![\"\"](\"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/F-35C-US-Marines-190x115.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
MIRAMAR, Ca: 3rd Marine Air Wing made history when it welcomed the Marine Corps\u2019 first F-35C Lightning II to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 21, 2020.<\/p>\n
The Marines and sailors of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, the \u201cBlack Knights,\u201d are extremely proud of their legacy and tradition of making aviation history.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should be no surprise that VMFA-314 is once again leading the way into the next generation of fighter attack aircraft,\u201d said Lt. Col Cedar Hinton, commanding officer of VMFA-314.<\/p>\n
The squadron\u2019s history began with its commissioning in 1943 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, as the \u201cBob\u2019s Cats.\u201d In 1952, they were the first squadron in 3rd MAW to transition to jet aircraft and fly the F-9F Panther. In 1957, they officially became the \u201cBlack Knights\u201d with the arrival of the F-4D Skyray. In October 1961, the \u201cBlack Knights\u201d were the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-4B Phantom and in 1982, the first in the Department of the Navy to fly the F\/A-18 Hornet.<\/p>\n
The \u201cBlack Knights\u201d have proven themselves time and again from campaigns in the South Pacific to the Vietnam War and from Operation El Dorado Canyon to the Global War on Terror. VMFA-314\u2019s storied history should give the American people confidence that the \u201cBlack Knights\u201d will continue to fix, fly, and fight the next generation of aircraft.<\/p>\n
The F-35C is one of three variants fielded by the Department of Defense. It is a result of decades of advancements that provide aviation capabilities previously thought unattainable.<\/p>\n
The \u201cC\u201d variant was designed to operate from an aircraft carrier and is the first 5th generation long-range stealth strike fighter jet designed for that mission. The F-35C\u2019s control surfaces and landing gear are better equipped for carrier operation than the other variants. The F-35C is equipped with larger internal fuel storage, which when combined with its ability to refuel in-flight, extends its range and allows for enhanced flight time when compared to other aircraft.<\/p>\n
The F-35 variants include the F-35A, which utilizes conventional takeoff and landing and is designed to operate from traditional land-based runways. The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing variant and specifically designed to operate from austere airfields and amphibious ships. 3rd MAW is proud that it now employs the first F-35C squadron along with two F-35B squadrons with more planned in the near future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe F-35C represents the leading edge of advanced fighter attack aircraft today,\u201d said Hinton. \u201cIt will give the Black Knights a technological advantage across the entire spectrum of tactical aviation. This includes everything from advanced sensor and weapon integration to increased range and endurance. We will be more survivable and more lethal than we have ever been.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u201cBlack Knights\u201d are now one of three F-35 squadrons in 3rd MAW, with more coming soon, which gives credence to 3rd MAW\u2019s reputation as the Marine Corps\u2019 premier and most lethal aviation wing.<\/p>\n
The \u201cBlack Knights\u2019\u201d transition to the F-35C began in June 2019 and was marked by the traditional \u201csun-down\u201d ceremony where VMFA-314 flew the Hornet for the last time. After which, they began training on the F-35C.<\/p>\n
The next 3rd MAW squadron set to transition from the F\/A-18 is VMFA-225, which will celebrate their last F\/A-18 flight on Jan. 23, 2020.<\/p>\n
VMFA-314 spent the latter portion of 2019 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California preparing for their operations certifications and completing squadron-wide F-35C qualifications. This process ensured the squadron was equipped with qualified personnel to implement the maintenance and safety programs necessary for an operational F-35 squadron.<\/p>\n
\u201cTransitioning a squadron into a new aircraft with many new Marines comes with a lot of challenges,\u201d said Hinton. \u201cHowever, it also provides a unique opportunity to start fresh and build a strong squadron culture from the ground up. We are all extremely excited to ensure the \u2018Black Knights\u2019 continue our legacy of leading from the front as we deliver this new capability to 3rd MAW.\u201d<\/p>\n
3rd MAW will continue to pave the way for the future of Marine Corps aviation and \u201cFix, Fly, and Fight\u201d as the Marine Corps\u2019 largest aircraft wing.<\/p>\n