Latest news with #F-35C
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
US Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Counters China Navy Presence
Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington is on patrol in the western Pacific, where China has been expanding its naval presence. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. The George Washington is one of the U.S. Navy vessels homeported in Japan. The aircraft carrier, which is equipped with F-35C stealth fighter jets, returned to Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in November 2024 after undergoing maintenance and upgrades in Virginia. The George Washington's first patrol since returning to Japan comes as two Chinese aircraft carriers were deployed simultaneously to the wider western Pacific for the first time earlier in June, marking a major milestone in China's efforts to challenge U.S. naval dominance. Another U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has been redeployed to the Middle East from the western Pacific amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. This leaves the George Washington as the only U.S. aircraft carrier currently positioned to help keep China in check as of Monday. Officially released photos show the George Washington and its carrier strike group transiting the Philippine Sea on Monday. The U.S. Navy said the aircraft carrier is currently on patrol in the Seventh Fleet's operating area, which covers the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Philippine Sea lies east of the First Island Chain-a defensive line formed by Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines as part of a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting the Chinese navy-the world's largest by hull count-in the western Pacific in the event of war. In addition to the George Washington, which left its home port on June 10, the carrier strike group includes two other warships-the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the destroyer USS Shoup. It remains unclear whether the George Washington will also be sent to the Middle East, should the situation there worsen. The Nimitz is expected to relieve its sister ship, USS Carl Vinson, in the region, allowing the latter to return home, U.S. Naval Institute News reported. The Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong remained underway in waters east of the Philippines as of Monday, each leading a naval task group and transiting westward, according to a map provided by Japan's Defense Ministry. The U.S. Navy said on Tuesday: "George Washington is the U.S. Navy's premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31: "China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia. No doubt. It hopes to dominate and control too many parts of this vibrant and vital region. Through its massive military build-up and growing willingness to use military force to achieve its goals…China has demonstrated that it wants to fundamentally alter the region's status quo." It remains to be seen whether USS America-a U.S. amphibious assault ship equipped with F-35B stealth fighter jets-will depart the South Pacific for the western Pacific to reinforce the U.S. naval presence in the region following the Nimitz's departure. Related Articles How Iran Could Retaliate Against US. Three Possible OptionsU.S. Tanker Aircraft Head to Middle East as Threat of Iran War RisesNuclear Bomb Map Shows Impact of US Weapons on IranIran Warns U.S. of "Painful Responses" Over Israel's Attacks 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Counters China Navy Presence
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington is on patrol in the western Pacific, where China has been expanding its naval presence. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters The George Washington is one of the U.S. Navy vessels homeported in Japan. The aircraft carrier, which is equipped with F-35C stealth fighter jets, returned to Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in November 2024 after undergoing maintenance and upgrades in Virginia. The George Washington's first patrol since returning to Japan comes as two Chinese aircraft carriers were deployed simultaneously to the wider western Pacific for the first time earlier in June, marking a major milestone in China's efforts to challenge U.S. naval dominance. Another U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has been redeployed to the Middle East from the western Pacific amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. This leaves the George Washington as the only U.S. aircraft carrier currently positioned to help keep China in check as of Monday. What To Know Officially released photos show the George Washington and its carrier strike group transiting the Philippine Sea on Monday. The U.S. Navy said the aircraft carrier is currently on patrol in the Seventh Fleet's operating area, which covers the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The USS George Washington transits the Philippine Sea on June 15, 2025. The USS George Washington transits the Philippine Sea on June 15, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey L. Ottinger/U.S. Navy The Philippine Sea lies east of the First Island Chain—a defensive line formed by Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines as part