F-35C Carrier Variant Joint Strike Fighter Flight-Deck Operations

F-35C Carrier Variants of the Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter conduct flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) on August 14, 2016. The F-35C is going through its third and final developmental test phase (DT-III) and starting carrier qualifications. The F-35C is expected to be Fleet operational in 2018. Units - Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-23) and Grim Reapers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-101). Film Credits: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Cl