As the USMC conducts tests for the Lightning Carrier concept aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA-7), James DeBoer gains insight from the leaders involved.
Ever since the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II was developed, USMC planners have envisioned the possibility of operating a so-called Lightning Carrier –a US Navy multipurpose amphibious assault (LHA/LHD) type ship packed full of F-35Bs.
The concept is not a new one for short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. In December 1990, 20 AV-8 Harriers embarked on the USS Nassau (LHA-4) for the start of the first Gulf War. Over a decade later and with the invasion of Iraq imminent, the USS Bataan (LHD-5) and the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) were designated as ‘Harrier Carriers’ and sailed with 24 Harriers aboard.
The Lightning Carrier concept was mentioned within the USMC aviation plan of 2017, stating, “While the amphibious assault ship will never replace the aircraft carrier, it can be complementary, if employed in imaginative ways. The light aircraft carrier (CVN-L) concept has previously been employed [five times] utilizing AV-8 Harriers in a ‘Harrier Carrier’ concept. The Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU’s) mission …
