In early October, two Marine Corps F-35Bs performed take-offs and landings off the Japanese Ship Izumo stationed in the Pacific. These flights secured a first for the Japanese F-35 program! Before the success of the tests, the teams at the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, played a key role in designing and executing a test plan for the demonstration. The ITF involvement ensured the vertical landings and short takeoffs were executed safely and efficiently through open communication and following the set test plan. Learn more about this historic F-35 event.