Stories

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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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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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 Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Goad, left, a powerline division chief with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal by Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 1, 2024. Goad, president of the VMFA-314 motorcycle riding club, was awarded for providing life-saving aid to a fellow motorcycle rider on April 21, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo) - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Goad, left, a powerline division chief with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal by Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 1, 2024. Goad, president of the VMFA-314 motorcycle riding club, was awarded for providing life-saving aid to a fellow motorcycle rider on April 21, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

Bias for action | VMFA-314 Marine saves motorcyclist’s life

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Goad has what Marines call a “bias for action.” Goad is the powerline division chief at Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and president of the VMFA-314 motorcycle club. He has spent his 14-year career on busy airfields and aircraft carrier flight decks, including his current assignment with VMFA-314 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Guyette, an F-35B Lightning II pilot and commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, places an American flag and an Australian flag in the cockpit of a Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to RAAF No. 75 Squadron before a bilateral training flight at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, June 20, 2024. Leaders with VMFA-214, a USMC F-35B squadron, flew the RAAF F-35A during bilateral training, exhibiting interchangeability between RAAF and U.S. Marine aviation. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Guyette, an F-35B Lightning II pilot and commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, places an American flag and an Australian flag in the cockpit of a Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to RAAF No. 75 Squadron before a bilateral training flight at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, June 20, 2024. Leaders with VMFA-214, a USMC F-35B squadron, flew the RAAF F-35A during bilateral training, exhibiting interchangeability between RAAF and U.S. Marine aviation. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

U.S.- Australian Interchangeability | VMFA-214 leaders fly RAAF F-35A

In a demonstration of the ever-increasing interchangeability between U.S. Marine Corps and Royal Australian Air Force aviation, two F-35B Lightning II pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, flew RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, June 13, 2024. 

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Five battlefield crosses are displayed in honor of five Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a memorial ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 16, 2024. More than 550 Marines, family and friends gathered to pay tribute to the five Marines who lost their lives as the result of a CH-53E mishap on Feb. 6, 2024, in Pine Valley, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Antonio De La Fuente) - Five battlefield crosses are displayed in honor of five Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a memorial ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 16, 2024. More than 550 Marines, family and friends gathered to pay tribute to the five Marines who lost their lives as the result of a CH-53E mishap on Feb. 6, 2024, in Pine Valley, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Antonio De La Fuente)

Memorial Honors Fallen Marines of HMH-361

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Five Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were honored during a memorial ceremony on the afternoon of Feb. 16, 2024.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

First Generation Legacy: 3rd MAW Marine Forges His Own Path

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong is an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native. It is fitting that Truong hails from a city with as much historical significance to the U.S. as Harrisburg. His family legacy was shaped by sacrifice and commitment to a stable life in the United States.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rohman Papayev, a metal worker with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373, Marine Aircraft Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, cuts metal remains of the Bailey Bridge with an air carbon arc cutting system during a bridge demolition operation as part of phase I of Strategic Mobility Exercise (STRATMOBEX) II at San Clemente Island, California, Jan. 6, 2024. During phase I, MWSS-373 demolished a hazardous bridge that hindered range control’s ability to insert targets into the Shore Bombardment Area of San Clemente Island. Phase I set conditions for phases II and III of STRATMOBEX II, the construct of a shallow water crossing and follow on missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, detonate C4 to demolish the Bailey Bridge as part of phase I of Strategic Mobility Exercise (STRATMOBEX) II at San Clemente Island, California, Jan. 5, 2024. During phase I, MWSS-373 demolished a hazardous bridge that hindered range control’s ability to insert targets into the Shore Bombardment Area of San Clemente Island. Phase I set conditions for phases II and III of STRATMOBEX II, the construct of a shallow water crossing and follow on missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

3rd MAW Marines demolish 85-foot bridge on San Clemente Island

U.S. Marine Corps Col. John Ripley is legendary in the Marine Corps for his heroism in blunting a North Vietnamese offensive by destroying the Dong Ha Bridge during the Vietnamese War. As a Captain, Ripley labored for three hours to transport and attach 500 pounds of explosives to the Dong Ha bridge while under constant enemy fire by 20,000 troops and 200 tanks of the North Vietnamese Army. His courageous actions and the resulting bridge destruction are recognized as a key factor in the defeat of the NVA during the Easter Offensive in 1972.

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