KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, successfully concluded three cross-country flights to three Republic of Korea (ROK) air bases with fifth generation aircraft for the first time from March 18 to April 2, 2024.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters landed at ROK bases in Suwon, Daegu, and Pohang during a deployment for training on the Korean peninsula. By performing these cross-country flights, VMFA-121 aimed to expand their ability to employ the combat power of F-35B aircraft to different allied airfields in the region.

“Operating out of different bases significantly enhances our operational flexibility to amplify the combined force’s overall capabilities in the Korean theater. This includes dispersing forces and strategically positioning assets,” said Col. Kyle B. Shoop, commanding officer of MAG-12.

In Suwon, four F-35B fighters landed at Suwon Air Base and departed shortly after receiving fuel. Marines with VMFA-121 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 provided approximately 24-hours of support to the F-35Bs while they were in Daegu and Pohang, marking the first time fifth generation aircraft stayed overnight at any ROK base. During their time in Pohang, F-35B pilots gave a tour of the aircraft to the leaders of the three ROK commands stationed at Pohang base.

Each cross-country flight used a small footprint of Marines to support flight operations in line with the expeditionary advanced base operations concept of the Marine Corps. One aspect of this concept is centered around the flexibility to efficiently work with allied and partner forces in supporting military actions from various locations.

“Utilizing different bases fosters stronger partnerships with our ROK allies,” Shoop highlighted. “We deepen our alliance regularly as we work together and with this we, collectively, have taken a large step forward.”

Marine Aircraft Group 12 is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan and hosts the only two forward-deployed fifth generation stealth fighter squadrons in Asia. The F-35B aircraft offers many benefits to the Indo-Pacific region such as excellent maneuverability in both aerial and ground combat situations, advanced technologies, and unique short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities.