Marine F-35B Squadron Begins Rotational Deployment in Japan

A South Carolina-based Marine Corps F-35B squadron has arrived in Japan to begin a rotational deployment supporting U.S. operations in the Indo-Pacific.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533, known as the “Hawks,” arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on Sept. 5. The squadron deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, through the Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program.

During its rotation, VMFA-533 will operate as part of Marine Aircraft Group 12 under the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

The Hawks replace Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, the “Red Devils,” which deployed to Iwakuni from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, in September 2025. VMFA-232 operated the F/A-18 Hornet during its assignment in Japan.

The Unit Deployment Program regularly sends Marine units stationed in the continental United States to Japan. These rotations allow Marines to train and operate throughout the Indo-Pacific without permanently relocating service members and their families overseas.

The program began in 1980, when an earlier version of VMFA-533 became the first Marine squadron to participate.

Although the Hawks have previously completed several rotations in Japan, this is the squadron’s first Unit Deployment Program assignment with the F-35B Lightning II.

VMFA-533 received its first F-35B at MCAS Beaufort on Oct. 11, 2024, as the squadron transitioned away from the F/A-18D Hornet. Its most recent deployment to Iwakuni occurred in 2018, when the Hawks were still flying Hornets.

The F-35B’s short-takeoff and vertical-landing capabilities allow it to operate from amphibious assault ships, expeditionary airfields and other locations where conventional runways may be unavailable. The aircraft has become a central part of Marine Corps aviation modernization.

MCAS Iwakuni already supports additional Marine aviation units operating F-35Bs, F/A-18D Hornets and KC-130J aerial refueling aircraft. The installation also hosts elements of the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Air Wing 5.

According to the Marine Corps, VMFA-533’s deployment strengthens the United States’ commitment to the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. It also gives the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing additional combat-ready aircraft capable of operating from both naval and expeditionary locations.

The Marine Corps has not disclosed the number of aircraft or personnel participating in the deployment or how long the Hawks will remain in Japan.