150518-N-BQ308-002 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 18, 2015) F-35

150518-N-BQ308-002 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 18, 2015) F-35 Bravo Lighting II stand ready on the deck of amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) for day two of first phase operational testing (OT-1). Wasp, embarked with VMFA-121 and VMFAT-501 is underway conducting the OT-1, which will evaluate the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness to the maximum extent possible. Specifically, the ship trial will assess the integration of the F-35B while operating across a wide array of flight and deck operations, maintenance operations and logistical supply chain support in an at-sea environment. Data and lessons learned will lay the groundwork for F-35B deployments aboard U.S. Navy amphibious carriers following the Marine Corps’ F-35B initial operating capability (IOC) declaration in July 2015. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Willam Tonacchio/Released)