The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
VMFA-211 history began on January 1, 1937 when they were activated as VF-4M (Marine Fighting Squadron). In May 1942 the squadron adopted the name “Wake Island Avengers”. Over the years the squadron has also been designated VMF-2, VMA-211and participated in WW 2, Vietnam and Iraqi conflicts. On May 6, 2016 VMFA-211 flew their last flight of the AV-8B Harrier II and received the first two F-35B Lightning IIs on May 9, 2016 making them the second USMC squadron equipped with this aircraft. On June 30, 2016 VMF-211 became VMFA-211.