F-35Cs of VFA-101 "Grim Reapers" traveled from their home at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to Naval Air Station Lemoore in California to show off their new rides for the first time to West Coast strike fighter squadrons. These breathtaking shots, taken over Yosemite National Park, were snapped to remember the historic occasion:

Added bonus! The VFA-2 "Bounty Hunters," who are also based at Lemoore, joined up with an Edwards-based Royal Navy F-35 as a big surprise for a very important passenger. The Bounty Hunters explain:

A couple of days ago we had the distinct honor of hosting and flying The First Sea Lord and Chief of Staff of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC DL (The Royal Navy's CNO equivalent). VFA-2's Sailors professionalism shined bright as we got the Admiral in A/C 100 and airborne in record time. The Admiral was in for a serious surprise, as a Royal Navy F-35 had secretly arranged to join up for a quick airborne look. Great Job Bullets! Here are a couple of pictures from the event.

Photos via VFA-2 and US Naval Forces