F-35C Fighter Is The 'Backbone' of the U.S. Navy in the Sky

What You Need to Know: The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-86) "Sidewinders" has officially transitioned from the F/A-18 Super Hornet to the advanced F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter after completing the Safe-For-Flight Operations Qualification.

-The F-35C, designed for carrier operations, positions itself as a critical asset in potential near-peer conflicts, particularly against China in the Indo-Pacific.

-Known for its cutting-edge sensors, stealth, and multi-domain capabilities, the F-35C is gradually replacing the F/A-18 Super Hornet to become the carrier strike group's main weapon, enabling seamless integration with other naval, air, and ground assets for enhanced power projection.

F-35C Stealth Fighter Takes the Spotlight in Navy’s Carrier Strike Groups

The U.S. naval aviation community achieved another milestone after the Navy’s third operational F-35C Lightning II squadron was cleared to transition from the F/A-18 Super Hornet to the stealth fighter jet.  

"When diplomacy fails . . . 86 'em!" 

The Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) “The Sidewinders,” has been in action since 1951. Since then, the unit has flown a great variety of attack and fighter jets. And now, the squadron is finalizing its transition from the venerable F/A-18 Super Hornet, which it has flown for thirty-six years, to the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter jet.  

“I couldn’t be more proud of the Winder Team for this achievement," Commander Nathan Staples, the commanding officer of the VFA-86, said in a press release. "Our team has excelled since the transition began in February 2023, and I look forward to our future achievements and the standards we set for the Lightning II community.” 

Recently, the squadron passed the Safe-For-Flight Operations Qualification process and was cleared to transition.  

The Safe-For-Flight Operations Qualification is the last step before a unit officially transitions to a new platform. By awarding the qualification, the military is confident that the particular unit has all the essential qualified personnel, the appropriate infrastructure, the logistical capabilities, and the administrative policies and programs in place to safely fly a new type of aircraft.  

"Our success is due to proactive management, engaged leadership, and a can-do attitude," AFCM Rich Brickey, VFA-86 Maintenance Master Chief, stated. "Our Sailors have excelled in every metric and will continue to do so whenever called upon." 

The certification comes at a key point for the naval aviation community.  

At the Tip of the Spear  

The F-35C is one of the most important aircraft in the entire arsenal of the U.S. military. Designed specifically to operate from aircraft carriers, the F-35C will find itself at the forefront of combat operations in a potential future near-peer conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific.  

For example, if Beijing does decide to proceed with the forceful reunification with Taiwan through an invasion of the island nation, and the U.S. decides to intervene to stop that from happening, the U.S. Navy will send its carrier strike battlegroups in the area to stop the Chinese amphibious operation. And the F-35C is becoming the main weapon of the carrier strike battlegroups, gradually phasing out the F/A-18 Super Hornet.  

“The F-35C enhances the carrier strike group's ability to project power, supporting U.S. national security and integrating seamlessly with other carrier air wing assets,” the Navy states about its most advanced fighter jet.  

What makes the F-35 Lightning II a great aircraft for a near-peer conflict is its ability to connect and maximize the potential of diverse, friendly assets on the battlefield. With its cutting-edge sensors, the F-35 can detect and track targets across the battlefield and guide friendly ground, air, and naval assets to them. In addition, the stealth fighter jet can take up any adversary aircraft on its own and prevail in an air-combat situation before the adversary aircraft even gets close.  

About the Author

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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