F-35C Carrier Evaluation USS George Washington (CVN-73)

F-35C Carrier Evaluation USS George Washington (CVN-73)Video Credit: USS George Washington (CVN-73)

F-35C Lightning II carrier variants, assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 and the Grim Reapers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, the Navy’s F-35C Fleet replacement squadron, conduct flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). VX-23 is conducting its third and final developmental test (DT-III) phase of the F-35C. VFA-101 is conducting its first carrier qualifications with the aircraft. The F-35C is expected to be Fleet operational in 2018. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Price and Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian Sipe)