An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

One Mean Airplane!

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

The F-35C Lightning II is the Navy's aircraft carrier version of the new joint strike fighter now in the hands of a select few naval aviators. One pilot says this aircraft is the baddest airplane on a carrier.

An F-35C takes flight.
Taking Flight
An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 147 flies over Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., Nov. 11, 2018.
Credit: Navy Chief Petty Officer Shannon E. Renfroe
VIRIN: 181116-N-FC670-008
An F-35C takes off from an aircraft carrier.
Rainy Launch
An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 28, 2018.
Credit: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur
VIRIN: 180828-N-FK070-1069

F-35 landing on an aircraft carrier.
Rough Raiders
Navy flight crew members observe an F-35C Lightning II assigned to the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron 125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., as it performs a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 20, 2018.
Credit: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur
VIRIN: 180820-N-FK070-1305
F-35 landing on an aircraft carrier
Arrested Landing
An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 26, 2018.
Credit: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeff Sherman
VIRIN: 180826-N-FQ836-3302C

Related Stories