U.S. Marines Declare F-35B Ready for Limited Combat Duty
An F-35B aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., on Feb. 25, 2014.
Photographer: Devon Ravine/Northwest Florida Daily/AP PhotoThis article is for subscribers only.
The Marine Corps has declared its version of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 fighter ready for limited combat operations, a milestone for the Pentagon’s costliest weapons program, according to three people familiar with the decision.
General Joseph Dunford, the Marine Corps commandant, made the decision, according to the people, who asked not to be identified in advance of an announcement expected on Friday afternoon. Members of Congress were being notified of the decision.