of a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting the Chinese navy—the world's largest by hull count—in the western Pacific in the event of war. In addition to the George Washington, which left its home port on June 10, the carrier strike group includes two other warships—the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the destroyer USS Shoup. It remains unclear whether the George Washington will also be sent to the Middle East, should the situation there worsen. The Nimitz is expected to relieve its sister ship, USS Carl Vinson, in the region, allowing the latter to return home, U.S. Naval Institute News reported. The Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong remained underway in waters east of the Philippines as of Monday, each leading a naval task group and transiting westward, according to a map provided by Japan's Defense Ministry. What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy said on Tuesday: "George Washington is the U.S. Navy's premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31: "China seeks to become a hegemonic power in Asia. No doubt. It hopes to dominate and control too many parts of this vibrant and vital region. Through its massive military build-up and growing willingness to use military force to achieve its goals…China has demonstrated that it wants to fundamentally alter the region's status quo." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether USS America—a U.S. amphibious assault ship equipped with F-35B stealth fighter jets—will depart the South Pacific for the western Pacific to reinforce the U.S. naval presence in the region following the Nimitz's departure.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Inside Trump's $4.5bn flagship supercarrier USS Nimitz rushing to flashpoint Middle East armed to the teeth with F-35s
Trump has threatened Iran would feel the 'full force' if they attacked the US THE BIG GUNS Inside Trump's $4.5bn flagship supercarrier USS Nimitz rushing to flashpoint Middle East armed to the teeth with F-35s Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AMERICA is sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates. The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry on board the USS Nimitz Credit: John Chapple 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry below deck with a fighter jet Credit: John Chapple The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. The move comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran and question marks over whether the West will become embroiled in the conflict. Donald Trump has warned Iran it would experience the "full force" of the US military if it attacked US interests. Read more on world news GUN TRAGEDY Horror moment boy, 2, shoots his mum dead after picking up his dad's gun And Sir Keir Starmer has sent more RAF jets to the Middle East, including Typhoons and air-to-air refuelers, as tensions mount. The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. I spent two days on board the USS Nimitz during a training exercise. The massive vessel is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and consists of 117,000 sq ft. The flight deck is four and a half acres and boasts four aircraft catapults to propel F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters into the sky. Iran launches 3rd night of strikes as Netanyahu warns war could lead to 'regime change' in Tehran Four giant elevators bring the aircraft from the hangar in the guts of the carrier. I stood just feet away as F-35 Lightning II fighter jets were catapulted from the deck with an ear-splitting blast, before disappearing off the bow of the ship in a haze of steam. The violent rumble of the jet engines shook my bones to the core. A Seahawk helicopter circled nearby in case of any accidents. The F-35C is designed for long-range stealth strike missions and is built explicitly for US Navy carrier operations. The flight deck of the Nimitz was awash with dedicated crewmen wearing different coloured 'jerseys' whose job is to tow the aircraft into position before the pilots ready the jets for take off. Green jerseys operate the jet blast deflectors (JBD), aircraft handlers wear yellow jerseys, blue jerseys work in the hanger bay and purple jerseys refuel the aircraft, while red jerseys handle aviation ordinance and crash and salvage. The whole manic scene - described by those on board as a choreographed ballet - is watched over by white jerseys. 12 A F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet lands on the deck of the USS Nimitz Credit: Reuters 12 Fighter jets on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz's flight deck Credit: AFP 12 I stood behind a yellow jacket, also known as a shooter, one of several catapult officers responsible for the safe and efficient launch of the ship's aircraft. She threw a shooting sign to tell the jet to take off. 'Stay behind me,' she screamed as we ducked under the afterburners of a Super Hornet. 'The heat from those engines will take your skin off.' Beneath deck is a massive floating city where 5,000 US Navy personnel carry out their duties like worker bees in a hive. