VMFA-121 received its first F-35B in November 2012, well ahead of the Marine Corps’ announcement of initial operational capability for the program in July 2015. First Marine Corps F-35 Squadron Deploys to Japan. (Jan 2017)
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/01/10/first-marine-corps-f35-squadron-deploys-japan.html
>>VMFA-121 received its first F-35B in November 2012, well ahead of the Marine Corps’ announcement of initial operational capability for the program in July 2015. First Marine Corps F-35 Squadron Deploys to Japan. (Jan 2017)<<
I was using the term “deployment” loosely based on Historical “In Use” dates.
If I grant you 2015, that shaves 3 years off from 21 to 18. I am sure with more research I could knock a few years off each of its predecessors’ deployment dates.
And that is one variant. The others are still not even close.
The F35 has turned into the biggest boondoggle ever. I mean ever. and by far.
They should bring back the F22 for air superiority, upgrade the F16/18 for MRF and F/15 as mission specific.