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    USS Bataan’s Transformation: A New Era of Naval Air Power with F-35B Stealth Fighters

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    The USS Bataan is set to become the most advanced amphibious warship in the U.S. Navy, marking a new chapter in naval aviation as it undergoes extensive modifications to host the formidable F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters.

    Docked in New York City for Fleet Week 2024, the Bataan’s upcoming overhaul is slated to be a “game-changer” for its capabilities and future operations.

    Designed to project US power as part of a more distributed force, particularly across the Pacific, the lightning carrier will carry fewer fighters than an aircraft carrier like the USS Gerald R. Ford—up to 20 compared to over 50—but it is a more cost-effective and versatile option due to its additional capabilities.

    However, this conversion process will keep the Bataan in the shipyard for over 600 days. “We have to completely revamp the flight deck,” explained Capt. Trace Head, the ship’s executive officer, to Business Insider this week, noting that “the electrical demand is different from any aircraft that we have on board.”

    “As we transition from the Harrier to the F-35 on these ships, there’s certain maintenance things that have to be done, and that’s all planned and programmed,” stated Marine Forces Command leader Lt. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh.

    One of the biggest modifications will be ensuring that the Bataan can handle the F-35B’s unique vertical takeoff process, which generates intense heat that can damage the flight deck.

    The F-35B is designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings, negating the need for catapult launch systems used by Nimitz- and Ford-class aircraft carriers.

    This upgrade will enable the Bataan to deploy a limited number of fifth-generation F-35s while retaining its essential amphibious assault capabilities, making the ship smaller and more versatile in its missions.

    A significant advantage of a lightning carrier is the F-35B’s extensive array of sensors, enabling the jet to function as a battlefield hub, relaying information to allied forces over a wide area.

    The transition from older Harrier jump jets to F-35 fighter jets could alter the missions the Bataan undertakes and potentially extend their duration.

    Last fall, the big-deck amphibious ship operated in the Red Sea, deterring threats and projecting US power as the US and its partners engaged with Houthi forces. At that time, the Bataan lacked significant combat power.

    “There’s absolutely no question” that the F-35 would have fundamentally changed the Bataan’s role in that conflict, remarked Capt. Head. “We might still be there if we had F-35s on board.”

    Lt. Gen. Cavanaugh noted that upgrading to the F-35 represents a “significant jump” from other aircraft, introducing new capabilities and challenges. “As we get increased technologies,” he said, “it’s a stronger deterrent all across the globe.”

    The Bataan’s destination upon its anticipated return to service in May 2026 remains uncertain, but Capt. Head is excited about the ship’s enhanced capabilities.

    “The next deployment, we will be the most advanced amphibious warship in the Navy coming out of the shipyard,” he said.

    Relevant articles:
    F-35s are going to be a ‘game-changer’ for US Navy amphibious assault ship and former ‘Harrier carrier’ USS Bataan, senior officer says, Business Insider
    Stormy Daniels’s husband: ‘Good chance’ they’ll leave US if Trump acquitted, AOL.com
    26th MEU(SOC) Returns Home from Eight-Month Deployment, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (.mil)
    Bataan ARG, 26th MEU to Arrive Home Saturday, USNI News

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