U.S. Marines with VMFA-542 prepare F-35B Lightning II for familiarization flight

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare F-35B Lightning II aircraft for familiarization flights during exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Red Flag-Alaska an exercise is designed to simulate complex scenarios, providing unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition, and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases, enhancing our ability to respond effectively to contingencies in the region. EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA, UNITED STATES 04.20.2026 Video by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing