F-35C First Landing & Launch on JFK – A First for Ford-Class Carriers

On October 13–14, 2026, U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighters from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), known as the "Salty Dogs," conducted the first F-35C arrested landing and catapult launch aboard PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN-79). The milestone marked the first F-35C flight operations aboard a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. The footage also features flight operations involving F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and MH-60 helicopters. Click here to Subscribe USA Military Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.