The amphibious assault ship, currently docked in New York City for Fleet Week 2024, will undergo work to carry F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.
The upgrade will be "game-changer" for the capabilities and future operations of the ship, a senior officer said.
AdvertisementAn F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft sits on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex.
Ken Kalemkarian/releasedThe idea of a lightning carrier has roots in the "Harrier carrier" concept, which the Bataan notably employed in Iraq in 2003.
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft operate alongside amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) in the Gulf of Oman, Aug. 17, 2023.
Persons:
—, it'll, Gerald R, Ford, Trace, Chandler Harrell, Brian Cavanaugh, Cpl, Ken Kalemkarian, Thomas Hudner, Cavanaugh, Lockheed Martin
Organizations:
Service, Bataan, Fleet, Business, US Navy, Marine Forces Command, US Navy Nimitz, Attack Squadron, Marine Corps Air, U.S . Air Force, US, USS, Lockheed
Locations:
New York City, Bataan, Essex, Yuma, Ariz, Iraq, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Gulf of Oman, USS America