"The five months in the US CENTCOM area of operations, which primarily covers the Middle East, but also Central and South Asia, as well as several bodies of water, included over 1,000 combat sorties and saw the F-35s flying various missions, providing real-world experience that'll impact future F-35 operations. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542) returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina earlier this month"
"The squadron flew close air support, armed overwatch, and defensive counter-air missions in support of the other services as well as US allies and partners. The Corps said that during VMFA-542's time in the region, the unit flew 1,099 combat sorties with over 4,736 mishap-free fight hours, leading fight time for the Marine Corps and keeping a high aircraft mission-capable readiness rate."
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542) completed a five-month deployment in the US CENTCOM area of operations covering the Middle East, parts of Central and South Asia, and surrounding waters. The squadron conducted more than 1,099 combat sorties and logged over 4,736 mishap-free flight hours. Missions included close air support, armed overwatch, and defensive counter-air in support of other services, US allies, and partners. VMFA-542 achieved full operating capability with the F-35B in April 2024 and fields 12 F-35Bs. The deployment maintained a high mission-capable readiness rate and provided real-world data to shape future F-35 operations.
Read at Business Insider
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