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An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) support and short take-off and vertical landings on simulated narrow roads at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 6, 2021. VMFA-122 continues to refine EABO tactics to increase 3rd MAWs operation reach and ability to deliver long range precision fires in preparation for future conflicts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya) - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) support and short take-off and vertical landings on simulated narrow roads at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 6, 2021. VMFA-122 continues to refine EABO tactics to increase 3rd MAWs operation reach and ability to deliver long range precision fires in preparation for future conflicts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Yuma F-35B pilots go off-roading

(April 12, 2021) Third Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122) conducted its first ever F-35B flights to support expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) on narrow, shortened runways at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, California, April 6, 2021. This training provides the pilots of VMFA-122 the opportunity to

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210219-N-JX182-1148 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 19, 2021) An F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, launches off the flight deck of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is currently conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet. - 210219-N-JX182-1148 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 19, 2021) An F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, launches off the flight deck of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is currently conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles DeParlier/Released)

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s “Death Rattlers” return from historic deployment

The Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 return from a 10-month deployment, making history as the last F/A-18 Hornet carrier deployment in the U.S. Marine Corps.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) conduct a missile shooting demonstration and aerial refueling in support of Exercise Winter Fury 21, off the coast of Southern California, Feb. 5, 2021. During Winter Fury, 3rd MAW will conduct long range strikes, deploy and support infantry Marines, assist in the transport of artillery assets, and provide logistical support to Marines on the ground. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Leilani Cervantes) - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) conduct a missile shooting demonstration and aerial refueling in support of Exercise Winter Fury 21, off the coast of Southern California, Feb. 5, 2021. During Winter Fury, 3rd MAW will conduct long range strikes, deploy and support infantry Marines, assist in the transport of artillery assets, and provide logistical support to Marines on the ground. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Leilani Cervantes)

3rd MAW grows as an integrated all-domain naval power

Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) prepare for the commencement of phase two of Winter Fury-21, a large-scale, joint force exercise that ensures the Marines of 3rd MAW are prepared, equipped, and trained to win any high-end, future fight.

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3rd MAW prepares for future target engagement

Silent and deadly on the ground, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) intelligence section operates alongside an arsenal of aviation assets and continuously prepares for future high-end conflicts against near-peer threats.

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Lt. Col. Alexander Goodno and Sgt. Maj. Collin Barry. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Alexander Goodno, the incoming commanding officer, left, and Sgt. Maj. Collin Barry, the incoming sergeant major, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, exchange the organizational colors during the re-designation and assumption of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Jan. 29, 2021. The ceremony official re-designated Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW) 225 to VMFA-225, signifying the squadron’s transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Vikings welcome fifth-generation strike fighter to arsenal

(February 03, 2021) Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW) 225 “Vikings” officially transition to an F-35B squadron, adopting the new designation as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225 during their redesignation and assumption of command ceremony.

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21, 2021. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21, 2021. The new flight simulator is in conjunction with the transition from the F-18 to the F-35. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Voss)

F-35 simulator building unveiled during Winter Fury

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) dedicates its inaugural F-35 simulator building aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar January 21, 2021. This marks the next step in streamlining the training process of the fifth-generation joint strike fighter, which has been recognized as one of the most advanced aircraft in military history.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, set up a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) on San Clemente Island, Calif., Dec. 3rd, 2020. This training showed the capabilities of MWSS-371 employing multiple FARP locations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lt. Charles C. Allen - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, set up a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) on San Clemente Island, Calif., Dec. 3rd, 2020. This training showed the capabilities of MWSS-371 employing multiple FARP locations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lt. Charles C. Allen)

MWSS-371 supports expeditionary demonstration

U.S. Marines with MWSS-371 established two forward arming and refueling points (FARP) during the demonstration, showcasing MWSS-371’s ability to employ multiple FARPs both ashore and on remote islands. Supported aircraft from Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13 included AV-8B Harriers and F-35B Lightning II fighters, which were able to conduct distributed operations throughout Southern California and Arizona as part of a large force exercise.

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VMFA-314 demonstrates expeditionary capability, makes F-35C history

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Air Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing conducted an F-35C expeditionary operations demonstration at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 3, 2020. The demonstration spanned over 1000 miles and the aircraft was refueled and loaded with ordnance within a half

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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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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brandon Mote, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aviation Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, participates in the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-21, while firing an M2 .50-caliber machine gun from a CH-53E Super Stallion in Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 3, 2020. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brandon Mote, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aviation Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, participates in the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-21, while firing an M2 .50-caliber machine gun from a CH-53E Super Stallion in Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 3, 2020. The WTI course is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)