What You Need to Know: The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-86) "Sidewinders" has officially transitioned from the F/A-18 Super Hornet to the advanced F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter after completing the Safe-For-Flight Operations Qualification.

-The F-35C, designed for carrier operations, positions itself as a critical asset in potential near-peer conflicts, particularly against China in the Indo-Pacific.

-Known for its cutting-edge sensors, stealth, and multi-domain capabilities, the F-35C is gradually replacing the F/A-18 Super Hornet to become the carrier strike group's main weapon, enabling seamless integration with other naval, air, and ground assets for enhanced power projection.

The U.S. naval aviation community achieved another milestone after the Navy’s third operational F-35C Lightning II squadron was cleared to transition from the F/A-18 Super Hornet to the stealth fighter jet.

"When diplomacy fails . . . 86 'em!"

The Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) “The Sidewinders,” has been in action since 1951. Since then, the unit has flown a great variety of........

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