A U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ship Just Set Sail with a Whopping 13 Stealth Fighters

[rangerrebew]

October 18, 2019

A U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ship Just Set Sail with a Whopping 13 Stealth Fighters

The U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America in 2019 has set sail across the Pacific region with no fewer than 13 U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters aboard.
by David Axe 

The U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS America in 2019 has set sail across the Pacific region with no fewer than 13 U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters aboard.
 

The current cruise represents the latest effort by the Navy and Marines to develop procedures and tactics for operating the Navy’s 10 assault ships as light carriers, each packing more aerial firepower than most of the world’s air forces.

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/us-navy-amphibious-assault-ship-just-set-sail-whopping-13-stealth-fighters-89406

[sneakypete]

I don't get it. Why wouldn't they just fly them there? It would be both cheaper and quicker.

[PeteS in CA]

Air bases don't move - their aircraft or a battalion or two of Marines. The 2 America and 8 Wasp class ships, with F-35s, significantly supplement the Nimitz class CVNs.

[sneakypete]

Air bases don't move - their aircraft or a battalion or two of Marines. The 2 America and 8 Wasp class ships, with F-35s, significantly supplement the Nimitz class CVNs.

@PeteS in CA

So? They can land on the carriers they are assigned to,and can refuel at any US Military base or from any "flying gas station" between here and there. The aircrews can fly in C130'S or other aircraft to get to where the carrier "shuttle plane" can pick them up.

As for the spare parts,tools,and other material support they might need,it can come by ship and be off-loaded at sea.

[jpsb]

Ever since Guadalcanal the Marines have wanted their own air force, looks like they now have it.

[PeteS in CA]

Ever since Guadalcanal the Marines have wanted their own air force, looks like they now have it.

There have been Marine fighter squadrons at least since WW2, and probably well before. The famous VMF-214, for example, was formed in early 1942.

[sneakypete]

There have been Marine fighter squadrons at least since WW2, and probably well before. The famous VMF-214, for example, was formed in early 1942.

@PeteS in CA

Yup,and back in WW-2 and before,they even let enlisted swine become pilots.

[truth_seeker]

Ever since Guadalcanal the Marines have wanted their own air force, looks like they now have it.

1942-1999 El Toro Marine Corps Air Station

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Air_Station_El_Toro