beach during the amphibious assault in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crises and provide humanitarian assistance. This exercise will increase interoperability, flexibility, and readiness, all of which are force multipliers in maintaining peace and stability in the Pacific.
Photo Date Taken: 7/19/2011 8:36:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

501st Parachute Infantry Regiment gets a piece of Talisman Saber 2011.

All Photos by Master Sgt. Michele Desrochers 

U.S. soldiers of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, parachute out of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 July 17, 2011. Talisman Sabre 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

Members of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, move out of a drop zone and set up a security perimeter after parachuting out of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, moves out of the drop zone after parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in Shoalwater Bay Training Area during exercise Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. Army Sgt. Eugene Baca from Geronimo, Okla., with 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, moves out of the drop zone after parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during exercise Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. soldiers with 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, move out of the drop zone and set up a security perimeter after parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Talisman Saber 2011, July 17. Talisman Saber 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. soldiers of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, parachute out of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 July 17, 2011. Talisman Sabre 2011 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability on a variety of missions from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts.

Roll on Roll off Discharge Facility (RRDF)...the unknown part of the sea base.

A roll-on/roll-off discharge facility, or RRDF, serves as an area for loading and off-loading cargo at sea. The RRDF, assembled off Saipan in preparation for Freedom Banner/Cobra Gold 2011, includes nine connected modules, which are powered by two warping tugs and a power module.
U.S. Navy photos by Ensign Justin Bennett

The Roll On- Roll Off Discharge Facility is perhaps the most under reported part of the sea base....but its also arguably one of the most important.

I never realized it and the Marine Corps website doesn't play it up, but the sea base as envisioned isn't revolutionary at all...its actually evolutionary.  From the actions off the coast of Normandy to the work done in the Pacific even the work done by the Riverine Forces in Vietnam with their floating motherships which serviced not only watercraft but also aircraft are all building blocks upon which the modern sea base is being built.

When looked at in that light this is a common sense solution to historical problems.

GRAPHIC! Sensitive eyes turn away!

Got this video from SHTF Blog.  In certain conservative sections of our electorate, the rise in Police Power and Abuse is being observed with alarm. 

Go to his site for the full story.

Like taking candy from a baby....and that's the shame of it.

No one in the Marine Corps will admit it.

Its politically incorrect and is frowned on in polite society.

But its fun to stomp on your enemies.

But its something else entirely when you as a friend, take advantage of a friend.  Even when the friend is being stupid.

That's what we have in this story from Defense News.  Go there for the whole thing but the good bits....

The United Kingdom has proposed trading F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft with the United States, according to a Pentagon letter to the U.S. Congress.
Under the proposal, the United States would give the United Kingdom one of its carrier variants (F-35C) of the F-35 in exchange for a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) version, called the F-35B.

and...

Under the exchange, the United Kingdom would have to cover any costs required to upgrade its F-35B aircraft so that it would be identical to the version the U.S. had planned to buy, according to the letter.
The United Kingdom would also be responsible for any unique requirements it has for the F-35C.
Under the plan, United States would get an F-35B two years earlier. This means $10 million in additional operations and maintenance costs for the Marine Corps in 2013 and 2014. This would be due to increased flight hours, fuel, training costs, etc.

Many observers are going to claim that this is indeed cost neutral and mutually beneficial.  I beg to differ.  The USMC is going to get another F-35B sooner....will be able to put wings on deck sooner....and will be able to divest itself of the capable but aging AV-8B sooner.  In return the Brits are getting F-35C's in schedule and are going to have to make an necessary changes to them on their own dime, while paying for changes to the Marine Corps F-35B.

The Corps stomped on them and they don't even know it.

13th MEU Parachute Training Evolutions.

110625-N-DB458-015 GULF OF ADEN (June 25, 2011) Master Sgt. Darwin White, right, assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), inspects the parachute equipment of another Marine in preparation for a routine parachute training evolution in the hangar bay aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer and the embarked 13th MEU are underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna Kiner/Released)

110625-N-DB458-088 GULF OF ADEN (June 25, 2011) Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) prepare to jump from an H-53 Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 during a routine parachute training evolution. The 13th MEU is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and is underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna Kiner/Released)

This is why the SgtMajor of the Marine Corps should have crushed this shit!

It happened again.  A Marine asked a celebrity to the Marine Ball.


Battle Rattle was happy to post it.

Even MSNBC's social reporter was asking when is it going to stop and isn't enough enough....

SgtMajor, get your head up cowboy and squash this shit ricky tick quick!

This is already out of hand...already looks bad...and is bringing discredit to the Marine Corps.

31st MEU in Australia.

