F35B Lightning II visits new homes for the first time

Friday 1st July 2016 marked an historic day for the UK as the future of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force combat air fleets, the F-35B Lightning II, flew over their prospective ‘homes’; HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Prince of Wales in Rosyth and RAF Marham in Norfolk.

The carriers will provide over four-acres of sovereign territory which can be deployed around the world, travelling at upwards of 500 nautical miles a day. Both ships are capable of carrying up to 36 F-35B Lightning II stealth jets.

The head of the Fleet Air Arm, Rear Admiral Keith Blount OBE, said, "Today marks a significant milestone in the nation’s return to aircraft carrier aviation and carrier strike. 

"Both ships have been designed from the keel up to operate with the F-35B and the RAF and Royal Navy are working ever closer to see fixed-wing aircraft once more operating from Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers. I feel very proud to be part of it.

Following the flypast at the QEC, the aircraft flew on to RAF Marham, Norfolk.

In front of personnel from the Station and invited local guests, the F-35B completed a flypast, demonstrating what the station can expect when Marham becomes its home base in 2018. 

The Station has already started to prepare for the aircraft’s arrival with work to provide the necessary infrastructure and support facilities.