YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft began conducting training this week in support of the Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP).

The F-35B, which belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, represents the future of Marine Corps tactical aviation and incorporates the mission capabilities of the current Marine Corps platforms it is replacing – the AV-8B Harrier, F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler – within a single airframe.

“The deployment of the most advanced aircraft the USMC has in their inventory to Korea is yet another example of how dedicated the United States is to supporting the ROK – U.S. Alliance,” said Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea commander. “The training within the KMEP program helps ensure our readiness and is critical for our Alliance as we maintain security and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

In addition to its short takeoff and vertical landing capability, the F-35B's unique combination of stealth, cutting-edge radar, sensor technology, and electronic warfare systems bring all of the access and lethality capabilities of a fifth-generation fighter.

Aviation training in the Republic of Korea is meant to enhance and improve the interoperability of ROK and the U.S. Marine Corps at the tactical level to build combined warfighting capabilities. The KMEP, like all ROK-U.S. Alliance exercises, is defensive in nature and not connected to any current events