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A U. S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fires an AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during Exercise Steel Knight 25, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec.11, 2025. The JAGM, a precision-guided air-to-surface missile, significantly extends the H-1’s combat radius and strengthens its ability to support sea-denial missions across a maritime battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

A U. S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fires an AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during Exercise Steel Knight 25, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec.11, 2025. The JAGM, a precision-guided air-to-surface missile, significantly extends the H-1’s combat radius and strengthens its ability to support sea-denial missions across a maritime battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

A U. S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fires an AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during Exercise Steel Knight 25, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec.11, 2025. The JAGM, a precision-guided air-to-surface missile, significantly extends the H-1’s combat radius and strengthens its ability to support sea-denial missions across a maritime battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

A U. S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fires an AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during Exercise Steel Knight 25, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec.11, 2025. The JAGM, a precision-guided air-to-surface missile, significantly extends the H-1’s combat radius and strengthens its ability to support sea-denial missions across a maritime battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kelby Dallas, an expeditionary fuels technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, carries a fuel hose to an AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group-39, 3rd MAW, at a forward arming and refueling point during exercise Steel Knight 25 at a helicopter outlying landing field, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 12, 2025. FARP operations support 3rd MAW distributed aviation operations by enabling rotary and tiltrotor aircraft to refuel in forward operating environments, such as the helicopter outlying field, extending operational reach and mission duration across the battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kelby Dallas, an expeditionary fuels technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, carries a fuel hose to an AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group-39, 3rd MAW, at a forward arming and refueling point during exercise Steel Knight 25 at a helicopter outlying landing field, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 12, 2025. FARP operations support 3rd MAW distributed aviation operations by enabling rotary and tiltrotor aircraft to refuel in forward operating environments, such as the helicopter outlying field, extending operational reach and mission duration across the battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

A U. S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fires an AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during Exercise Steel Knight 25, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec.11, 2025. The JAGM, a precision-guided air-to-surface missile, significantly extends the H-1’s combat radius and strengthens its ability to support sea-denial missions across a maritime battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

A U. S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fires an AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during Exercise Steel Knight 25, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec.11, 2025. The JAGM, a precision-guided air-to-surface missile, significantly extends the H-1’s combat radius and strengthens its ability to support sea-denial missions across a maritime battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Derek Levi, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, sits in an Osprey assigned to VMM-161, following an air-delivered ground refueling and troop transport mission from San Clemente Island to a Helicopter Outlying Landing Field in support of exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2025. With its speed, range, and vertical lift capability, the Osprey allows aviation assets and ground forces to reposition quickly to forward locations while sustaining momentum and extending the reach of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in dynamic environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Derek Levi, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, sits in an Osprey assigned to VMM-161, following an air-delivered ground refueling and troop transport mission from San Clemente Island to a Helicopter Outlying Landing Field in support of exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2025. With its speed, range, and vertical lift capability, the Osprey allows aviation assets and ground forces to reposition quickly to forward locations while sustaining momentum and extending the reach of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in dynamic environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives fuel during an air-delivered ground refueling mission as part of exercise Steel Knight 25 at Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, California, Dec. 12, 2025. ADGR enables 3rd MAW to sustain distributed aviation operations by delivering fuel to forward locations without reliance on established infrastructure. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives fuel during an air-delivered ground refueling mission as part of exercise Steel Knight 25 at Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, California, Dec. 12, 2025. ADGR enables 3rd MAW to sustain distributed aviation operations by delivering fuel to forward locations without reliance on established infrastructure. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

Photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Moses Vukaj, left, a joint terminal attack controller, and Staff Sgt. Zackary Oneal, a JTAC evaluator, both with Fire Support Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, observe close air support during Exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The integration demonstrates how JTAC operators and H-1 helicopter crews synchronize fires and maneuver, enabling accurate and timely CAS for Marines on the ground. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. Vukaj is a native of Washington. O’Neal is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Moses Vukaj, left, a joint terminal attack controller, and Staff Sgt. Zackary Oneal, a JTAC evaluator, both with Fire Support Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, observe close air support during Exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The integration demonstrates how JTAC operators and H-1 helicopter crews synchronize fires and maneuver, enabling accurate and timely CAS for Marines on the ground. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. Vukaj is a native of Washington. O’Neal is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Zackery O’Neal, a joint terminal attack controller evaluator with Fire Support Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, calls in close air support during Exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The integration demonstrates how JTAC operators and H-1 helicopter crews synchronize fires and maneuver, enabling accurate and timely CAS for Marines on the ground. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. O’Neal is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Zackery O’Neal, a joint terminal attack controller evaluator with Fire Support Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, calls in close air support during Exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The integration demonstrates how JTAC operators and H-1 helicopter crews synchronize fires and maneuver, enabling accurate and timely CAS for Marines on the ground. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. O’Neal is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper aircraft with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged for preflight checks for a Close Air Support mission during Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 4, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain MAGTF readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper aircraft with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged for preflight checks for a Close Air Support mission during Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 4, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain MAGTF readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

