Stories

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, addresses Marines and Sailors of VMFA-314 aboard the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), July 20, 2024, while underway in the Pacific Ocean. VMFA 314, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the Lincoln, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo) - Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, addresses Marines and Sailors of VMFA-314 aboard the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), July 20, 2024, while underway in the Pacific Ocean. VMFA 314, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the Lincoln, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

VMFA-314 forward-deployed | Best partner for peace, strongest partner for defense

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 is the United States Marine Corps’ only operational and forward-deployed F-35C squadron. Over the past year, VMFA-314 as a Tactical Air Integration squadron, integrated with Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) through multiple pre-deployment exercises conducting large-force missions practicing to take down the world’s most advanced integrated defenses.

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U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Jimi Liddell Gayden, an intelligence chief with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses outside of the Base Chapel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 29, 2024. Following 28 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, on July 30, 2024, Liddell Gayden commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy to pursue a new career as a chaplain. Liddell Gayden will attend Navy Officer Development School this fall, followed by Naval Chaplaincy School. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson) - U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Jimi Liddell Gayden, an intelligence chief with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses outside of the Base Chapel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 29, 2024. Following 28 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, on July 30, 2024, Liddell Gayden commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy to pursue a new career as a chaplain. Liddell Gayden will attend Navy Officer Development School this fall, followed by Naval Chaplaincy School. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

Marine Corps to Chaplain Corps: 28-year Marine called to Navy chaplaincy

Following 28 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, on July 30, 2024, Master Gunnery Sgt. Jimi Liddell Gayden commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy to pursue a new career as a chaplain. The East St. Louis, Illinois, native and former intelligence chief with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing attributes his decision to join the Navy Chaplain Corps to his passion for serving others, which he discovered during his service as a Marine, often volunteering at base chapels.

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U.S. Marines and Soldiers pose during the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - U.S. Marines and Soldiers pose during the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marines host U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer Course for the first time

In a Marine Corps first, Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, hosted the U.S. Army’s three-week Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer Course. The course brought together ten U.S. Soldiers and four U.S. Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8 to 26, 2024.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, MAG-11, load an AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile on an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to VMFA-232 during the AGM-158A validation and verification at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, MAG-11, load an AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile on an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to VMFA-232 during the AGM-158A validation and verification at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Aug. 27, 2024. MALS-11 and VMFA-232 were the first Marine Corps units to conduct ordnance operations with the AGM-158A JASSM which is being incorporated into the F/A-18 Hornet ordnance arsenal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Marine Corps adds AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile to F/A-18 arsenal

Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 became the first to conduct ordnance operations with the Marine Corps’ newest F/A-18 Hornet weapon, the AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile, during validation and verification testing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Aug.

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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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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. 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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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. 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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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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