VMFA-311, also known as the Tomcats, was recently reactivated at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, on Apr. 14. As the U.S. Marine Corps’ second F-35C squadron, VMFA-311 brings its unique capabilities to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) as a long-range compliment to their existing aviation assets. This reactivation represents a key transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II and supports the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts across Marine aviation.
According to Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) and a former member of VMFA-311, the reactivation of the Tomcats holds a special significance. Gering expressed his excitement for the addition of another F-35C squadron to 3rd MAW, stating that the range and operational flexibility of VMFA-311 will enhance the Marine Corps’ warfighting capacity across all domains, particularly for the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
VMFA-311 has a rich history of being at the forefront of Marine Corps aviation. The squadron led the way for Marine Corps aviation in many groundbreaking events, including being the first Marine squadron to employ the AV-8B Harrier in combat during Operation Desert Shield, the first to fly combat missions in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, and participating in the first combat sortie of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. As the Marine Corps continues its transition to the F-35C Lightning II, the commanding officer of VMFA-311, Lt. Col. Michael P. Fisher, highlights that the F-35C offers a more advanced and capable platform for the near-term and future fight compared to the Harrier that it replaces. The F-35C brings a long-range fighter/attack platform with the most advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in the Marine Corps.
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