News Stories Archive

US Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 load a Guided Bomb Unit 49 onto an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter in the Western Pacific Ocean on September 12th, 2021. The GBU-49 is a laser and GPS-guided bomb effective across various conditions and against many types of moving or stationary target. VMFA-211, deployed aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth as part of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group 21, became the first fleet squadron to employ the GBU-49 in a training exercise. - US Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 load a Guided Bomb Unit 49 onto an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter in the Western Pacific Ocean on September 12th, 2021. The GBU-49 is a laser and GPS-guided bomb effective across various conditions and against many types of moving or stationary target. VMFA-211, deployed aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth as part of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group 21, became the first fleet squadron to employ the GBU-49 in a training exercise.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj Brian Kimmins prepares to launch an F-35B from HMS Queen Elizabeth for a historic cross-deck operation with USS America in the Pacific Ocean on August 20, 2021. The operation highlighted the interoperability of the F-35B and the strategic importance of the joint integration between the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit. This mission was the first time in modern history the United States has cross-decked aircraft for a mission utilizing a foreign aircraft carrier, demonstrating naval partnerships in action. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj Brian Kimmins prepares to launch an F-35B from HMS Queen Elizabeth for a historic cross-deck operation with USS America in the Pacific Ocean on August 20, 2021. The operation highlighted the interoperability of the F-35B and the strategic importance of the joint integration between the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit. This mission was the first time in modern history the United States has cross-decked aircraft for a mission utilizing a foreign aircraft carrier, demonstrating naval partnerships in action.

A Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Carrier Strike Group 21, launches an F-35B Lightning II aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea, May 6, 2021. VMFA-211 was conducting night carrier qualifications to safely reintegrate back into the CSG. VMFA-211 will form part of the largest 5th-generation carrier air group in the world. This deployment highlights the global reach of the U.S. and UK armed forces and their interoperability, and enhances the deterrence and defense capabilities of the NATO Alliance. - A Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Carrier Strike Group 21, launches an F-35B Lightning II aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea, May 6, 2021. VMFA-211 was conducting night carrier qualifications to safely reintegrate back into the CSG. VMFA-211 will form part of the largest 5th-generation carrier air group in the world. This deployment highlights the global reach of the U.S. and UK armed forces and their interoperability, and enhances the deterrence and defense capabilities of the NATO Alliance.