F-35B’s Double Up Vertical-Launch Power Aboard the USS Tripoli

Video Above: F-35s to Europe

By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

The second US Navy America-class amphibious assault ship has now launched the 5th-generation F-35Bs, adding additional vertical-launch stealth power to maritime operations.

The first of the Navy’s emerging fleet of America-class amphibs, the USS America, has been operating for several years now. The ship has conducted missions with more than 13 operational F-35Bs on board, demonstrating substantial 5th-generation air power at sea. Now the second ship in class, the USS Tripoli, is joining the USS America as an F-35B-armed amphib. A write up from the Pentagon’s F-35 Joint Program Office says this flight marked the “first time F-35s have operated on the USS Tripoli.

The JPO says the USS Tripoli is operating in the US 3rd Fleet, an area which encompasses the Central and Eastern portions of the Pacific.

 F-35B Tripoli Launch 

Interestingly, the launch of an F-35B from the Tripoli signifies the success of specific Navy efforts to build F-35B accommodations into the ship during construction. 

During the F-35Bs initial operations from the USS America, the Navy realized that certain structural adjustments were necessary to ensure that the 5th-generation aircraft could launch and land effectively from the deck of the America. Specifically, the flight deck needed additional non-skid materials to ensure it could handle the heat of an F-35B vertical take off and landing.