160308-M-BL734-845 BEAUFORT, S.C. (March 8, 2016) An F-35B Lightning II prepares to take-off aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The take-off was performed as part of training operations conducted to further enhance the pilot’s capabilities. The F-35B is the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the jet which uses a jet propulsion system to execute the landing. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy/Released)