Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Air Station Miramar, Calif., January 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure VMFA-314 is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)

VMFA-314 receives it's first F-35C

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure 3rd MAW is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)

VMFA-314 receives its first F-35C

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing lands VMFA-314’s first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., January 21, 2020. The F-35C is designed and built explicitly for aircraft carrier operations, offering more robust landing gear, and control surfaces that were designed to make it more suitable for sea-based operations. The F-35C allows for faster response times to threats and assists in maritime security throughout the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Charles Plouffe)

VMFA-314 receives it's first F-35C

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Air Station Miramar, Calif., January 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure VMFA-314 is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Dominic Romero)

VMFA-314 receives it's first F-35C

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Air Station Miramar, Calif., January 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure VMFA-314 is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Dominic Romero)

VMFA-314 receives it's first F-35C

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), embraces his son after a successful touchdown of VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure 3rd MAW is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)

VMFA-314 receives its first F-35C

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), lands VMFA-314’s first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020. The F-35C is designed and built explicitly for aircraft carrier operations, offering more robust landing gear, and control surfaces that were designed to make it more suitable for sea-based operations. The F-35C allows for faster response times to threats and assists in maritime security throughout the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Charles Plouffe)

VMFA-314 receives it's first F-35C

(From left) U.S Marine Corps Col. Scott M. Koltick, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG)11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW); Lt. Col Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd MAW; and Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd MAW; pose after a successful landing of VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan/ 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure 3rd MAW is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Dominic Romero)

VMFA-314 receives it's first F-35C

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Air Station Miramar, Calif., January 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure VMFA-314 is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Dominic Romero)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Four MV-22B Osprey’s with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) arrive to participate in a regimental air assault during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Four MV-22B Osprey’s with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) are staged in preparation for the loading of Marines from 1st Marine Division during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Marines with 1st Marine Division load onto an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), for a regimental air assault during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare for a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel during exercise Steel Knight at El Centro, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise led by 1st Marine Division that integrates 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's (MAW) combat power and capabilities in order to test Marines and sailors across a range of environments against an opposing force, creating a more lethal and combat-ready Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Four U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), take off from a forward arming and refueling point during exercise Steel Knight at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training and enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault

Helicopter Support Team Marines with 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, prepare an M777 Howitzer for external lift during exercise Steel Knight at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training and enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)

All 3rd MAW, All Ready: The Most F-35B Lightning IIs EVER at Sea

F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13 Marine Aircraft Group, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged in preparation for routine training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 5, 2019. Carrier operations are a critical component in ensuring our squadrons are capable, interoperable deployable on short notice, and lethal when called into action. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark A. Lowe II)

All 3rd MAW, All Ready: The Most F-35B Lightning IIs EVER at Sea

F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13 Marine Aircraft Group, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged in preparation for routine training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 5, 2019. Carrier operations are a critical component in ensuring our squadrons are capable, interoperable deployable on short notice, and lethal when called into action. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark A. Lowe II)

Generating Lethality: 13 F-35B, Two MV-22B aboard USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Benjamin Hutchins, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), departs the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, MAG-13, 3rd MAW, during routine training in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 7, 2019. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps continue to combine efforts to refine and strengthen the fundamental amphibious capabilities and reinforce the Navy and Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Generating Lethality: 13 F-35B, Two MV-22B aboard USS America

Thirteen U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), are staged aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) as part of routine training in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 8, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Generating Lethality: 13 F-35B, Two MV-22B aboard USS America

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), departs the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), as part of routine training in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 8, 2019. 3rd MAW is capable of conducting missions across the range of military operations and continues to promote the defense of our nation and its interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW CG Tours USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to depart after his visit to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

VMFA-314 receives it's first F-35C

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col Cedar L. Hinton, commanding officer of Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Air Station Miramar, Calif., January 21, 2020. The F-35C will give 3rd MAW a technological advantage by bringing the next wave of 5th generation fighter jets to its arsenal. The F-35C represents the next step in aviation, introducing upgraded internal fuel storage capacity, enhanced stealth capability and the reliability found in other F-35 variants. These capabilities will ensure VMFA-314 is well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), observes a pair of F-35B Lightning II land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps senior leadership with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), observe an F-35B Lightning II taxiing on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. 3rd MAW is capable of conducting missions across the range of military operations and continues to promote the defense of our nation and its interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepare to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Charles Plouffe)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

Senior leadership from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the USS America brace for the blast as an F-35B Lightning II launches off of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. Integrating 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities while conducting realistic training is essential to generate readiness and lethality in our units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Charles Plouffe)

3rd MAW General tours the USS America

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin M. Iiams, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Dalhia Montgomery, logistics officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd MAW, discuss the F-35B Lightning II aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Eastern Pacific, Oct. 6, 2019. 3rd MAW is capable of conducting missions across the range of military operations and continues to promote the defense of our nation and its interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing