Marines Field First Operational Squadron Of F-35 Stealth Fighter Read more: http://www.businessinsi

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Sen. John McCain on Tuesday welcomed the Marine Corps' first squadron of pilots who are being called upon to fly the branch's version of the next-generation F-35 fighter jet out of its long and troubled testing phase.

McCain spoke at a ceremony to inaugurate Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at its base in Yuma, Ariz., saying he was encouraged by the recent progress of the supersonic jet program.

The Arizona Republican's comments come months after he raised concerns that the Pentagon was prematurely ending the probation period for the Marine Corps' F-35B aircraft, which has had technical problems in its development.

McCain told the crowd Tuesday that much work still needs to be done before the aircraft can be sent into combat. The F-35B would replace Cold War-era aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/marines-field-first-operational-squadron-of-f-35-stealth-fighter-2012-11#ixzz2CrNYBbNb