https://insidedefense.com/insider/navy- ... sting-weekThe F-35B aboard the Essex (LHD-2) for Dawn Blitz 2017The F-35B short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing jet will also be at-sea this week participating in the amphibious exercise, Dawn Blitz, aboard the Essex (LHD-2). Dawn Blitz is a multinational exercise that takes place on the West Coast. This is the first time the F-35B and F-35C have operated on vessels at the same time.
"Dawn Blitz 2017 is a multinational, scenario-driven, expeditionary maritime training exercise designed to train the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the operations expected of an amphibious task force while also building U.S. and coalition operational interoperability from the sea. Dawn Blitz 2017 will test staffs in planning and execution of amphibious operations in a series of live training events. Dawn Blitz 2017 will involve sea and land based live fire, amphibious beach landings, aviation from sea to shore, maritime prepositioning force training and sea-basing operations."
SAN DIEGO -
Forces from Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade will participate in amphibious exercise Dawn Blitz 2017 off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 20-30. Dawn Blitz 2017 is a scenario-driven exercise designed to train the Navy and Marine Corps in operations expected of an amphibious task force. The exercise will test staffs in the planning and execution of amphibious operations in a series of live training events. Units from U.S. 3rd Fleet and Ist Marine Expeditionary Force will utilize the latest technologies in the live exercises to accomplish Dawn Blitz 2017 training objectives.
The exercise will involve an amphibious assault, mine operations, live-fire opportunities, and the establishment of expeditionary advanced bases. Exercises like Dawn Blitz 2017 provide realistic, relevant training necessary for effective global crisis response expected of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Unique to this exercise is the integration of the F-35 and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System to conduct a sea-based strike. When directed, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade deploys and is employed as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force in support of Combatant Commander requirements for contingency response or major theater war. U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. 3rd Fleet constantly coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions based on their complementary strengths to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the entire Pacific theater of operations.
You’ve probably heard that F-35B Lightening II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft will someday be coming to an amphibious ship near you, but did you know that some ships have already made the improvements to accept F-35’s? In August USS Essex (LHD 2) welcomed the F-35B on board during sea trials and flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California.
PACIFIC OCEAN
(Aug. 19, 2017)
An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter assigned to the "Avengers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 awaits take off aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting sea trials and flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Irwin Sampaga/Released)
...should be VMFA-211 aka Wake Island Avengers on the Essex