![](https://executivegov-media.s3.amazonaws.com/2022/05/19/ce/99/10/d4/8a/3e/b4/a4/egov-logo.png)
Defense officials told the publication that the Lockheed Martin-built F-35B aircraft aboard the USS Essex ship could be deployed soon to support airstrikes in Afghanistan.
The report said USMC declared its short takeoff, vertical landing variant of F-35 combat ready in 2015.
The Marines transferred the first F-35B fighter attack squadron from Arizona to Japan in January 2017 as part of the serviceâs worldwide deployment effort.
Â