This is the moment an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet carries out flight operations onboard the USS Tripoli for the first time.

The video was filmed during exercises in the Pacific Ocean on 11th January and the footage was shared on social media by the US Navy this week.

The US Navy said: “F-35B Lightning II aircraft attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 conduct flight operations for the first time aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Jan. 11.

“This is the first time F-35s have operated on Tripoli. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in the US 3rd Fleet.”

USS Tripoli’s commanding officer Captain Joel Lang said: “This is what Tripoli was built for. The crew and supporting organisations have worked incredibly hard to get us to the point where we can launch and recover aircraft, rising to every challenge the Navy has put before them since we commissioned. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished.

“The crew has sacrificed time away from their families and friends to accomplish our mission. Days like today prove that the time those families have given us isn’t wasted.”

Landing signal officer Major Randy Brazile said the marines of the VMFA-122 (Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 flying the F-35B Lightning II) were thrilled to see the US assault ship given its fixed-wing flight certification.

He said: “The Marines and pilots from VMFA-122 and (Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron) VMX-1 are excited to see Tripoli achieve its fixed-wing flight certification.”

“It was an honour to support Tripoli in accomplishing such an important event.”

The USS Tripoli has been in commission since September 2020.