Pricey F-35B jet poised for US combat debut
by from CNN.com - RSS Channel - App International Edition on (#3ZJ0A)
The US Marine Corps' stealth F-35B Lightening fighter jet could fly its first combat mission within days, according to several US defense officials, who told CNN that the fifth-generation aircraft are currently aboard the USS Essex amphibious assault ship and should soon be in a position to conduct airstrikes over Afghanistan.