F-35 advocates have the aircraft performing a wide array of tasks that other platforms traditionally perform: BMD to AWACS to ISR to EW (+ CAS) - in other words, and if one was to believe the hype - every mission sans logistics and troop transport. If the USN believed this, they would not be investing in E-2D, Growlers, and P-8s. They don't, and aren't doubling down on F-35.