US Marine Squadron VMA 211 To Be Re-designated To F-35B Joint Strike Fighter Squadron

The US Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 will be re-designated to (VMFA) 211 in a change of command ceremony, scheduled to be conducted Thursday.

The squadron is scheduled to transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. A change of command ceremony is also scheduled where Lt. Col. William Maples will relinquish command to Lt. Col. Chad Vaughn.

The squadron flew its final flights with the AV-8B Harrier May 6 and received its first two F-35B aircraft on May 9.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a supersonic, multi-role, multi-service aircraft that represents a quantum leap in air dominance capability.  

The AV-8B Harrier was designed to attack and destroy surface and air targets, escort helicopters, engage in air-to-air defense, provide reconnaissance and apply offensive and defensive support with its arsenal of missiles, bombs and an onboard 25 mm cannon.