I was suprised the earlier cross-decking with the USS Essex hasn't been mentioned, but maybe Junglies and our allies exercises don't interest other parties.
ARABIAN SEA -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 cross-decked F-35B Lightning IIs from HMS Queen Elizabeth to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Nov. 8, 2021.
U.S. Marines from “The Wake Island Avengers” were transported by a Royal Navy Merlin MK IV to the Essex to recover and refuel the F-35Bs, before launching them on mission ultimately to return to Queen Elizabeth. This evolution demonstrated the strategic importance of F-35 capable allied carriers, as well as the interoperability the F-35B facilitates.
“The fact the U.S. and the U.K. can operate their 5th-generation jets and other aircraft from the same deck at the same time is a huge strategic advantage for both countries,” said Royal Navy Commodore Steve Moorhouse, Commander of the U.K. CSG. “It is a compliment that the U.S. is comfortable with the U.K. Carrier Strike Group commanding the largest U.S. 5th generation air wing afloat today.”
Simultaneously, aircraft attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, landed on Queen Elizabeth demonstrating increased interoperability, information sharing, and expanded access across the region as allies, as well as credible and capable forces operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
(VMFA-211 and the 11th MEU Conduct Cross-Deck Operations, by 1LT Zachary Bodner, 3 MAW)
Image 17 of 17 VMFA-211 and the 11th MEU Conduct Cross-Deck Operations [Image 17 of 17], by 1LT Zachary Bodner, 3 MAW 08nov2021 "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."