U.S. Marine Corps VMFA-224 Begins New Era with Transition to F-35B Lightning II

U.S. Marine Corps VMFA-224 begins new era with transition to F-35B Lightning II

The ceremony included the formal handover of command from Lieutenant Colonel Jarrod Allen to Lieutenant Colonel John Stuart. This occasion also signified the unit’s redesignation from VMFA(AW)-224 to VMFA-224, marking its transformation into the Marine Corps’ latest fifth-generation fighter squadron. “For over 30 years, the Fightin’ Bengals have superbly executed the mission of a Marine all-weather fighter attack squadron,” said Lt. Col. Allen. …

The Marine Corps’ Newest F-35B Squadron

JUNE 28, 2025 – Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224 redesignated to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224 during a change of command and redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, on Thursday. The event marked the squadron’s historic transition from operating the F/A-18D Hornet to becoming an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron, concluding more than 32 years as a Hornet squ…

VMFA-224 Redesignates as Marine Corps’ Newest F-35B Squadron

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Steven E. Buckom, from North Carolina, command senior enlisted leader, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224, passes the Marine Corps colors to Lt. Col. Jarrod Allen, from California, the outgoing commanding officer of VMFA(AW)-224, during a squadron redesignation and change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 26, 2025. The ceremony represented the squadro…