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U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Sailors refuel a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to 1st Special Operations Squadron during forward arming and refueling point operations at Laoag International Airport, Laoag, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The FARP supported aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, and 1st Special Operations Squadron during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Sailors refuel a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to 1st Special Operations Squadron during forward arming and refueling point operations at Laoag International Airport, Laoag, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The FARP supported aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, and 1st Special Operations Squadron during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

Photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Sailors run a fuel line to a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to 1st Special Operations Squadron during forward arming and refueling point operations at Laoag International Airport, Laoag, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The FARP supported aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, and 1st Special Operations Squadron during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Sailors run a fuel line to a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to 1st Special Operations Squadron during forward arming and refueling point operations at Laoag International Airport, Laoag, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The FARP supported aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, and 1st Special Operations Squadron during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

Photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft

LtCol Chad Fitzgerald

LtCol Chad Fitzgerald

Photo by 3d MAW

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 from a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, over the Pacific Ocean, while flying from Camp Blaz, Guam, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

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 from a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, over the Pacific Ocean, while flying from Camp Blaz, Guam, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

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 from a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, over the Pacific Ocean, while flying from Camp Blaz, Guam, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

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 from a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, over the Pacific Ocean, while flying from Camp Blaz, Guam, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing conduct a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing conduct a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

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, flies alongside a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, during a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

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, flies alongside a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, during a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

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, maneuvers to receive fuel from a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, over the Pacific Ocean, while flying from Camp Blaz, Guam, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

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, maneuvers to receive fuel from a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, over the Pacific Ocean, while flying from Camp Blaz, Guam, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Emma Andrews (left) and Maj. John-Paul Reyes, both F-35B Lightning II pilots, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, walk to their aircraft before a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Emma Andrews (left) and Maj. John-Paul Reyes, both F-35B Lightning II pilots, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, walk to their aircraft before a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John-Paul Reyes, an F-35B Lightning II pilot, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, straps into the seat of an F-35B Lighting II before a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John-Paul Reyes, an F-35B Lightning II pilot, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, straps into the seat of an F-35B Lighting II before a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to taxi for a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to taxi for a transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, May 19, 2024. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. As part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, MAW persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and enduring commitment to our allies and partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, takes off during Checkered Flag 24-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Checkered Flag, one of the Department of Defense’s largest air-to-air exercises, is a large-scale aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, takes off during Checkered Flag 24-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Checkered Flag, one of the Department of Defense’s largest air-to-air exercises, is a large-scale aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, signal to a pilot at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 participated in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise which provides the opportunity to train and focus on a variety of skills demanded for wartime operational mission readiness and the deliverance of decisive combat airpower with rapid response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, signal to a pilot at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 participated in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise which provides the opportunity to train and focus on a variety of skills demanded for wartime operational mission readiness and the deliverance of decisive combat airpower with rapid response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prepare to launch an F-35C Lightning II at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft in combat training. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prepare to launch an F-35C Lightning II at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft in combat training. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Horvath, plane captain assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, performs a preflight check at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Horvath, plane captain assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, performs a preflight check at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jack Gregory, collateral duty inspector assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, signals to a pilot at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jack Gregory, collateral duty inspector assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, signals to a pilot at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Antonio Salazar, plane captain assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, adjusts his goggles before performing a preflight check at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Antonio Salazar, plane captain assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, adjusts his goggles before performing a preflight check at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, step to their aircraft at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, step to their aircraft at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2024. Marines and aircraft from VMFA-311 traveled to Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 24-2, a large-force aerial exercise designed to integrate 4th and 5th-generation airframes to enhance mobility, deployment and employment capabilities of aviators and maintainers. The 24-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)

Photo by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Courtney O’Brien, left, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Capt. Daniel Savella, a pilot with VMGR-352, prepare for landing during a division flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 25, 2024. O’Brien commanded the division flight, serving as flight lead for two sections of KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the final time before her retirement this year after 20 years of faithful service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Courtney O’Brien, left, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Capt. Daniel Savella, a pilot with VMGR-352, prepare for landing during a division flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 25, 2024. O’Brien commanded the division flight, serving as flight lead for two sections of KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the final time before her retirement this year after 20 years of faithful service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

A U.S. Marine Corps KC130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis the flightline following a VMGR-352 division flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 25, 2024. Lt. Col. Courtney O’Brien commanding officer of VMGR-352, commanded the division flight, serving as flight lead for two sections of KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the final time before her retirement this year after 20 years of faithful service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis the flightline following a VMGR-352 division flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 25, 2024. Lt. Col. Courtney O’Brien commanding officer of VMGR-352, commanded the division flight, serving as flight lead for two sections of KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the final time before her retirement this year after 20 years of faithful service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine