The United States Marine Corps declared its second squadron of F-35Bs now fully operational in Iwakuni, Japan. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242) “Bats” spent well over two years of planning and execution to reach full operational capability. The squadron is now ready to support a full set of safety and security missions and significantly reinforces the U.S. and Japan’s shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. As more F-35 squadrons become operational, the U.S. and its partners continue to prove the F-35’s unprecedented and unmatched capabilities. VMFA-242 F-35B Squadron in Japan achieves full operational capability (naval-technology.com)