USMC F-35 presence at Iwakuni doubles
On 10 May 2025, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 'Wake Island Avengers' ('CF-xx') began operations at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan.
The arrival of this stateside unit doubles the number of F-35B squadrons currently operating from the base. In March 2025, the two permanently stationed units, VMFA-121 'Green Knights' ('VK-xx') and VMFA-242 'Bats' ('DT-xx'), were joined by VMFA-214 'Black Sheep' ('WE-xx') as part of the Unit Deployment Programme (UDP). The 'Black Sheep' is the first CONUS (Continental US) based F-35B squadron to deploy to Iwakuni under the UDP.
The Unit Deployment Programme sends Marine aviation - and occasionally ground combat - units from CONUS to the Western Pacific for six-month rotational deployments. This approach enhances regional presence without permanent stationing, while promoting unit continuity and operational experience in the Indo-Pacific.
Credit photo: Paul Easton (Scramble Archive)