Stories

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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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Rolando Virrueta, a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, helps a student try on a flak and kevlar helmet during the annual Veterans Day program at Sunset Hills Elementary School, San Diego, California, Nov. 7, 2024. The event featured active-duty Marines who presented equipment and engaged with students and parents about their military service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Santicia Ambriez-Stippey) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Rolando Virrueta, a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, helps a student try on a flak and kevlar helmet during the annual Veterans Day program at Sunset Hills Elementary School, San Diego, California, Nov. 7, 2024. The event featured active-duty Marines who presented equipment and engaged with students and parents about their military service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Santicia Ambriez-Stippey)

A Show-and-Tell of Service: Marines at Sunset Hills Elementary

What does it mean to serve one’s country? This Veterans Day, Sunset Hills Elementary School provided a tangible answer to their students. U.S. Marines from Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were invited to share their military experiences, showcase equipment, and inspire the next generation of Americans.

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U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Tyler Chittick, front, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, presents the VMGR-352 flag to the honor graduate of Fox Company, Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry West, during a graduation ceremony after a Veteran's Day flag in San Diego, Nov. 7, 2024. The run, spearheaded by Capt. Tyler Chittick, began at MCAS Miramar and will end at the School of Infantry West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton totaling 55 miles of relay run and hike. Each year Chittick brings Marines together to complete a challenging physical activity in honor of fallen and disabled veterans including a fellow Marine who was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Luc Boatman) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Tyler Chittick, front, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, presents the VMGR-352 flag to the honor graduate of Fox Company, Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry West, during a graduation ceremony after a Veteran's Day flag in San Diego, Nov. 7, 2024. The run, spearheaded by Capt. Tyler Chittick, began at MCAS Miramar and will end at the School of Infantry West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton totaling 55 miles of relay run and hike. Each year Chittick brings Marines together to complete a challenging physical activity in honor of fallen and disabled veterans including a fellow Marine who was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Luc Boatman)

Marines Honoring Marines | Raiders Run 60 Miles from MCAS Miramar to Camp Pendleton

Beginning at 5:15 A.M. on Nov. 7, 2024, a group of Marines from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted a 55-mile relay run starting at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and continuing up the coast of Southern California. The event culminated with a 5-mile hike ending at the graduation ceremony for Fox Company, Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry West.

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Capt. James Kang, right, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives a patch from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force chief petty officer with the Air Antisubmarine Warfare Helicopter Squadron 22, embarked onboard the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. The squadron is providing search and rescue support during ongoing sea trials. The CH-53E aircrew transported a Mobile Cleaning Recovery Recycle System, a specialized cleaning system for restoring friction on flight deck non-skid surfaces, to the JS Kaga in support of F-35B Lightning II developmental testing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - Capt. James Kang, right, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives a patch from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force chief petty officer with the Air Antisubmarine Warfare Helicopter Squadron 22, embarked onboard the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. The squadron is providing search and rescue support during ongoing sea trials. The CH-53E aircrew transported a Mobile Cleaning Recovery Recycle System, a specialized cleaning system for restoring friction on flight deck non-skid surfaces, to the JS Kaga in support of F-35B Lightning II developmental testing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

Marine Corps CH-53E delivers essential equipment to Japan’s JS Kaga

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466 delivered critical U.S. Navy support equipment to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest ship, the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. The mission underscored the operational cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces as they strengthen joint capabilities in the Pacific.

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen James Wellons, left, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) awards Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bevan, right, airframes mechanic, MALS-13, 3rd MAW at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 9, 2024. Bevan received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) for designing a 3D printable maintenance tool that will be used to help maintain aircrafts for years to come. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elizabeth Gallagher) - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen James Wellons, left, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) awards Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bevan, right, airframes mechanic, MALS-13, 3rd MAW at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 9, 2024. Bevan received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) for designing a 3D printable maintenance tool that will be used to help maintain aircrafts for years to come. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elizabeth Gallagher)

Marines improve F-35B maintenance efficiency with 3D printing

Marine Corps innovation isn't just a buzzword—it happens every day at the tactical, end-user level, where Marines like Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bevan, an airframes technician, and Sgt. Landon Boroday, an aviation machinist, turn challenges into cutting-edge solutions that enhance aviation maintenance and readiness.

