VMFA-231 received its first F-35B in May 2026 and earned Safe for Flight certification in August. It is now preparing for its first training deployment later this month.
The activation marks the end of the squadron’s transition from the AV-8B Harrier II, following the Harrier fleet’s retirement earlier this year. VMFA-231 had conducted vertical attack operations with the Harrier for more than three decades.
The F-35B is the short-takeoff and vertical-landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. It combines stealth and sensor fusion with the ability to operate from amphibious assault ships and austere expeditionary landing sites.
Lt. Col. Spencer S. Waters assumed command at the combined activation and assumption-of-command ceremony. Known as the “Ace of Spades,” VMFA-231 is the Marine Corps’ oldest flying squadron.
“Since Feb. 8, 1919, the foundation of this squadron has been built by generations of Marines like Alfred A. Cunningham and Ross E. Rowell, who stood ready to answer our nation’s call,” Waters said. “Our mission now is to carry that relentless heritage forward.”
“By pairing our historical warrior ethos with the unmatched lethality of the F-35B, VMFA-231 is ready,” Waters said. “When the nation calls, the Ace of Spades will always deal the winning hand.”
The Marine Corps’ objective is to establish 12 active F-35B squadrons. VMFA-231 belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, under II Marine Expeditionary Force.
