U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-242 (the “Bats”) have embarked aboard the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter carrier JS Izumo to conduct operational testing, the first time the advanced fighter has operated from a Japanese ship. Japan is converting Izumo to operate the F-35B fighter, which can take off on short decks and land vertically.

A U.S. Sailor directs a Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-242 (the “Bats”) aboard the JS Izumo off the coast of Japan, October 3, 2021.

Lance Corporal Tyler Harmon/USMC