The Marine Corps plans to deploy the Joint Strike Fighter to both U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command in the same year, according to a service official. Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh, deputy commandant for combat development and integration, told reporters during an Aug. 30 breakfast in Washington that the amphibious ship Essex (LHD-2) will be the second ship to deploy the F-35B short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing aircraft and will operate in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The Essex is currently undergoing its...
