F-35Bs aboard Wasp for testing

Six Marine Corps F-35B fighters landed aboard the amphibious warship USS Wasp off the East Coast Monday for two weeks of operational tests. The tests are required before the Marines can declare its first squadron of 10 F-35s ready for combat in July. The ability of the jets to integrate with flight and deck operations will be closely monitored. (Source: Reuters, 05/18/15) Gulf Coast note: The jets are assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 501 of Beaufort, S.C., which transferred to Beaufort last year from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., home of the F-35 integrated training center.