The F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is showcased

The F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is showcased during a debut to the Beaufort, S.C. community aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Aug. 20. The F-35 will replace the Marine Corps' aging legacy tactical fleet providing the dominant, multi-role, fifth-generation capabilities needed across the full spectrum of combat operations to deter potential adversaries and enable future naval aviation power projection. MCAS Beaufort is expected to receive the aircraft in 2014 along with Marine Fighter Attack Training squadron 501, the Marine Corps' first F-35B training squadron, which falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 31 aboard MCAS Beaufort.