
The Marine Corps unit that will first fly the service’s version of the F-35 as an operational aircraft in late June launched live ordnance from the aircraft.From June 22-26, 14 pilots from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 flew sorties in six F-35Bs on which they deployed both inert and high-explosive munitions, a first for the squadron and the aircraft. Flying from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, the ordnance was dropped on a restricted range in southeastern California.A…