F-35Bs and More: Why U.S. Amphibious Forces Must Dominate the 21st Century

This week, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps demonstrated yet again why amphibious forces will play a vital role in protecting America’s global interests.

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), deployed aboard the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), began operations in and around the Horn of Africa. For the first time, the Marine aviation unit deployed on the Essex amphibious assault ship are operating the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. The F-35B’s sensors and targeting systems will provide the MEU/ARG with the means to transform operations on land and at sea.