U.S. Marines Expand East Coast F-35C Fighter Jet Force as VMFA-115 Returns After Hornet Retirement.

The U.S. Marine Corps is expanding its East Coast force of carrier-capable stealth fighters with the November 5, 2026, reactivation of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Returning with F-35C Lightning II fighters after retiring its F/A-18 Hornets, the “Silver Eagles” follow VMFA-251’s earlier transition at the same base, extending a buildup intended to support future fifth-generation carrier operations.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, during the squadron’s first F-35C flight. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense)

The development gives the reactivation significance beyond the return of a historic squadron. Cherry Point received its first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C in September 2024 for VMFA-251, which formally reactivated that December. VMFA-115’s return advances the establishment of another F-35C unit within U.S. Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, although the Silver Eagles have yet to complete the certifications required for operational readiness.

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VMFA-115 previously operated from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. It completed its final Hornet deployment in October 2023 and was deactivated on November 9. Its reactivation therefore combines an aircraft transition with a change of home station and command organization, placing the squadron within Cherry Point’s growing F-35 force.

A larger role for carrier-capable U.S. Marine fighters

The buildup reflects a broader change in Marine aviation planning. The service’s 2025 Aviation Plan outlined a procurement mix of 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs within an unchanged total of 420 aircraft, supporting 12 F-35B squadrons and eight F-35C squadrons. The plan explicitly linked that mix to an increase in F-35C units, including future transitions by additional active-duty and reserve squadrons. The 2026 transition plan still identifies VMFA-251 and VMFA-115 as Cherry Point F-35C units. These are force-development objectives, not a count of aircraft or combat-ready squadrons currently available.

That distinction matters because the U.S. Marine Corps operates two F-35 variants for different operating environments. The F-35B supports short takeoffs and vertical landings, while the F-35C uses catapult launches and arrested recoveries aboard conventional aircraft carriers. Its reinforced landing gear, arresting hook, and folding wingtips support those shipboard requirements. Its greater fuel capacity also provides an endurance advantage over the F-35B.

For U.S. Marine aviation, developing additional F-35C squadrons creates a larger potential force for integration into Navy carrier air wings. The transition also introduces stealth, sensor fusion, and networked mission systems in place of the Silver Eagles’ legacy Hornets. However, the November announcement does not establish a carrier deployment assignment or demonstrate that VMFA-115 is ready to embark for combat operations.

Reactivation of VMFA-115 precedes operational readiness

The Silver Eagles flew their first F-35C mission in July 2026, several months before the formal reactivation. Routine flying and maintenance are continuing as the squadron works toward Safe for Flight certification in early 2027, ahead of initial operational capability. The November ceremony marks the unit’s organizational return within a longer process of rebuilding its flying, maintenance and operational capacity.

VMFA-115’s return thus advances the U.S. Marine Corps’ East Coast carrier-fighter buildup, but the immediate result is a squadron progressing through transition. Its next announced milestone is Safe for Flight certification; the release does not announce the timing of initial operational capability or a subsequent carrier deployment.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.