USS Wasp Readies For JSF Tests After Aviation Certification

The amphibious ship LHD-1 USS Wasp passed its aviation certification earlier this month and is getting ready for its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Developmental Testing Phase II to occur later this summer.

To prepare for the certification, sailors spent their time between LHD-5 USS Bataan and numerous training courses to reacquaint themselves with the different types of aircraft slated to operate on the ship.

“More than 45 percent of the air department sailors are new, and do not have hands-on experience dealing with aircraft,” says Master Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Jimmie Gardner, Air Department leading chief petty officer.

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