F-35s are going to be a 'game-changer' for US Navy amphibious assault ship and former 'Harrier carrier' USS Bataan, senior officer says

Thu, 05/23/2024 - 17:42

An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to the "Vikings" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225 lands on the flight deck aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), Sept. 20, 2023.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mikal Chapman

USS Bataan is about to undergo a major overhaul to carry F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters.
The flight deck will be completely revamped for vertical takeoff, giving the Bataan a major air combat capability.
The Bataan will be "the most advanced amphibious warship in the Navy," a senior officer said.

USS Bataan just finished a lengthy deployment in Middle Eastern waters that took it into the ongoing Red Sea fight, but it'll soon be headed to the shipyard for a major overhaul.