Stories

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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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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A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to depart with an Intrepid Tiger II (IT-II) electronic warfare system externally attached during the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Service Level Training Exercise 2-25 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 20, 2025. Marines with 4th SSCT led the IT-II training to enhance electronic warfare integration across the Marine Corps, preparing forces for future missions in complex and contested environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Brianna Tribou) - A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to depart with an Intrepid Tiger II (IT-II) electronic warfare system externally attached during the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Service Level Training Exercise 2-25 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 20, 2025. Marines with 4th SSCT led the IT-II training to enhance electronic warfare integration across the Marine Corps, preparing forces for future missions in complex and contested environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Brianna Tribou)

Marine aircraft wings exchange electronic warfare expertise

As the battlespace evolves, the Marine Corps is refining its electronic warfare capabilities to maintain a competitive edge. A key component of this effort is the integration of advanced electronic warfare systems, ensuring mission success in increasingly complex environments.

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U.S. Marines and aircraft with Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a formation flight as part of Project Legacy off the coast of San Diego, March 4, 2025. The Project Legacy flight was a unique opportunity for all aircraft platforms across MAG-11 to fly as one team, practice tight formations, and take part in the documentation of a historical flight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - U.S. Marines and aircraft with Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a formation flight as part of Project Legacy off the coast of San Diego, March 4, 2025. The Project Legacy flight was a unique opportunity for all aircraft platforms across MAG-11 to fly as one team, practice tight formations, and take part in the documentation of a historical flight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

New Heights: 3rd MAW Marines, squadrons earn top aviation awards

Marines and squadrons from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing have been recognized with 12 Marine Corps Aviation Association 2025 Aviation Awards, honoring their exceptional leadership and dedication to mission accomplishment. The highly competitive awards program spans 30 categories across the Marine aviation enterprise. “This accomplishment reflects the commitment and high standards of our Marines,” said Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd MAW. “Our Marines are truly the best at what they do, and it’s a real honor to see this widespread recognition for our 3d MAW award winners within the competitive arena of Marine aviation.”

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