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An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, during a Large Force Exercise conducted by MAG-11 and MAG-13 on Jan. 15, 2025. LFE is a high-fidelity combat training event over the Southern California coast, incorporating defensive counter-air and air interdiction missions. The exercise provides pilots with invaluable experience in mission planning and execution, including opportunities to serve as division leads or mission commanders. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra)

An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, during a Large Force Exercise conducted by MAG-11 and MAG-13 on Jan. 15, 2025. LFE is a high-fidelity combat training event over the Southern California coast, incorporating defensive counter-air and air interdiction missions. The exercise provides pilots with invaluable experience in mission planning and execution, including opportunities to serve as division leads or mission commanders. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra

A panel of U.S. Marine Corps Reserve officers speak to officers with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing about their experiences transitioning from active duty to reserve squadrons, balancing civilian careers, family responsibilities, and service, at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Officers Club, Jan. 10, 2025. Officers with the 3rd MAW attended a brief on the Direct Affiliation Program which allows Marines to transition directly to the reserve after leaving active duty.

A panel of U.S. Marine Corps Reserve officers speak to officers with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing about their experiences transitioning from active duty to reserve squadrons, balancing civilian careers, family responsibilities, and service, at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Officers Club, Jan. 10, 2025. Officers with the 3rd MAW attended a brief on the Direct Affiliation Program which allows Marines to transition directly to the reserve after leaving active duty.

Photo by Maj. Stephanie Davis

An AH-1Z Viper aircraft assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775) maneuvers while providing close-air support at the San Clemente Island Range Complex, March 8, 2023.

HMLA-775 flew sorties from MCAS Camp Pendleton to the San Clemente Island Range Complex in support of the Marine Forces Reserve Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) exercise held from February 26 to March 11. The exercise implemented concepts of Force Design 2030, a call to modernize the Marine Corps’ warfighting doctrine, via expeditionary advanced based operations such as a limited-footprint forward arming and refueling point and hot ordnance loading evolutions to reduce downtime between sorties and build joint fires proficiency.

An AH-1Z Viper aircraft assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775) maneuvers while providing close-air support at the San Clemente Island Range Complex, March 8, 2023. HMLA-775 flew sorties from MCAS Camp Pendleton to the San Clemente Island Range Complex in support of the Marine Forces Reserve Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) exercise held from February 26 to March 11. The exercise implemented concepts of Force Design 2030, a call to modernize the Marine Corps’ warfighting doctrine, via expeditionary advanced based operations such as a limited-footprint forward arming and refueling point and hot ordnance loading evolutions to reduce downtime between sorties and build joint fires proficiency.

Photo by Sgt. Booker Thomas

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, right the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Connor Deignan, center, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, pose for a photo during a promotion ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. Maj. Connor Deignan and his wife Maj. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, right the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Connor Deignan, center, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, pose for a photo during a promotion ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. Maj. Connor Deignan and his wife Maj. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, right, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, pose for a photo during a promotion ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. Maj. Leah Deignan and her husband Maj. Connor Deignan, CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, right, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, pose for a photo during a promotion ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. Maj. Leah Deignan and her husband Maj. Connor Deignan, CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James L. Horr, right, the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, reads the promotion warrant of Capt. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, and Capt. Connor Deignan, center, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, during a ceremony promoting the two to the rank of major at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. The Deignans are married to each other and celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James L. Horr, right, the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, reads the promotion warrant of Capt. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, and Capt. Connor Deignan, center, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, during a ceremony promoting the two to the rank of major at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. The Deignans are married to each other and celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James L. Horr, right, the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, reads the promotion warrant of Capt. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Department, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, and Capt. Connor Deignan, center, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, during a ceremony promoting the two to the rank of major at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. The Deignans are married to each other and celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James L. Horr, right, the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, reads the promotion warrant of Capt. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Department, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, and Capt. Connor Deignan, center, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, during a ceremony promoting the two to the rank of major at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. The Deignans are married to each other and celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Connor Deignan, CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, pose for a photo with their children after a ceremony promoting the two to the rank of major at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. The Deignans are married to each other and celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Leah Deignan, left, an aviation maintenance officer with Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Connor Deignan, CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW, pose for a photo with their children after a ceremony promoting the two to the rank of major at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Jan. 6, 2025. The Deignans are married to each other and celebrated their concurrent promotions alongside fellow Marines, family, and friends (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

An AH-1Z Viper piloted by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, a New York native and NASA astronaut, and Maj. Chase Laurita, a West Virginia native and pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies over Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 12, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

