2012-11-29 Second Line of Defense visited MAWTS during the second week of November 2012. We did so knowing that the Marine Corps is focusing on the concurrent development of tactics and training with operations. In part, that is why the F-35 Bravo is being stood up at MCAS Yuma, the home…
The Marines have stood up their first squadron of F-35 Bs at MCAS Yuma. But the Marine Corps approach to the aircraft is built on recognition that it is a C2 and Information Warfare aircraft, which will be a central piece to the ACE or Aviation Combat Element of the…
2012-11-25 Second Line of Defense visited MAWTS a week prior to the official ceremony welcoming planes for the new F-35 squadron at the Marine Air Station at Yuma Arizona. We visited MAWTS last year to discuss the evolution of training and tactics associated with the V-22 as well as the…
By James Gilbert, Yuma Sun A squadron that has been on the forefront of the most significant transition periods in the 100-year history of Marine Corps aviation did so again on Tuesday when it officially became the first operational squadron to fly the F-35B Lightning II. “I ask you to…
2012-11-21 Not surprisingly, the local media in Arizona covered the event while the national media was largely absent. Sen. John McCain, Gov. Jan Brewer and other officials were on hand for the special ceremony at the base. After three speeches, two of the jets landed at the base. They were…
2012-11-21 In a four-part follow up set of interviews, Second Line of Defense is looking at the role and impact of the USS America. Interviews have been conducted with the prospective commander of the ship, the head of amphibious ship building in the USN, a senior USMC general on its role,…
2012-11-19 According to a Lockheed Martin Press Release: An F-35A Lightning II conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft rapidly expanded its high angle of attack (AOA) test envelope to its 50 degree limit in only four flights during recent flight testing here. F-35A test aircraft are limited to AOAs of…
2012-11-18 by Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake Dateline: Yuma, Arizona Later this month the first 2 F-35 Bravos are arriving at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma. As the future home of five F-35 JSF operational squadrons of 16 aircraft each and one operational test and evaluation squadron of eight…
