English: United States Marine Corps (USMC) AV8B Harriers conduct fixed wing work on HMS Illustrious ahead of Operation Bold Step. At the rear of the flight deck, an Osprey MV-22 aircraft can just be seen.

AV8B Harrier Jets from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Combined Marine Harrier Force have begun a fixed wing work up period on board HMS Illustrious ahead of the US-led Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX), Operation Bold Step.

The AV8B Jets are on board ILLUSTRIOUS as part of a coalition exercise taking part between the US Navy, USMC and the Royal Navy. The goal of the exercise is to demonstrate allied interoperability and the expeditionary capabilities of Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing aircraft. This exercise marks the first time that an American aviation unit of this scale has been embarked aboard a foreign warship and for the British it is the largest ever embarkation of foreign jets in a UK aircraft carrier.

The Jets have been practising ship-borne operations, a skill which is extremely challenging and requires exacting standards from both the pilots and the crew of the 22,500 tonne warship. The principle aim is to qualify in day CVS operations; although air combat, electronic warfare training and day combat ready work-up sorties will also be conducted as part of the USMC's participation for the JTFX.

For the Ship's Air Department it has proved to be an excellent training opportunity, with aircraft handlers, Air Traffic and Fighter Controllers, and the air safety organisation all playing a part in the safe and successful embarkation of the squadron.

The Flight Deck Officer, Lt Jon Llewellyn said "Having the Combined Harrier Force on board for this period has provided excellent training and regeneration opportunities for the Flight Deck teams, integrating with the USMC and building the tempo of the deck safely and efficiently. Having the AV8B jets on board has been a pleasure!"

• Organization: ROYAL NAVY
• Object Name: 04129079
• Category: na
• Keywords: Joint Task Force Exercise, United States Marine Corps (USMC), AV8B Harrier Jets, HMS Illustrious, Aircraft Carrier, CVS, Operation Bold Step
• Country: AT SEA