Stories

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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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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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Marine Corps’ second F-35C Lightning II squadron declares initial operational capability

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.--Demonstrating the Marine Corps’ commitment to aviation advancement, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024.

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F-35C arrive as the Lincoln departs - F-35C arrive as the Lincoln departs

First USMC F-35C squadron deploys

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) has marked a key milestone for Marine Corps history as they departed San Diego Bay with Carrier Air Wing Nine aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as the first Marine squadron to deploy the F-35C on an aircraft carrier.

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Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 declares their initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps. - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 declares their initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps. IOC declaration marks a significant accomplishment for VMFA-314 of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) that further enables 3rd MAW to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW advances air superiority with F-35C

Initial operational capability declaration marks a significant accomplishment for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), enabling VMFA-314 to deploy the F-35C onto aircraft carriers where they will be able to support combat operations anywhere in the world.

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