The US Navy recently began at-sea operational testing of its version of the F-35C Lightning II fighter.
Over the next several weeks, the USS Abraham Lincoln will treat the stealthy new Lockheed Martin jet as if it were already in service — with around the clock operations that include practicing strike, intelligence and reconnaissance, signals gathering missions and more.
Equally key is refining maintenance methods and integrating the new plane within a carrier air wing that today includes F-18 Superhornet fighters and Growler jammers as well as E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft.
There are six F-35s aboard Lincoln, along with nearly 40 other aircraft.
Lincoln rejoined the fleet last year after a 4-year refueling and overhaul during which the ships was fitted with capabilities to support the F-35.
