American carrier-based stealth fighter jets have reached their new home in Japan for the first time as the United States enhances its alliance with the East Asian nation.

The arrival of the F-35C, a type of radar-evading combat aircraft also known as the Lightning II, is part of the forward deployment of USS George Washington in Japan. The “flattop” is one of 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the U.S. Navy.

An F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter jet launches off the flight deck of the USS George Washington while underway in the East China Sea on November 13, 2024. A F-35C squadron has departed the George…Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class August Clawson/U.S. Navy

Four fighter jet squadrons, including an F-35C squadron, departed the George Washingtonand arrived in Japan last week, the U.S. Navy said. They form the Carrier Air Wing 5, a carrier-based operational aviation organization that welcomed its …

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