Photo by Sgt. Brian Stippey

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies following a live-fire Close Air Support training mission in support of exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California Dec. 9, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies following a live-fire Close Air Support training mission in support of exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California Dec. 9, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

Photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and a UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, park on an airfield overnight during Exercise Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 9, 2025. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and a UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, park on an airfield overnight during Exercise Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 9, 2025. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez)

Photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bryce Nelson, a joint terminal attack controller with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, takes notes prior to giving terminal guidance for air delivered munitions during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 4, 2025. The integration of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing H-1 attack helicopters with 11th Marines, demonstrates 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s ability to deliver responsive, precision fires in support of the Marines on the ground across the battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Renee Gray)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bryce Nelson, a joint terminal attack controller with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, takes notes prior to giving terminal guidance for air delivered munitions during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 4, 2025. The integration of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing H-1 attack helicopters with 11th Marines, demonstrates 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s ability to deliver responsive, precision fires in support of the Marines on the ground across the battlespace. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper aircraft with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxi down runway for a Close Air Support mission during Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 4, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain MAGTF readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper aircraft with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxi down runway for a Close Air Support mission during Steel Knight 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 4, 2025. CAS employment demonstrates 3rd MAW’s ability to deliver timely, precise fires that enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to maneuver effectively across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain MAGTF readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

Photo by Sgt. Brian Stippey

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, load ordnance on to an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311 during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Sacramento Mather Airport, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The forward node at Mather enabled aircraft to arm and refuel before launching a simulated Maritime Strike, demonstrating 3rd MAW’s ability to sustain fixed-wing operations from distributed locations. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, load ordnance on to an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311 during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Sacramento Mather Airport, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The forward node at Mather enabled aircraft to arm and refuel before launching a simulated Maritime Strike, demonstrating 3rd MAW’s ability to sustain fixed-wing operations from distributed locations. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

Photo by Sgt. Brian Stippey

A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, refuels an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Sacramento Mather Airport, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The forward node at Mather enabled aircraft to arm and refuel before launching a simulated Maritime Strike, demonstrating 3rd MAW’s ability to sustain fixed-wing operations from distributed locations. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, refuels an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Sacramento Mather Airport, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The forward node at Mather enabled aircraft to arm and refuel before launching a simulated Maritime Strike, demonstrating 3rd MAW’s ability to sustain fixed-wing operations from distributed locations. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

Photo by Sgt. Brian Stippey

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, refuel and load ordnance on to an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311 during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Sacramento Mather Airport, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The forward node at Mather enabled aircraft to arm and refuel before launching a simulated Maritime Strike, demonstrating 3rd MAW’s ability to sustain fixed-wing operations from distributed locations. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, refuel and load ordnance on to an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311 during exercise Steel Knight 25 at Sacramento Mather Airport, California, Dec. 9, 2025. The forward node at Mather enabled aircraft to arm and refuel before launching a simulated Maritime Strike, demonstrating 3rd MAW’s ability to sustain fixed-wing operations from distributed locations. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

Photo by Sgt. Brian Stippey

A U.S. Marine Corps Sky Raider R 80D drone assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts reconnaissance and engineering assessments to identify terrain suitability for future Forward Arming and Refueling Point and logistics sites during Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 4, 2025. These assessments enable 3d MAW to establish expeditionary aviation support sites across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

A U.S. Marine Corps Sky Raider R 80D drone assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts reconnaissance and engineering assessments to identify terrain suitability for future Forward Arming and Refueling Point and logistics sites during Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 4, 2025. These assessments enable 3d MAW to establish expeditionary aviation support sites across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct reconnaissance and engineering assessments to identify terrain suitability for future Forward Arming and Refueling Point and logistics sites during Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 4, 2025. These assessments enable 3d MAW to establish expeditionary aviation support sites across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct reconnaissance and engineering assessments to identify terrain suitability for future Forward Arming and Refueling Point and logistics sites during Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 4, 2025. These assessments enable 3d MAW to establish expeditionary aviation support sites across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andres Osborn, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes a measurement during reconnaissance and engineering assessments to identify terrain suitability for future Forward Arming and Refueling Point and logistics sites during Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 4, 2025. These assessments enable 3d MAW to establish expeditionary aviation support sites across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. Osborn is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andres Osborn, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes a measurement during reconnaissance and engineering assessments to identify terrain suitability for future Forward Arming and Refueling Point and logistics sites during Steel Knight 25 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 4, 2025. These assessments enable 3d MAW to establish expeditionary aviation support sites across distributed and contested environments. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to respond forward, integrate across domains, and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness. Osborn is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off during Red Flag Alaska 25-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 22, 2025. Red Flag Alaska is a joint exercise that enhances combat readiness and prepares units for deployments to austere environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Gavin)

An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off during Red Flag Alaska 25-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 22, 2025. Red Flag Alaska is a joint exercise that enhances combat readiness and prepares units for deployments to austere environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Gavin)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Gavin