Page 17 - Mariner-Vol65-Issue1

“
It has been an incredible opportunity to train to fight as a

MAG from the sea, to train our pilots, and to work alongside
”
our Navy teammates, –U.S. Marine Corps Col. Chad Vaughn

and joint force with lethal access, collection, and strike squadrons of F-35Bs and a MAG command element, or a
capabilities from fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical battalion-sized landing force and the associated assault sup-
Landing aircraft in future operations. port [12 MV-22B Ospreys, four CH-53E Super Stallions,
and six F-35B Lightning II],” said U.S. Navy Capt. Joel
“This demonstration proved the versatility of the America- Lang, Tripoli’s Commanding Officer. “For the fleet com-
class assault carrier, with its ability to embark either two mander, both options are formidable and sustainable.”

APR 11, 2022 Photo Courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz/Released 220407-M-GQ845-1040.JPG
Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 7, 2022. Tripoli completed flight deck operations
with 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as
well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, 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
strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required.

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 17