Marines’ top aviator says F-35 nearing combat designation

The U.S. Marine Corps’ top aviator said Monday that a recommendation to declare an initial squadron of F-35 fighter jets as combat ready has been submitted to Marine Corps Commandant Joseph Dunford, Reuters reported.

During a conference call with reporters, Lt. Gen. Jon Davis said that Dunford was informed that the F-35B, built by Lockheed Martin in west Fort Worth, met all of the requirements needed for “initial operational capability” during recent tests in Arizona, the news agency reported.

Davis did not predict when Dunford will give formal approval, but Lockheed Martin officials expect an announcement from the Marine Corps any day.

“I think it’s soon. I’m not going to rush General Dunford. He’s a busy guy,” Davis reportedly said.

Pilots were able to carry out an armed reconnaissance mission in a “very high threat” environment, Reuters quoted Davis as saying. The F-35B is the Marine Corps version of the stealth joint strike fighter. It is designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings.

Lockheed Martin has been anxiously waiting for weeks to hear that the F-35B will gain the IOC designation from the Marines, meaning the sophisticated and stealthy fighter jet is ready to be deployed to fight alongside other aircraft. The announcement will makr a significant milestone for the program, which has encountered years of technical hurdles and delays.

Lockheed Martin employs more than 13,000 people in Fort Worth, including 8,800 on the F-35 fighter jet program.

Max B. Baker, 817-390-7714

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 6:11 PM with the headline "Marines’ top aviator says F-35 nearing combat designation."