160815-N-CQ428-250 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 15, 2016) F-35C Lightning II carrier variants, assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, and the Grim Reapers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, the Navy’s F-35C Fleet replacement squadron, conduct flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). VX-23 is conducting its third and final developmental test (DT-III) phase of the F-35C. VFA-101 is conducting its first carrier qualifications with the aircraft. The F-35C is expected to be Fleet operational in 2018. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer O'Rourke)