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December 2, 2020 – In a time characterized by rapidly evolving tactics and modernized equipment, the Marine Corps has taken the next step in maintaining air superiority as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 declares their initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II. Initial operational capability declaration marks a significant accomplishment for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), enabling…
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November 3, 2020 – The Navy announced F-35C modifications to the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) yesterday, under a contract structure now in place to deliver the second Ford-class aircraft carrier, employing a single-phase acquisition strategy, versus a two-phase strategy, as originally planned. “Shifting to single phase and incorporating the F-35C modifications will enable the delivery of a…
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September 18, 2020 – USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) successfully completed several certifications, including flight deck certification (FDC) and carrier air traffic control center (CATCC) certification, Sept. 17, after nearly a week of flight deck operations designed to ready the carrier for future operations. The underway also marked the first time that Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and Vinson, both…
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September 2, 2020 – USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrived at Naval Air Station North Island, Sept. 2, concluding the ship’s homeport shift from Washington to California. Vinson completed 17 months of maintenance and upgrades at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Washington, including a complete restoration and system retrofit to accommodate F-35C Lightning II Joint…
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August 23, 2020 – USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) departed Bremerton, Aug. 23, to commence sea trials as the final phase in completing a 17-month docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. Upon the conclusion of DPIA, which began Feb. 28, 2019, Vinson returns to the fleet to begin her operational training cycle.…
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July 9, 2020 – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of one hundred five (105) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $23.11 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government…
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April 6, 2020 – USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) departed Dry Dock 6 today, after spending 14 months undergoing a Docking Planned Incremental Availability period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The yard period is a precursor to being the first carrier to embark the F-35C. While every availability poses challenges to the PSNS & IMF team,…
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