3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Four MV-22B Osprey’s with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) arrive to participate in a regimental air assault during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Four MV-22B Osprey’s with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) are staged in preparation for the loading of Marines from 1st Marine Division during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Marines with 1st Marine Division load onto an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), for a regimental air assault during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare for a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel during exercise Steel Knight at El Centro, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise led by 1st Marine Division that integrates 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's (MAW) combat power and capabilities in order to test Marines and sailors across a range of environments against an opposing force, creating a more lethal and combat-ready Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Four U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), take off from a forward arming and refueling point during exercise Steel Knight at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training and enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Helicopter Support Team Marines with 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, prepare an M777 Howitzer for external lift during exercise Steel Knight at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training and enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

Ready, Engaged, Vaccinated

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Iiams, right, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), recieves his annual flu shot from Chief Petty Officer Kellin Parker, a corpsman with 3rd MAW, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 14, 2019. Iiams led from the front this flu season to remind Marines and sailors that physical health is essential to combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Change of Charge

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), presents the Meritorious Service Medal to U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald L. Davis during a change of charge ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 30, 2019. The ceremony recognized Davis' service, leadership and dedication to 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

Change of Charge

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), receives the noncommissioned officer sword from U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald L. Davis during a change of charge ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 30, 2019. The ceremony recognized Davis' service, leadership and dedication to 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

Change of Charge

Leaders of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), salute the colors as they pass during a change of charge ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 30, 2019. The ceremony recognized U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald L. Davis' service, leadership and dedication to 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

Change of Charge

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald L. Davis, command master chief of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), gives a speech during a change of charge ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 30, 2019. The ceremony recognized Davis' service, leadership and dedication to 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

Change of Charge

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), gives a speech during a change of charge ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 30, 2019. The ceremony recognized U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald L. Davis' service, leadership and dedication to 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

All 3rd MAW, All Ready: The Most F-35B Lightning IIs EVER at Sea

F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13 Marine Aircraft Group, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged in preparation for routine training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 5, 2019. Carrier operations are a critical component in ensuring our squadrons are capable, interoperable deployable on short notice, and lethal when called into action. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark A. Lowe II)

All 3rd MAW, All Ready: The Most F-35B Lightning IIs EVER at Sea

F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13 Marine Aircraft Group, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged in preparation for routine training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 5, 2019. Carrier operations are a critical component in ensuring our squadrons are capable, interoperable deployable on short notice, and lethal when called into action. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark A. Lowe II)

Generating Lethality: 13 F-35B, Two MV-22B aboard USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Benjamin Hutchins, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), departs the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, MAG-13, 3rd MAW, during routine training in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 7, 2019. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps continue to combine efforts to refine and strengthen the fundamental amphibious capabilities and reinforce the Navy and Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Generating Lethality: 13 F-35B, Two MV-22B aboard USS America

Thirteen U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), are staged aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) as part of routine training in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 8, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Generating Lethality: 13 F-35B, Two MV-22B aboard USS America

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), departs the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), as part of routine training in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 8, 2019. 3rd MAW is capable of conducting missions across the range of military operations and continues to promote the defense of our nation and its interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW CG Tours USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to depart after his visit to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), observes a pair of F-35B Lightning II land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps senior leadership with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), observe an F-35B Lightning II taxiing on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. 3rd MAW is capable of conducting missions across the range of military operations and continues to promote the defense of our nation and its interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepare to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Charles Plouffe)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

Senior leadership from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the USS America brace for the blast as an F-35B Lightning II launches off of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Charles Plouffe)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Dalhia Montgomery, logistics officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd MAW, discuss the F-35B Lightning II aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. 3rd MAW is capable of conducting missions across the range of military operations and continues to promote the defense of our nation and its interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Asst. Secretary of Defense (Readiness) Daigle visits I MEF Units

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, discusses 3rd MAW’s capabilities with Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness) Veronica B. Daigle on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Oct. 8, 2019. During Daigle's visit to I Marine Expeditionary Force and its major subordinate commands, she discussed personnel issues and reviewed capabilities and readiness of various Marine Corps assets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Levi J. Guerra)

Asst. Secretary of Defense (Readiness) Daigle visits I MEF Units

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness) Veronica B. Daigle are briefed on the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Oct. 8, 2019. During Daigle's visit to I Marine Expeditionary Force and its major subordinate commands, she discussed personnel issues and reviewed capabilities and readiness of various Marine Corps assets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Levi J. Guerra)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 29. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 29. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 29. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Hiatt)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Hiatt)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Hiatt)

2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: MAGTF Demo

Marines demonstrate the capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the 2019 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 27. This year’s air show honors first responders by featuring several performances and displays that highlight first responders and their accomplishments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Hiatt)