An AH-1Z Viper piloted by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, a New York native and NASA astronaut, and Maj. Chase Laurita, a West Virginia native and pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies over Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 12, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, a New York native and NASA astronaut, talks to Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing before flying an AH-1Z Viper at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 12, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, a New York native and NASA astronaut, talks to Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing before flying an AH-1Z Viper at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 12, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, a New York native and NASA astronaut, grins after landing an AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 12, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, a New York native and NASA astronaut, grins after landing an AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 12, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, right, a New York native and NASA astronaut, presents a Marine Corps flag that was flown on the International Space Station in honor of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing to Lt. Col. Greg Watten, a California native and commanding officer of HMLA-367, during the HMLA-367 Marine Corps Birthday Ball in La Jolla, California, Dec. 13, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli, right, a New York native and NASA astronaut, presents a Marine Corps flag that was flown on the International Space Station in honor of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing to Lt. Col. Greg Watten, a California native and commanding officer of HMLA-367, during the HMLA-367 Marine Corps Birthday Ball in La Jolla, California, Dec. 13, 2024. A former AH-1W Super Cobra pilot with HMLA-367 and Marine Corps test pilot, Moghbeli flew more than 150 combat missions before joining NASA’s Astronaut Corps. She commanded SpaceX Crew-7, spending 199 days in orbit and aboard the International Space Station contributing to experiments and technology demonstrations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

Family and friends gather to welcome home U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Family and friends gather to welcome home U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

Family and friends gather to welcome home U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Family and friends gather to welcome home U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

Family and friends gather to welcome home U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Family and friends gather to welcome home U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Wellons, right, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; Col. William Mitchell, left, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW; and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, MAG-11, pose for a photo during a VMFA-314 homecoming at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Wellons, right, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; Col. William Mitchell, left, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW; and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, MAG-11, pose for a photo during a VMFA-314 homecoming at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 14, 2024. VMFA-314 completed a five-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operation, conducting combat and joint operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives and enhancing interoperability with allied nations. VMFA-314’s deployment marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, demonstrating its capabilities in operational scenarios and setting a new standard for future naval aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Shelby Petersen, a vocalist with Marine Corps Quantico Band, poses on a Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, on MCBQ, Virginia, Dec. 3, 2024. Petersen, a Kalispell, Montana native, enlisted as an Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician in the year 2020, and submitted for a lateral move in 2023 to her current military occupational specialty. “If it’s a dream of yours, don’t give up on it,” Petersen said definitively. “No matter where you are in life, whatever opportunities you get or lack-thereof, it’s really important to take the time for the things that make you feel alive and make your soul feel whole.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Braydon Rogers)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Shelby Petersen, a vocalist with Marine Corps Quantico Band, poses on a Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, on MCBQ, Virginia, Dec. 3, 2024. Petersen, a Kalispell, Montana native, enlisted as an Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician in the year 2020, and submitted for a lateral move in 2023 to her current military occupational specialty. “If it’s a dream of yours, don’t give up on it,” Petersen said definitively. “No matter where you are in life, whatever opportunities you get or lack-thereof, it’s really important to take the time for the things that make you feel alive and make your soul feel whole.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Braydon Rogers)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Braydon Rogers

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Shelby Petersen, a vocalist with Marine Corps Quantico Band, poses next to a Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, on MCBQ, Virginia, Dec. 3, 2024. Petersen, a Kalispell, Montana native, enlisted as an Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician in the year 2020, and submitted for a lateral move in 2023 to her current military occupational specialty. “If it’s a dream of yours, don’t give up on it,” Petersen said definitively. “No matter where you are in life, whatever opportunities you get or lack-thereof, it’s really important to take the time for the things that make you feel alive and make your soul feel whole.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Braydon Rogers)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Shelby Petersen, a vocalist with Marine Corps Quantico Band, poses next to a Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, on MCBQ, Virginia, Dec. 3, 2024. Petersen, a Kalispell, Montana native, enlisted as an Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician in the year 2020, and submitted for a lateral move in 2023 to her current military occupational specialty. “If it’s a dream of yours, don’t give up on it,” Petersen said definitively. “No matter where you are in life, whatever opportunities you get or lack-thereof, it’s really important to take the time for the things that make you feel alive and make your soul feel whole.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Braydon Rogers)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Braydon Rogers

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro poses for a group photo with Marines after presenting them with challenge coins in recognition of their exemplary performance and outstanding contributions to their units at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 4, 2024. Secretary Del Toro toured the installation to engage with servicemembers and assess ongoing efforts to improve quality of life, operational readiness, and infrastructure at MCAS Miramar. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Santicia Ambriez-Stippey)

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro poses for a group photo with Marines after presenting them with challenge coins in recognition of their exemplary performance and outstanding contributions to their units at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 4, 2024. Secretary Del Toro toured the installation to engage with servicemembers and assess ongoing efforts to improve quality of life, operational readiness, and infrastructure at MCAS Miramar. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Santicia Ambriez-Stippey)

Photo by Sgt. Santicia Ambriez-Stippey