New F-35B arrives at MCAS-Yuma - | News for Yuma, Imperial Valley, El Centro, AZ & CA

YUMA, AZ - Marine Corps Air Station Yuma welcomed its first operational F-35B today.

The state-of-the-art Joint Strike Fighter is a tactical fixed-wing aircraft.

The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing fighter.

It's slated to replace the Marine Corps' FA-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier and EA-6B Prowler.

The F-35B will replace older jets in the Marine Corps' 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's first F-35 Squadron which is based at MCAS- Yuma.

Marine F-35B pilot major Aric Liberman delivered the first F-35B to MCAS- Yuma at around 1pm.

The aircraft will be used to conduct a wide range of aviation operations supporting combat missions and maritime readiness around the world.