Page 16 - Mariner-Vol65-Issue1

MARINE MARQUEE

Marine Corps’ “Lightning Carrier” Concept

APR 11, 2022 Photo Courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Seaman Maci Sternod/Released 220331-N-CM110-1149.JPG
An F-35B Lightning II aircraft attached to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 takes off aboard amphibious assault ship
USS Tripoli, Mar. 31. VMX-1 is embarked aboard Tripoli as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The
Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-
wing carrier platforms, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required.

SAN DIEGO --The Navy and Marine Corps demonstrated “When this opportunity came up to put this many of our
a key capability when they operated 20 F-35B Lightning fifth generation aircraft on board Tripoli in conjunction
II jets from America-class amphibious assault carrier USS with operational testing, we were thrilled." U.S. Marine
Tripoli March 30 through April 8, fully exercising the Corps Col. Chad Vaughn, MAG-13 commanding officer
Marine Corps’ “lightning carrier” concept for the first time
in naval history on an amphibious assault ship. “It has been an incredible opportunity to train to fight
as a MAG from the sea, to train our pilots, and to work
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger alongside our Navy teammates," said U.S. Marine Corps
spoke to the potential of the “lightning carrier” concept Col. Chad Vaughn, commanding officer of MAG-13.
based on amphibious assault ships in his planning guid-
ance. "Lightning" is derived from the predominance of The demonstration proved that an assault carrier can be a
F-35B Lightning II aircraft aboard. The demonstration lethal addition and provides combatant commanders with
featured 16 jets from Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd more options when employed in creative ways. An earlier
Marine Aircraft Wing, with an additional four from concept utilized amphibious assault ships to demonstrate
Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, all the “Harrier carrier” concept for AV-8B Harriers.
operating from USS Tripoli at a high tempo. The Navy
and Marine Corps team has incrementally developed the This concept will not change the standard make-up of
Lightning carrier concept and continues to refine its tac- an Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary
tics, techniques, and procedures to support integrated Unit. However, the exercise demonstrated the potential
naval operations. to utilize amphibious assault ships to provide the naval

16 The Mariner • 2022 SPRING Edition • Volume 65 • Issue 1