Lightning Carriers: The Marine Corps’ Agile Answer to China’s Pacific Threat

The Marine Corps is transforming amphibious warfare through its Lightning Carrier concept, converting Navy amphibious assault ships into agile carriers equipped with F-35B Lightning II jets, poised to navigate the challenging waters of the Pacific. Since 2016, this concept has been in the works, utilizing America-class vessels such as the USS America and USS Tripoli. These ships are being equipped with as many as 20 F-35Bs on their decks, replacing helicopters, and transforming them into agile floating airbases that can effectively support Marines in distant Pacific locations.

The 2022 trial on the USS Tripoli featured 16 F-35Bs performing high-tempo flight operations. These vessels, measuring only 800 feet in length and weighing 45,000 tons, may not possess the heft of conventional carriers, yet they offer remarkable speed and versatility. Supported by Force Design 2030, the Corps is transitioning to smaller, more dispersed units as a strategic response to the challenges posed by Chinese anti-ship missiles, which have the potential to keep larger carriers such as the USS Gerald R. Ford at a distance.

Lightning Carriers present distinct benefits: they are capable of operating from smaller ports, navigating shallower waters, and deploying with a reduced number of support ships in comparison to a Carrier Strike Group. Every Amphibious Ready Group, featuring a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, transports a Marine Expeditionary Unit comprising 1,800 Marines, creating a self-sufficient, forward-deployed, rapid-response unit.

However, these vessels have their disadvantages. Without the strong protections of a carrier, they face increased vulnerability, have limited capacity for munitions and spare parts, and need regular resupply. The F-35Bs, constrained by their vertical landing feature, possess a shorter range and reduced payload capacity compared to their Navy or Air Force counterparts.

In light of these challenges, Marine Corps leaders view the Lightning Carrier as a flexible and adaptable asset for various missions. Vice Adm. Karl Thomas highlighted during the 2022 tests that these ships can swiftly transition from launching F-35Bs to deploying Marines on land, providing unparalleled operational versatility in the Pacific theater.