US Navy F-35s Will Replace F/A-18 Hornets On USS George Washington Heading For Japan

As another sign of great power competition, the US has announced it will deploy a squadron of F-35C fighter jets on the USS George Washington (CVN-73) aircraft carrier as it returns for its deployment in Japan. The move is seen as aimed at countering China’s growing capabilities – including as it produces more long-range missiles and large numbers of J-20 Mighty Dragon fighter jets.