A USMC F-35B launches from the deck of the USS Wasp. (USMC)

A report on marinecorpstimes.com says US Marine Corps F-35Bs will make their combat debut in the Central Command area of operations in the next few months.

The aircraft have been embarked on two assault ships attached to two Marine expeditionary units (MEUs). The 31st MEU with the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp is en route to the Pacific area of operations, while the 13th MEU aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex will arrive in Central Command area in the northern Spring and is expected to participate in combat operations in that theatre.

The USMC has a requirement for 353 F-35Bs and 67 of the F-35C carrier variant to replace F/A-18A-D classic Hornets, EA-6B Prowlers and AV-8B Harriers in service.