Eight U.S. Marine Corps F-35s trained alongside four Air Force F-22 Raptors in the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s Joint Simulation Environment at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland from March 24-27.

This is the first time the pilots trained as a joint fighting force in the Department of Defense’s most advanced digital test and training range, according to a service news release.

“This milestone is a game-changer that ushers in a new era of interoperability for aviation’s combat community and serves as a pivotal exercise getting NAWCAD ready to make this joint training standard for Navy and Air Force fighters starting this spring,” said Rear Adm. John Dougherty IV, NAWCAD commander.

During the event, F-35B and F-35C pilots from VMFA-122, VMFA-225 and VMFA-311 trained with several F-22 pilots from the Combat Air Forces and test community in 17 simulated combat missions against advanced enemy threats. After each mission, the pilots reviewed their performance using cockpit video and audio recordings.

“The cross talk [while training in the JSE] is unparalleled in terms of being able to talk tactics [and] actually get in the same room with people,” said F-22 pilot Capt. Brett Myer. “It helps iron out a lot of the small details that really matter when it comes down to it.”

The JSE is a digital training and test facility that features realistic domed simulators with actual defense hardware, software and adversary aircraft. The immersive environment enables pilots flying F-35 and F-22 to practice complex combat scenarios and receive instant feedback, accelerating the learning process and honing their skills.

NAWCAD’s JSE is formally integrated into the Navy’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program — commonly known as TOPGUN — and efforts are underway to incorporate JSE training across additional warfighter programs. NAWCAD will expand JSE’s capabilities with the addition of a highly realistic E-2D Advanced Hawkeye this year, and the F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler in 2026.