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull, life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refuelling. Capable of reaching 30 knots (35mph) the ship is one of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the US Fleet. I joined the ship off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, for a routine five-day training mission which saw the F-35C put through its paces. The ship raised its two 60,000lb anchors and set sail from Naval Air Station North Island, in Coronado, San Diego. 12 The USS Nimitz during a drill in the South China Sea in 2020 Credit: EPA 12 Sun man Parry said the carrier operates like a beehive Credit: John Chapple 12 There is even a Starbucks on board Credit: John Chapple Walking around the vast warship you're struck by the sheer number of young faces walking the narrow corridors and stairways - the backbone of the US Navy. The average age of sailors on board is 25 and often you'll find a teenager fresh out of high school steering the warship out of port. During my time onboard I was also taken up to the bridge, the heart of the ship's operation, where the Captain sat on a raised chair surrounded by his team of navigators, officers and the rest of the watch team charged with keeping the ship away from hazards. The mission of many of the Nimitz sailors will be to take off and land dozens of fighter jets, helicopters and planes, sometimes within less than 60 seconds of each other. The crew often work 12-hour shifts, six days a week. The busy ship goes through around 500 cans of energy drink Monster a day purchased from the ship's store. The Nimitz entered service in 1975 but has undergone dozens of refurbishments and upgrades since. It is the lead ship of her class, one of the largest warships in the world, second only to the USS Gerald R Ford. The Nimitz's homeport is Naval Base Kitsap in Washington and the vessel is named for legendary fleet admiral Chester W. Nimitz (1885–1966), who helped the US defeat the Japanese Navy in World War II. Its deployment to the Middle East will likely be its last mission as it marks 50 years of service. The ageing warship is set to be replaced by the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) later this year. 12 The USS Nimitz is covered in US patriotism on board Credit: John Chapple 12 On board sit special US Navy missiles Credit: John Chapple
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Inside Trump's $4.5bn flagship supercarrier USS Nimitz rushing to flashpoint Middle East armed to the teeth with F-35s
AMERICA is sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates. The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry on board the USS Nimitz Credit: John Chapple 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East 12 Sun reporter Ryan Parry below deck with a fighter jet Credit: John Chapple The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. The move comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran and question marks over whether the West will become embroiled in the conflict. Donald Trump has warned Iran it would experience the "full force" of the US military if it attacked US interests. Read more on world news And Sir Keir Starmer has sent more RAF jets to the Middle East, including Typhoons and air-to-air refuelers, as tensions mount. The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. I spent two days on board the USS Nimitz during a training exercise. Most read in The US Sun The massive vessel is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and consists of 117,000 sq ft. The flight deck is four and a half acres and boasts four aircraft catapults to propel F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters into the sky . Iran launches 3rd night of strikes as Netanyahu warns war could lead to 'regime change' in Tehran Four giant elevators bring the aircraft from the hangar in the guts of the carrier. I stood just feet away as F-35 Lightning II fighter jets were catapulted from the deck with an ear-splitting blast, before disappearing off the bow of the ship in a haze of steam . The violent rumble of the jet engines shook my bones to the core. A Seahawk helicopter circled nearby in case of any accidents. The F-35C is designed for long-range stealth strike missions and is built explicitly for US Navy carrier operations. The flight deck of the Nimitz was awash with dedicated crewmen wearing different coloured 'jerseys' whose job is to tow the aircraft into position before the pilots ready the jets for take off. Green jerseys operate the jet blast deflectors (JBD), aircraft handlers wear yellow jerseys, blue jerseys work in the hanger bay and purple jerseys refuel the aircraft, while red jerseys handle aviation ordinance and crash and salvage. The whole manic scene - described by those on board as a choreographed ballet - is watched over by white jerseys. 12 A F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet lands on the deck of the USS Nimitz Credit: Reuters 12 Fighter jets on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz's flight deck Credit: AFP 12 I stood behind a yellow jacket, also known as a shooter, one of several catapult officers responsible for the safe and efficient launch of the ship's aircraft. She threw a shooting sign to tell the jet to take off. 'Stay behind me,' she screamed as we ducked under the afterburners of a Super Hornet. 'The heat from those engines will take your skin off.' Beneath deck is a massive floating city where 5,000 US Navy personnel carry out their duties like worker bees in a hive. