3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's F-35B Lightning II aircraft reached initial operating capability today with a squadron of 10 F-35Bs ready for worldwide deployment. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, based in Yuma, Arizona, is the first squadron in military history to become operational with an F-35 variant. "I am extremely proud of the hard work and effort the Marines of VMFA-121 have done to achieve IOC for the Joint Strike Fighter," said Maj. Gen. Mike Rocco, 3rd MAW commanding general. "It is a game changer on the battlefield and will provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and the Joint Force Commander enhanced combat capabilities like no other."

MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 conduct a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Wenger/Released)

Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363 and VMM-166 conduct flight operations aboard the USS Boxer, July 24. Marines and aircraft from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing traveled aboard the USS Boxer to support the 2015 Seattle Sea Fair. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lillian Stephens)

Air Show

Pfc. Caston Mai, an administrative clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and an Arlington, Texas, native, shoots the M1014 shotgun during security augment force (SAF) training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 30. During the course, trainees learn arrest techniques and defensive tactics. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kimberlyn Adams/Released)

Air crew with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, the “Wolfpack,” conduct preflight checks for a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 2. The aircrew prepares the aircraft for night fast-rope training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) conduct a pass in review during the H&HS Relief and Appointment Ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar San Diego, Calif., on March 5, 2014. The Relief and Appointment signifies the "passing of responsibility" from one senior enlisted advisor to another.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel V. Gonzales/RELEASED)

Three F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation during fixed-wing aerial refueling training over eastern California, Aug. 27. VMFA-121 is the first F-35B squadron in the Marine Corps.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 13 wait as a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 prepares to lift a decommissioned rocket pod aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 23. The training helped the Marines experience the effects of the aircraft while trying to attach the cargo.

Fireworks are displayed during the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) sponsored 2014 Air Show aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, San Diego, Calif., Oct. 4, 2014. The air show showcases civilian performances and the aerial prowess of the armed forces but also, their appreciation of the civilian community’s support and dedication to the troops. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trever Statz/Released)

Staff Sgt. Natividad Herrera, a helicopter mechanic with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 "Purple Foxes," holds his daughters for the first time in eight months during a homecoming ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 13. While deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, his squadron provided round-the-clock aerial support to multiple missions all over the world.

A F-18 performs afterburner passes during the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) sponsored 2014 Air Show aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, San Diego, Calif., Oct. 4, 2014. The air show showcases civilian performances and the aerial prowess of the armed forces but also, their appreciation of the civilian community’s support and dedication to the troops. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trever Statz/Released)

Lance Cpl. Cory Helton, top, a power lines mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 and Whitley County, Ky., native, grapples with another Marine during the Kings and Queens of the Ring event at the first Marine Aircraft Group 11 field meet aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 22. Marines throughout MAG-11 competed in different events to win the MAG-11 trophy for their squadron.

An MV-22B Osprey hovers in the sky as part of the Level III Demonstration during the 2012 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show, Oct. 13. This demonstration allowed spectators to observes the Osprey transition from helicopter to airplane mode.

Casey Rogers, a quarterback with the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Falcons, runs down the field during a game against the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion Gators at the Paige Field House aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 13. The Falcons' next game is against the 5th Marine Grizzlies on Aug. 27.

The second F-35B Lightning II, BF-20, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma during the re-designation ceremony of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Nov. 20 at the VMFA-121 hangar, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. The Green Knights will make up the first operational F-35B squadron not only in the Marine Corps, but in the world. The readiness and capability of an organic air combat element is vital to the Marine Air Ground Task Force and all aspects of Marine Corps operations. The F-35B will provide the Marine Corps with the next generation of tactical aircraft dominance in the Marine Corps.

Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon perform during a Battle Colors Ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 14. With a reputation of perfection throughout the world, the silent drill platoon reminds onlookers of the proud esprit de corps found in Marines serving all around the globe.

An Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 runs as pilots perform pre-flight preparations before Maj. Gen. Gregg Sturdevant, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing assistant wing commander, takes his final flight with the wing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 14. Sturdevant wanted to take one last flight with 3rd MAW and felt it fitting he fly with his former squadron.

A child wears a cranial during Junior Jarhead Day hosted by Marine Aircraft Group 16 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 8. Crew chiefs took the children into an MV-22B Osprey and taught them about their job with the power of imagination.

A power line mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 preforms a maintenance check on an F/A-18C Hornet on the flight line aboard Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, July 26. Power line mechanics and other maintainers make sure every F/A-18C Hornet is ready and safe for flight.

Sgt. Steffany Ismaili, an aviation electrician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, conducts sword manual during a morning colors ceremony, in honor of Women's History Month, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 18. The sergeant was used to symbolize women in the Marine Corps. (Official USMC released)

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 "Warhorses" dries in the sun after being washed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 20. The Warhorses deployed five aircraft to Colorado Springs during a deployment for training in order to break the squadron's Marines and pilots out of their comfort zones and normal flight patterns.