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A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 28, 2024. - PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 28, 2024) A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 28, 2024. Elements of the 15th MEU are embarked aboard Miguel Keith conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. ESB-class ships, like Miguel Keith, enable sea-based expeditionary forces, such as the 15th MEU, to maintain forward presence with the capability to quickly deploy forces, supplies and warfighting capabilities. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Staci Morris)

15th MEU H-1 Det Conducts Live-Fire Training from USS Miguel Keith in the Indo-Pacific

UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper aircrew assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a series of day and night close air support training missions with live ordnance Sept. 25 and Oct. 13, launching from the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) to a range west of Okinawa, Japan.

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U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, load a Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System into a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft during a ground-based air defense exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-25 at Tacts Airfield near Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 10, 2024. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine aviation in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, Joint and Coalition Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Thompson) - U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, load a Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System into a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft during a ground-based air defense exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-25 at Tacts Airfield near Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 10, 2024. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine aviation in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, Joint and Coalition Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Thompson)

A First for Air Defense at WTI | LMADIS Prepares for Future Fight

The Marine Corps has taken significant strides in enhancing its air defense capabilities since the introduction of the Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System in October 2022. This ground-based system is designed to deter and neutralize unmanned aircraft systems, addressing the evolving threats faced in modern warfare. The LMADIS consists of two all-terrain Polaris MRZR vehicles—one serving as a command unit, while the other is equipped with advanced sensors and signal-jamming technology. For the first time, LMADIS has been integrated into the Marine Corps’ premier advanced aviation school at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) - Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, WTI 1-25 - as an employable capability throughout each evolution, showcasing its operational viability and reinforcing the Marine Corps' commitment to enhancing air defense.

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U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight deck qualifications aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, July 15, 2024. Joint training between 3rd MAW squadrons and the Tripoli in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations enabled the amphibious assault ship to conduct Mobility Air Qualifications and 3rd MAW squadrons to maintain currency required for amphibious operations. - U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight deck qualifications aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, July 15, 2024. Joint training between 3rd MAW squadrons and the Tripoli in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations enabled the amphibious assault ship to conduct Mobility Air Qualifications and 3rd MAW squadrons to maintain currency required for amphibious operations.

Success is blue-green | VMFA-211 facilitates USS Tripoli Aviation Certification

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the Essex Amphibious Ready Group in 2018, marking the first combat deployment of the F-35B Lightning II. This deployment demonstrated the effectiveness of amphibious forces when the Marine Corps’ fifth generation fighter capabilities were integrated aboard the Navy’s amphibious assault ships. Since returning from the first F-35B deployment in 2019, VMFA-211 has continued to play a crucial role in refining tactics and expanding the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to project power. In 2024, VMFA-211 completed a series of exercises with the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) which enhanced both units’ readiness and interoperability.

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U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a simulated airstrike during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration at the 2024 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Airshow in San Diego, Sept. 28, 2024. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, armor, artillery, and infantry forces and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. America's Airshow 2024 is a unique and incredible opportunity to witness Marine and joint aviation capabilities, civilian performers, and the world-famous Blue Angels; to interact first-hand with Marines, other service members, and first responders; and to see first-hand the innovative spirit of the Marine Corps through emerging technologies and forward-thinking. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Arthur W. Shores) - U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a simulated airstrike during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration at the 2024 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Airshow in San Diego, Sept. 28, 2024. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, armor, artillery, and infantry forces and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. America's Airshow 2024 is a unique and incredible opportunity to witness Marine and joint aviation capabilities, civilian performers, and the world-famous Blue Angels; to interact first-hand with Marines, other service members, and first responders; and to see first-hand the innovative spirit of the Marine Corps through emerging technologies and forward-thinking. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Arthur W. Shores)

More than just an Airshow | Hundreds of thousands experience Marine Corps firsthand

“The Marines you see here today are not performers—they're here between demanding training evolutions and real-world deployments. These are the same Marines who will be called upon to execute missions across the globe… They’re here for you today, but their duty calls them to be ready for any challenge at any time.” These words rang out from “show center,” heard by hundreds of thousands of spectators at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on the final weekend of September, as the sound of freedom rang from the skies. America’s Airshow 2024 was a three-day showcase of military aviation prowess and cutting-edge technology. As the largest Department of Defense air show event in the country, this air show not only captivated audiences with breathtaking aerial displays, but also provided an inside look to the capabilities, ethos, and trajectory of the United States Marine Corps.

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