A VFA-101 "Grim Reapers" F-35C Lightning II prepares to trap aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). VFA-101 aircraft and pilots are conducting initial carrier qualifications aboard George Washington in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wyatt L. Anthony Three F-35C Lightning IIs fly over the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during initial qualifications and developmental testing in the Atlantic Ocean. Asymmetric loads, crosswind landings, electronic warfare, and the helmet mounted display were among test items. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex L. Smedegard Aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), the frame is filled with F-35Cs as a Lightning II comes in for a landing during F-35C Developmental Test III. Lockheed Martin photo by Todd R. McQueen A VFA-101 F-35C performs a touch and go landing aboard USS George Washington. VFA-101 pilots completed their carrier qualifications over two days while the NAVAIR Integrated Test Team carried out a range of tests. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kashif Basharat An F-35C of VFA-101 "Grim Reapers," the Navy’s F-35C Fleet replacement squadron, traps aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). VFA-101 and VX-23 were conducting developmental testing and initial carrier qualifications aboard George Washington. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kris R. Lindstrom Five F-35C Lightning IIs from VFA-101 and VX-23 are visible at once on the deck of USS George Washington (CVN-73) in this photo taken during F-35C Development Test III. Lockheed Martin photo by Todd R. McQueen An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) guides a VFA-101 F-35C on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Krystofer Belknap Sailors refuel an F-35C assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-23, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). VX-23 is conducting its third and final developmental test (DT-III) at-sea phase aboard George Washington in the Atlantic Ocean. Note the pylons mounted on the wings for asymmetric and symmetric load testing. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Krystofer Belknap F-35C CF-03 Flt 326 piloted by Cmdr. Ted Dyckman, and CF-05 Flt 211 piloted by Maj. Eric Northham, during VFA-101 Squadron Carrier Qualification (CQ) on the USS George Washington on Aug, 14, 2016. Lockheed Martin photo by Michael D. Jackson Sailors prepare to launch a VFA-101 F-35C from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). The F-35C is expected to be fleet operational in 2018. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kris R. Lindstrom A VFA-101 Lightning II launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex L. Smedegard A VX-23 "Salty Dogs" F-35C is launched from the angled deck of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) during developmental test III. Lockheed Martin photo by Todd R. McQueen