Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) marked a significant milestone this week when F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters from Marine Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 542 landed on the ship’s flight deck on February 10, 2026. The event represents the first time F-35B Lightning IIs have conducted operations aboard Kearsarge.

Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge achieves milestone as F-35B Lightning II jets conduct first flight operations

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Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) marked a significant milestone this week when F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters from Marine Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 542 landed on the ship’s flight deck on February 10, 2026.

Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge achieves milestone as F-35B Lightning II jets conduct first flight operations Read More »