Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs conduct flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli as part of the “Lightning carrier” concept demonstration, showing how Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships — which are smaller than the Navy’s giant aircraft carriers — are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing platforms.

F-35B Lightning IIs attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-122 (the “Flying Leathernecks”) prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, under way in the Pacific Ocean, April 5, 2022. VMFA-122 is embarked aboard Tripoli as part of the Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration.

Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Theodore Quintana/US Navy