ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 2, 2015) During the second developmental test (DT-II) phase of the F-35C Lightning II aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), two F-35C test aircraft are performing a variety of operational maneuvers, simulating maintenance operations and conducting general maintenance and fit tests for the aircraft and support equipment. A test team from the Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) is conducting a thorough assessment of the F-35C’s performance before advising the Navy on any adjustments necessary to ensure that the next-generation fighter is ready to meet its scheduled initial operating capability (IOC) in 2018. (U.S. Navy Photo Courtesy Lockheed Martin Photo by Andrew McMurtrie/Released)