VMFA-214, known as the Black Sheep, transitioned to the F-35B platform in March 2022 and is the first F-35
squadron to take part in this rotational and continuous augmentation of Marine aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific.
“Our focus during this deployment is threefold,” said Lt. Col. Robert F. Guyette, the commanding officer of
VMFA-214. “To seamlessly integrate within Marine forces, joint forces, and regional allies and improve
warfighting readiness as a combined force, refine our ability to operate from austere locations, and align with key
Marine Corps concepts like Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations to maximize survivability and airpower
projection,” Guyette continued.

Though MAG-12 currently maintains two fully operational F-35B squadrons, the commander of MAG-12, Col.
Kyle B. Shoop, described the addition of a U.S.-based F-35 squadron to the region as unique for operations with
joint and allied forces. “An additional F-35B squadron increases Marine aviation’s contribution to operations in
the Indo-Pacific with joint forces, allies, and partners alike from established and scantily developed locations for
distributed operations,” said Shoop. “The F-35B’s ability to operate from austere locations, integrate with joint
networks, and provide enhanced battlespace awareness makes it a force multiplier, ensuring that any force the
platform is a part of remains at the cutting edge of modern warfare.”

The UDP provides continental U.S.-based units with experience operating in the Indo-Pacific through continuous
and overlapping deployments to the region. Traditionally, fixed-wing aircraft groups have supported the UDP with
F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers. While Hornet deployments are available to support the UDP in the future,
VMFA-214’s deployment marked a milestone in the February 2025 Marine Aviation Plan: the transition from 4th
to 5th generation aircraft.

When asked about the transition, Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, the commanding general of 1st MAW,
emphasized that the move is designed to meet operational needs in the Indo-Pacific with a forward-leaning
approach. “In the bigger picture, as the Marine Corps advances its aviation plan, more F-35 squadrons will stand
up, munitions with greater capabilities will become available, the platform's support systems will strengthen, and
the F-35's technology suite will continue to evolve,” said Annibale. “As more F-35 squadrons deploy to the
remote and contested environments of the Indo-Pacific, Marine Aviation’s readiness will grow, and our
capabilities as a combined force in this region will become even more lethal.”