Marine F-35Cs and flight of the Marauder
VMFA-251 gets new Lightnings and remembering the first flight of the B-26
“I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Alright, onto the newsletter:
Mission Briefing:
Mission Update: VMFA-251 Becomes the First East Coast F-35C Squadron
17 August 2024, history was made at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251) received its first F-35C Lightning II. This delivery marks a significant milestone for the U.S. Marine Corps, as VMFA-251, known as the “Thunderbolts” or “T-Bolts,” becomes the first operational F-35C squadron on the East Coast.
The arrival of the F-35C ushers in a new era for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW), part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). This transition represents the gradual phasing out of the legacy F/A-18C/D Hornet, which VMFA-251 flew from 1986 until the squadron's deactivation in 2020. The squadron’s reactivation and certification for F-35 operations symbolize the Corps’ commitment to integrating cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth aircraft into its combat-ready arsenal.
A Leap Forward: The F-35C in Focus
The F-35C variant is tailored for carrier operations with its larger wingspan and robust design optimized for CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) environments. This contrasts with the F-35B, the Marine Corps’ STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) variant, capable of operating from smaller, less conventional airfields.
Both variants share a suite of advanced capabilities:
Stealth and Survivability: Enhanced airframe design minimizes radar cross-section, increasing survivability in contested environments.
Sensor Fusion: Real-time data integration provides pilots with unmatched situational awareness.
Lethality and Agility: The F-35 excels in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, improving response times and mission success rates.
From Legacy to Fifth Generation
VMFA-251’s transition is part of the larger modernization effort across the Marine Corps' aviation units. After 34 years of service and deployments, including Operation Inherent Resolve, the squadron was deactivated in 2020. This was followed by its relocation to MCAS Cherry Point to commence its F-35C induction and reactivation.
The Hornet, renowned for its multi-role capabilities, served as the backbone of Marine Corps aviation for decades. However, the F-35’s stealth, sensor technology, and versatility make it the new tip of the spear for Marine Corps tactical aviation.
Enhanced Capabilities for the Fight Ahead
The F-35 is designed to counter advanced threats while increasing operational lethality and survivability. It represents a technological leap forward for Marine Aviation, enabling units like VMFA-251 to perform critical missions in high-threat environments and on the frontlines of future conflicts.
The Thunderbolts’ journey from their Hornet legacy to their role as pioneers of the F-35C highlights the Marine Corps' enduring commitment to adaptability and combat excellence. The future of Marine Corps aviation is here, and VMFA-251 stands at the forefront.
The arrival of the F-35C at MCAS Cherry Point marks not just a transition, but a testament to the evolution of Marine Corps aviation. Stay tuned for more updates as VMFA-251 continues to make history.
This week in aviation history
25 November 1940: At the Glenn L. Martin Company, test pilot William Kenneth Ebel, co-pilot Ed Fenimore, and flight engineer Al Malewski took to the skies in the first B-26 Marauder, serial number 40-1361. This marked the maiden flight of what would become a crucial medium bomber for the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Designed with speed as a primary objective, the B-26 was a revolutionary aircraft of its time. Production began so urgently that no prototypes were built—every Marauder was a production model. The sleek bomber measured 58 feet 2.5 inches long with a 65-foot wingspan and stood just under 20 feet tall. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-5 radial engines, it boasted a maximum speed of 326 mph at 14,250 feet and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet.
Despite its advanced design, the Marauder quickly earned a reputation as a challenging aircraft to fly, nicknamed the "Widowmaker" due to its high landing speeds and tricky handling with an engine out. Modifications, including a slight increase in wingspan and vertical stabilizer size, improved its performance. Rigorous training in airspeed control further enhanced its safety record. By war’s end, the B-26 Marauder achieved the lowest combat loss rate of any American bomber.
Between 1941 and 1945, over 5,200 Marauders were produced, serving in the Pacific, Mediterranean, and European theaters. After the war, the B-26 designation was reassigned to the Douglas A-26 Invader.
Sadly, the first B-26, 40-1361, met its end on 8 August 1941 after a belly landing at Patterson Field, Ohio.
About the Pilot: William Kenneth Ebel, born 2 January 1899 in Orangeville, Illinois, was a veteran engineer and pilot. A graduate of Heidelberg College and the Case School of Applied Science, he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. His career exemplified the pioneering spirit of early aviation engineers and test pilots, bridging the gap between concept and combat-ready aircraft.
The B-26 Marauder remains a testament to innovation under pressure, proving itself as one of the most effective bombers of World War II despite its early challenges.
In Case You Missed It
Speaking of the F-35C, here’s a video about a couple of the Lightning’s most recent strikes:
Photo Outlet
Over the next year I will be releasing some of the best photos I took at the airshow, here is the next series:
Feel free to use these photos however you like, if you choose to tag me, I am @pilotphotog on all social platforms. Thanks!
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog