USS America’s Weapons Department preps test bombs for F-35B [Image 167 of 386]

UNITED STATES

11.05.2016

Photo by Arnesia R McIntyre 

U.S. Navy           

161105-N-NJ416-0138 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 5, 2016) – Seaman Desmond Ares, assigned to Weapons department on board amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), helps assemble inert 1,000-pound GBU-32 joint direct attack test munitions for the F-35B Lighting II aircraft. The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the world’s first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft. America, with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) embarked, are underway conducting operational testing and the third phase of developmental testing for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, respectively. The tests will evaluate the full spectrum of joint strike fighter measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Arnesia McIntyre/Released)

• Date Taken: 11.05.2016
• Date Posted: 11.10.2016 00:49
• Photo ID: 2980327
• VIRIN: 161105-N-NJ416-0138
• Resolution: 3807x2602
• Size: 927.77 KB
• Location: US