Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 147 Gets Certification to Fly F-35Cs

The U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 147 has achieved certification to operate the F-35C Lightning II aircraft following the completion of qualification tests aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

The safe-for-flight operations certification that VFA 147 “Argonauts” received Wednesday comes as the Navy expects to achieve initial operating capability status for the F-35C program by the end of February, the service said Wednesday.

The certification aims to ensure that the squadron is equipped with personnel who are qualified to execute F-35C fleet safety and maintenance programs as they transition from F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets.

“We eagerly look forward to declaring IOC and integrating the F-35C into the carrier strike group,” said Capt. Max McCoy, joint strike fighter wing commander.

The service said squadrons are required to install and operate the Autonomic Logistics Information System and related management networks as well as complete several inspections in order to achieve the certification.