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull , life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and ' luxury ' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refuelling. Capable of reaching 30 knots (35mph) the ship is one of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the US Fleet. I joined the ship off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, for a routine five-day training mission which saw the F-35C put through its paces. The ship raised its two 60,000lb anchors and set sail from Naval Air Station North Island, in Coronado, San Diego. 12 The USS Nimitz during a drill in the South China Sea in 2020 Credit: EPA 12 Sun man Parry said the carrier operates like a beehive Credit: John Chapple 12 There is even a Starbucks on board Credit: John Chapple Walking around the vast warship you're struck by the sheer number of young faces walking the narrow corridors and stairways - the backbone of the US Navy. The average age of sailors on board is 25 and often you'll find a teenager fresh out of high school steering the warship out of port. During my time onboard I was also taken up to the bridge, the heart of the ship's operation, where the Captain sat on a raised chair surrounded by his team of navigators, officers and the rest of the watch team charged with keeping the ship away from hazards. The mission of many of the Nimitz sailors will be to take off and land dozens of fighter jets, helicopters and planes, sometimes within less than 60 seconds of each other. The crew often work 12-hour shifts, six days a week. The busy ship goes through around 500 cans of energy drink Monster a day purchased from the ship's store. The Nimitz entered service in 1975 but has undergone dozens of refurbishments and upgrades since. It is the lead ship of her class, one of the largest warships in the world, second only to the USS Gerald R Ford . The Nimitz's homeport is Naval Base Kitsap in Washington and the vessel is named for legendary fleet admiral Chester W. Nimitz (1885–1966), who helped the US defeat the Japanese Navy in World War II. Its deployment to the Middle East will likely be its last mission as it marks 50 years of service. The ageing warship is set to be replaced by the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier USS 12 The USS Nimitz is covered in US patriotism on board Credit: John Chapple 12 On board sit special US Navy missiles Credit: John Chapple 12 19-year-old Deborah Jernigan was driving the ship when The Sun hopped on board Credit: John Chapple
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Yahoo
Marine squadron conducts its final Harrier flight in switch to F-35
A Marine Attack Squadron has flown its final Harrier flight and is set for official deactivation in September at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The Marine Attack Squadron VMA 231, known as the 'Ace of Spades,' flew its final AV-8B Harrier II flight May 29, according to a Marine release. 'Today is not a sad day,' Lt. Col. Paul Truog, current commanding officer of VMA-231, said in the release. 'This is a momentous day for Marine aviation. It's a day that we're going to celebrate.' The squadron will transition to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, a fifth generation fighter jet. 'Everybody knows that VMA-231 is transitioning to F-35s. The Wing, the [Marine Aircraft Group], and the squadron are going to be more capable of responding to any crisis,' Truog said in his remarks. 'But that capability is not just because it's our most technically advanced weapons system. That capability is because of the Marines and the pilots that, in record amounts, raise their hands saying, 'I want to continue on, I want to keep moving forward.'' What Marine Corps aviation has in store over the next five years The Corps expects to have a full-fifth generation fleet in their tactical aircraft by 2030. The Harrier is one of two jets that the F-35 is replacing. It is slated to fly until 2027. The other aircraft is the F/A-18 Hornet, which is expected to fly until 2030, when all F-35s are expected to be operational. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron, VMFA 542, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, also at Cherry Point, received its first F-35B in May 2023 and reached initial operational capability with the aircraft in February 2024. Once the unit reaches full operational capability, it will contain six squadrons with 10 planes per squadron. But that number could increase, depending on future mission requirements, basing and funding. The F-35B is a short-takeoff and vertical-landing variant of the aircraft. The F-35C is a long-range jet. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron, VMFA 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Air Wing at Miramar, California, reached full operational capability with its F-35C in July 2021 — the first unit to do so among all military branches. The squadron deployed aboard ship the following year, supporting all 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and West Coast MEU deployments. In 2022, the Corps set procurement goals of 353 F-35B and 67 F-35C for a total of 420 aircraft at a rate of roughly 20 per year. Those aircraft will eventually fill out a planned 18 active component squadrons across the Corps.
