Marine Operational and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) received its first F-35B Lightning II for operational testing at Edwards AFB, California, on 9 October 2014. This is the first of four F-35Bs that will be assigned to VMX-22. Operational testing will determine the effectiveness and suitability of the F-35B in its intended operational environment. Flight will be conducted at Edwards, China Lake and Twentynine Palms, California; Nellis AFB, Nevada; MCAS Yuma, Arizona; and aboard the USS Wasp. F-35B operational test is scheduled for completion by 2018, but follow-on testing will continue throughout the life of the F-35 program. Known as the Argonauts, VMX-22 conducts operational testing and evaluation of US Marine Corps fixed and rotary wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft, and other systems.
