The first F-35 Lightning fighter jets have landed on the deck of the United Kingdom’s new aircraft carrier, making history and marking the beginning of more than half-a-century of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike operations. On 25 September Commander Nathan Gray, RN, and RAF Squadron Leader Andy Edgell were the first pilots to land their stealth F-35 Lightning fighter jets on board the carrier, demonstrating the potential formidable force HMS Queen Elizabeth and her fleet of jets.