LO, I was about to mention that OT1 (the non-operational Operational Test
) and the weeks Gen Dunford spent assessing for IOC declaration were two separate events, but the wording in the IOC declaration and that of the DOD report are clearly at odds.
"I am pleased to announce that VMFA-121 has achieved initial operational capability in the F-35B, as defined by requirements outlined in the June 2014 Joint Report to Congressional Defense Committees. VMFA-121 has ten aircraft in the Block 2B configuration with the requisite performance envelope and weapons clearances, to include the training, sustainment capabilities, and infrastructure
to deploy to an austere site or a ship. It is capable of conducting close air support, offensive and defensive counter air, air interdiction, assault support escort and armed reconnaissance as part of a Marine Air Ground Task Force, or in support of the Joint Force."
Re-reading the two reports brought memories of the F2's introduction to service flooding back (and I'm not just talking about the famous "radar" fiasco) in the sense that decisions were taken to press ahead with delivery despite the obvious shortfalls. As I said before the F-35 IOC declaration, it would have taken a very brave man to refuse the declaration under a lot of political pressure.
Maybe it's some sort of pseudo-IOC, only to be used if there is nothing sustainable around to do the job? I wonder when the first deployment will come? I understand that Gilmore would like to keep the pressure on the JPO and LM by releasing his report, but it doesn't change the sortie (sorry, flight) accounts recorded.
I was starting to imagine a glimmer of light in the tunnel...