VMFA-533 becomes the first operational F-35 squadron to receive aircraft aboard MCAS Beaufort > 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing > Article View

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35B Lightning II jet today aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina.

VMFA-533 is the Marine Corps' second operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron on the East Coast and the first aboard MCAS Beaufort. To date, the only F-35 aircraft stationed aboard MCAS Beaufort were assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, whose mission is to instruct prospective F-35 pilots by conducting basic fighter/attack induction training to equip. The aircraft's arrival marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Beaufort operational squadrons, defined as units whose primary purpose is to support Marine Corps and Department of Defense operations. Today's arrival continues the 2nd MAW's operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft to the F-35.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with advanced stealth, agility and maneuverability, as well as sensor and information fusion, providing the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. It is designed to address an advanced threat while improving lethality, survivability and supportability. The F-35B Lightning II is the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35 variant. This capability allows the aircraft to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips less than 2,000 feet long.

“The delivery of VMFA-533's first Block 4 F-35B begins another chapter in the squadron's storied history, which began nearly 81 years ago to date, and is an important step in increasing MAG-31's lethality and our capability “To contribute to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and the Joint Force,” said Col. Michael Cassidy, commander of MAG-31. “Transitioning a squadron is no easy task, and the Marines and Sailors of VMFA-533 have undertaken significant preparation over the past year to get them to this point. I am excited to see what the future holds for VMFA-533 as they take this significant step in their history, and I look forward to their contribution to the sound of freedom at MCAS Beaufort.”

Block 4 upgrades provide evolution of several capabilities of the F-35, including improved weapons carrying capabilities, additional advanced non-kinetic electronic warfare capabilities and improved target detection. Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3), which enables Block 4, introduces an open mission system architecture, greater computing power, improvements to the panoramic cockpit display, and a larger storage unit.

VMFA(AW)-533, known colloquially among squadrons assigned to MCAS Beaufort as “America's Squadron” due to its red, white and blue insignia, was redesignated VMFA-533 at a ceremony on September 28, 2023. The squadron's redesignation concluded its 31 years of service as the F/A-18 Hornet squadron. The squadron then began preparations to transition to the F-35 and is currently undergoing the aircraft acceptance process and working toward achieving Safe for Flight certification.

“This arrival marks the new era in the Marine Corps’ use of the F-35. The year-long preparation process for our first Block 4 F-35 demonstrates the patience and perseverance of the Marines in this squadron,” said Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett, commander of VMFA-533. “I am truly proud of the exceptional professionalism and dedication shown by every Marine in the American squadron over the last year, and I am pleased that their hard work is being rewarded with the long-awaited delivery of what we are privileged to call an F-35 .” own.”

VMFA-533 is a subordinate unit of the 2nd MAW, the air combat element of the II Marine Expeditionary Force.