Marines receive first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant
The first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, flown by U.S. Marine Lt. Col. J.T. “Tank” Ryan, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 detachment commander and F-35 pilot, lands on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 13, 2015. Ryan flew the aircraft from the Lockheed Martin plant, Fort Worth, Texas, as the first of five Marine Corps F-35C model aircraft to be delivered to the Navy Fighter Attack Squadron 101. The F-35C model brings 25% more range and a bigger weapons bay. It also allows the Marine Corps to fly aboard Navy aircraft carriers, which continues an effective and long-standing tactical air integration program between the Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marleah Robertson)