Stories

U.S. Marines and their spouses pose for a photo during the 3rd MAW Commander’s Course tour of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) at Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 26, 2025. The Commander's Course brought together leadership from across 3rd MAW to explore key topics ranging from science and technology, safety and unit culture, fostering readiness for future challenges, and enhancing understanding of the MAW's critical role in supporting I Marine Expeditionary Force objectives and the joint force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - U.S. Marines and their spouses pose for a photo during the 3rd MAW Commander’s Course tour of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) at Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 26, 2025.The Commander's Course brought together leadership from across 3rd MAW to explore key topics ranging from science and technology, safety and unit culture, fostering readiness for future challenges, and enhancing understanding of the MAW's critical role in supporting I Marine Expeditionary Force objectives and the joint force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Third MAW takes Leadership to the Next Level

More than two thousand years of collective Marine Corps experience converged aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, Feb. 24-26. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commander’s Course 2025 brought together command teams from across the 43 units within the Wing, for a unique and impactful opportunity to focus on leadership and warfighting.

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An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, 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. - An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, 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 Cpl. Johnson Truong)

Third Marine Aircraft Wing Large Force Exercises provide advanced training for fighter squadrons

Marines with the two fixed-wing Marine Aircraft Groups of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing launched a series of cross-MAG Large Force Exercises in the skies of Southern California from Jan. 9-16, 2025. These were the first of their kind in duration and scale with involvement from all 3rd MAW fighter squadrons, and the combined effort provided an invaluable

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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. - 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.

Marine Corps Reserve Brief Highlights Opportunities for Aviators Through Direct Affiliation Program

Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. John Kelliher III, commanding general of 4th MAW, spoke to officers about the Marine Corps Reserve during a brief on the Direct Affiliation Program at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Jan. 10, 2025.DAP allows Marines to transition directly to the reserve after

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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. - 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)

Marines, Married, Majors | Third MAW couple promotes together

Two Marine officers stood at attention side by side as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. James Wellons, promoted them to the rank of major on Jan. 6, 2025. Majors Connor and Leah Deignan held back smiles as they ceremoniously pinned golden oak leaves onto each other’s collars.They attended The Basic School concurrently in

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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. - 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)

Marine Corps lessons in orbit: A Cobra pilot's astronaut journey

“Our Astronaut Corps prides ourselves on our expeditionary mindset,” said Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli to a crowded ballroom at the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. “But who does expeditionary better than the United States Marine Corps?”Her path to space began in the cockpit of an AH-1W Super Cobra.

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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. - 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)

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) Returns from Combat Deployment

The “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 returned to their home base with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar following a five-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operation, Dec. 14, 2024.Following completion of a four-week composite training

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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)

Ordnance to an Audience: US Marine changes trajectory to pursue passion in singing

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – As the lights dim, a hush sweeps over the audience – the anticipation builds. From the wings, steps a Marine in her iconic dress blue uniform. Her smile and poise grabs the audience’s attention. As she raises the microphone she draws in a breath and releases the first note letting her powerful voice fill the air.

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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)

Secretary of the Navy recognizes service excellence, discusses warfighting and quality of life with Marines of Miramar and 3rd MAW

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, engaging with Marines, Sailors and civilians of the installation and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing during town hall events, Dec. 4, 2024. His visit focused on recognizing servicemembers’ achievements, observing quality-of-life initiatives, and expressing gratitude for the dedication and service of the men and women in uniform.

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An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - 241111-N-AB116-3622 U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 11, 2024) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out names on aircraft)

U.S. Marine Squadron Conduct First Combat Strikes Using F-35C Platform

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY – U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 conducted the first F-35C combat air strikes for the platform, Nov. 9-10.

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A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing prepares for takeoff at Guam International Airport, Sept. 7, 2024. VMGR-352 stopped in Guam while flying from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to deliver essential personnel, supplies and equipment to 3rd MAW squadrons deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Swyers) - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing prepares for takeoff at Guam International Airport, Sept. 7, 2024. VMGR-352 stopped in Guam while flying from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to deliver essential personnel, supplies and equipment to 3rd MAW squadrons deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Swyers)

Marine Squadron Circles Globe, Aiding International Mission in Africa

Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 circumnavigated the globe aboard a KC-130J Super Hercules. The flight began and ended at the squadron’s home base of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and involved 11 strategic stops across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific regions.

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