F-35C Lightning II Conducts Operational Test-1 Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug 28, 2018) F-35C Lightning II aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 conduct their Operational Test-1 (OT-1) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Carrier Strike Group 12 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). OT-1 evaluates the full spectrum of the F-35C’s suitability for operation within a carrier air wing and mission effectiveness to the maximum extent possible. Previously, F-35C and F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots have only conducted carrier qualifications together, so OT-1 marks the first time the F-35Cs have joined a carrier air wing to perform in a cyclic operations environment. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Sherman/Released) 180828-N-AD724-1001