VMFA-214’s F-35s have deployed to Japan in place of long-running F/A-18 Hornet detachments, which reinforce the U.S. Marine Corps squadrons permanently based in the region.
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 (VMFA-214) and its F-35B Lightning IIs, which it began operating in March 2022, will augment MCAS Iwakuni’s Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) which already comprises two F-35B units alongside logistics and support squadrons.
This inaugural deployment for the type on these rotations is another step along the U.S. Marine Corps’ road to replace its F/A-18C/D Hornets with F-35B and F-35Cs.
“An additional F-35B squadron increases Marine aviation’s contribution to operations in the Indo-Pacific with joint forces, allies, and partners alike from established and scantily developed locations for distributed operations” noted Colonel Kyle B. Shoop, who commands MAG-12. He added that the F-35B in particular provides important force multiplication capabilities through its “ability to operate from austere locations, integrate with joint networks, and provide enhanced battlespace awareness”.
Depending on future availability and requirements, Iwakuni may still play host to future F/A-18 deployments while the move from 4th generation to 5th generation, set out in the 2025 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, is completed. Detachments may also be completed by USMC F-35C units, though these are primarily intended to deploy with U.S. Navy carrier strike groups.
Notably, the Marine Corps did not buy into the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet program and has instead soldiered on with legacy Hornets. F/A-18C/D Hornets were withdrawn from active service in the U.S. Navy in 2019. Focusing its budgets and staffing on the F-35, the USMC will jump straight from the Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II to a completely 5th generation fighter fleet.
The service’s Harrier fleet is due to be retired by 2027, with the last airframe having completed an overhaul process in 2024. Hornets will continue to fly with USMC units until at least 2030.
.@1stMAW_Marines conduct F/A-18C Hornet flight operations during Exercise Cope North 25.#CN25 enhances Indo-Pacific capabilities and lethality by fostering the exchange of information & refining shared tactics, techniques & procedures with our regional Allies and partners. pic.twitter.com/0fkO5Pp8M8
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) February 26, 2025
Speaking about the force’s transition to the F-35, Major General Marcus B. Annibale, Commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing noted “In the bigger picture, as the Marine Corps advances its aviation plan, more F-35 squadrons will stand up, munitions with greater capabilities will become available, the platform’s support systems will strengthen, and the F-35’s technology suite will continue to evolve”.
He added that “as more F-35 squadrons deploy to the remote and contested environments of the Indo-Pacific, Marine Aviation’s readiness will grow, and our capabilities as a combined force in this region will become even more lethal.”
MCAS Iwakuni
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is a major hub for airpower in the Pacific. Not only a base for U.S. Marine Corps fighter squadrons, it is also the nominal home for Carrier Air Wing 5’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F-35C Lightning IIs, E-2D Hawkeyes, CMV-22B Ospreys, and MH-60 Seahawks. When not deployed on board the forward deployed U.S. aircraft carrier based in Yokosuka, currently USS George Washington (CVN 73), these aircraft reside ashore at Iwakuni, and the base also houses each squadron’s administrative facilities.
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) moved to Iwakuni in 2014 with its KC-130J multi-role tankers and transport aircraft. A UC-12W Huron unit provides a light transport and logistics function.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is also a significant user of the airbase, serving as the headquarters for Fleet Air Wing 31. Four JMSDF aircraft squadrons are located at Iwakuni, operating the ShinMaywa US-2, Lockheed P-3 and EP-3, Learjet U-36A, and Leonardo MCH-101.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aircraft MCH-101, UP-3D, EP-3, OP-3C, and US-2 stage for capabilities demonstration at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 27. pic.twitter.com/F7b4jAaxVi
— Ryan Chan 陳家翹 (@ryankakiuchan) February 27, 2023
The MCH-101, based on the AW101 Merlin helicopter, is uniquely employed in a mine countermeasures role, replacing the MH-53E Sea Dragon in Japanese service.
Iwakuni was founded as an airfield during the early stages of the Second World War. It became a target of U.S. bombing missions in 1944 and 1945 before being handed over to American, British, Australian, and New Zealander forces after the Japanese surrender. It was officially designated as a U.S. military base in 1952.
The Aviationist had the opportunity to tour MCAS Iwakuni in 2024 and interview a number of personnel stationed there. You can read our article featuring this trip here.
