USS Kearsarge Completes F-35B Upgrade, Enhancing Navy Capabilities

The USS Kearsarge, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, has successfully completed its first flight with the fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighter jet. This milestone follows two years of scheduled retrofits, positioning the vessel as a modernized force within the US Navy’s fleet. The F-35B is currently the only short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter jet in production, enhancing the Navy’s amphibious capabilities significantly.

Originally commissioned in 1993, the USS Kearsarge displaces approximately 40,500 tons at full load, comparable to some of the world’s smaller aircraft carriers. Built to accommodate the Marine Corps’ MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers, the Kearsarge has now transitioned to the more advanced F-35B, marking a significant shift in its operational capabilities and moving the Marines closer to a full transition to the F-35 platform.

Retrofitting US Navy Ships for F-35 Operations

The F-35B and F-35C variants are designed to operate from the Navy’s amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers. However, the F-35’s unique requirements necessitate retrofits for older ships. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the newest aircraft carrier, will be the last to accommodate the F-35 due to its construction predating the finalization of the jet’s specifications. Scheduled maintenance cycles allow for these retrofits, ensuring compatibility with the F-35’s hotter exhaust and increased size.

Currently, the Navy operates seven Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) decommissioned in 2021 following a significant fire. The remaining ships are undergoing upgrades to support F-35B operations. The USS Wasp (LHD-1), USS Essex (LHD-2), USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), and USS Boxer (LHD-4) have already completed their upgrades, while the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) was built with partial F-35B capabilities.

The USS Bataan (LHD-5) is currently undergoing a two-year maintenance and modernization process, expected to finish in the coming months. This will enable it to be certified for F-35B operations. The only remaining ship awaiting retrofit is the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), which is scheduled to begin its upgrade program in June 2026.

The Future of Amphibious Assault Capabilities

With the Kearsarge’s re-entry into active service and the upcoming commissioning of the USS Bougainville, the US Navy is on track to have nine F-35-capable amphibious assault ships by the completion of the Iwo Jima’s retrofit. This transition signifies the end of the AV-8B Harrier era, with the Marine Corps planning to retire its remaining Harrier fleet in June 2026. The F-35B represents a substantial upgrade in technology, offering stealth capabilities and a longer combat radius compared to the aging Harrier.

Transitioning to the F-35B requires several modifications to the Wasp-class ships, including enhancements to accommodate the aircraft’s high-heat exhaust and structural adjustments for vertical landings. Upgrades to the flight deck, hangars, and combat systems are also crucial for effective F-35B operations. A contract awarded to BAE Systems for the Iwo Jima’s upgrades could reach up to $255.8 million if all options are utilized.

As the US Navy continues to evolve its fleet, the integration of advanced platforms like the F-35B is set to reshape its operational capabilities. The phased transition from older aircraft to newer models will ensure that the Navy remains prepared for contemporary and future challenges in military aviation.