A U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicle carries Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, to shore during an amphibious assault rehearsal in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 demonstrates the United States and Australian commitment to their military alliance, and enhances stability and security throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains the nation's force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 10:14:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Brennan O'Lowney

Amphibious Assault Vehicles with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on Freshwater Beach during a mock amphibious assault rehearsal, July 18. TS11 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 11:02:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicles carry Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, to shore during an amphibious assault rehearsal at in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 demonstrates the United States and Australian commitment to their military alliance, and enhances stability and security throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains the nation's force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 10:13:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Brennan O'Lowney

Amphibious Assault Vehicles with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on Freshwater Beach during a mock amphibious assault rehearsal, July 18. TS11 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 10:04:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Capt. Caleb Eames

An Amphibious Assault Vehicle with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on Freshwater Beach during a mock amphibious assault rehearsal, July 18. TS11 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 11:12:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

An Amphibious Assault Vehicle with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive along Freshwater Beach to set up a blocking position during a mock amphibious assault rehearsal, July 18. TS11 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 11:26:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

Amphibious Assault Vehicles with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on Freshwater Beach during a mock amphibious assault rehearsal, July 18. TS11 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 10:02:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Capt. Caleb Eames

Multiple U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicles carry Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, down a beach during an amphibious assault rehearsal at Freshwater Beach in Queensland, Australia, in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. TS11 demonstrates the United States and Australian commitment to their military alliance, and enhances stability and security throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains the nation's force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 10:25:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Brennan O'Lowney

Amphibious Assault Vehicles with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive along Freshwater Beach to set up blocking positions during a mock amphibious assault rehearsal, July 18. TS11 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate. TS11 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries’ bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Date Photo Taken: 7/18/2011 10:23:00 AM
Unit: 31st MEU
Photo ByLine: Capt. Caleb Eames

Fifth F-35 Marine Corps Variant Delivered To Navy Test Site

Pic of the day. July 17, 2011.

11th MEU is either dialing up the training like a bunch of raving madmen (I like that) or else the Public Affairs Office is really hitting on stories that are catching my interest.  Either way, their upcoming deployment will be one worth watching.  I don't know the CO of this unit from Adam but it appears that he's about to put the Special Operations Capable back into the MEU(SOC) concept.  And that my friends is long overdue.

Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force prepare to depart a raid site in a CH-46E Sea Knight during a night training operation here July 15. The MRF, along with a section of the unit's aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), and command element, are taking part in a large-scale exercise with ocean and urban-based scenarios.  Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

Quote of the day. July 17, 2011.

Thanks Phil!   via SLDInfo.

SLD: As a Harrier pilot, could you comment on the potential arrival of
the F-35Bs [Eglin AFB]?

 
Col. Tomassetti: It is ultimately disappointing constantly to see in the
news all of the things that the F-35B hasn’t been able to achieve yet or can’t
do and people completely missing what we’ve already achieved.

The fact is that we have a STOVL airplane that every pilot who has flown it
says that it’s easy to fly. In 60 years of trying to build jet airplanes and
do this, we’ve never ever been there before. We’ve never had a STOVL
airplane that was as full spectrum capable as it’s conventional
counterparts. We’ve never done that before in 60 years of trying.
It’s an amazing engineering achievement; [what] we’ve already accomplished
is completely being missed by some observers.”

That about wraps it up.

To think that you have NOTED, once RESPECTED, and LAUDED aviation writers from a number of publications that have missed this truth is amazing.

I contend that they haven't missed it.  Its been ignored.  Its been ignored as part of a larger agenda.

Hey Thomas! I'm your huckleberry...

Thomas...you're no daisy...you're no daisy at all....

Is this an M27 with 2nd LAR?

AZIRABAD, Helmand Province, Afghanistan-Lance Cpl. Frank M. Garrison III, a Shinnston, W. Va., native and rifleman with Company C, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), provides security as the Afghan Border Police partnered with the Marines and sailors of the company move through the town. Company C accompanied the ABP on a clearing mission through the town in order to deny the insurgency a transit location for smuggling illicit drugs. , Cpl. Jeff Drew, 6/27/2011 5:49 AM

Take a look at this Marine's weapon.

I'm not sure but it doesn't look quite like a M16A4....but it doesn't exactly fit the profile of the M27 either.  Anyone know what it is?

The Dark Lord's Response.

Somewhere in a dimly light room the Dark Lord responds to the news of the USAF starting the Operational Evaluation of the F-35.  Our hidden cameras caught scene.  See the video below.



This is via Defense News.  Go there to read the whole thing but here are the good bits...

"The JPO is currently estimating Ops Test of Block 2B to commence in early 2015 and complete in early 2016, and the [Operational Test] for Block 3C IOC capabilities to commence in mid-2016 and to end in early 2018," said Air Force spokesman Maj. Chad Steffey.
The service's Air Combat Command has not set a new IOC date for the F-35.
Carlisle said that the F-35 could be a valuable combat asset even with the earlier Block 2B software.
"Block 2B has capability that if the combatant commander needed it, we would deploy it. Would it be IOC? No," he said.
"We in the Air Force designated a set of capabilities to include [Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses], [Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses], air-to-ground and some air-to-air capability that we consider the minimum required for initially operational capable," he said.

He noted that the Air Force has deployed many aircraft that had not yet formally entered service, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, MQ-9 Reaper UAV and the E-8 Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) surveillance plane.

The F-35 even outpaces its larger twin-engine cousin, the F-22 Raptor, in certain areas, including electronic countermeasures and electronic counter-counter measures. Carlisle also praised the jet's infrared sensors and air-to-ground radar as "phenomenal."

I'm not going to get into the F-35 vs. F-22 debate.  In hindsight thats always been a false choice.  A choice pushed on us by the F-35's critics.....

What I will get into is the stance that the USAF and USMC are taking when it comes to the F-35.  Both services are prepared to deploy the system in Block 2B configuration and the USMC has taken it a step further and stated that they will declare it IOC with that milestone.

The critics have lost, McCain is senile and this war is over.

The F-35 will be the primary fighter for US forces for the foreseeable future.