VMU-3 attains initial operational capability with MQ-9A

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 marked a significant achievement as they reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the MQ-9A Extended Range Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, High-Endurance (MALE) aircraft. In a unit-led ceremony, VMU-3 commemorated their years of dedicated effort and introduced the operational MQ-9A to Marines, family members, and distinguished guests.

The U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE is formally unveiled during a ceremony for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Aug 2, 2023. The ceremony commemorated the squadron’s years of dedicated effort and work to reach Initial Operational Capability with the MQ-9A. VMU-3 can support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing multi-surveillance and reconnaissance, data gateway and relay capabilities, and enabling or conducting the detection and cross cueing of targets and facilitating their engagement during expeditionary, joint and combined operations.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)

Activated on September 12, 2008, VMU-3 has operated various Remotely Piloted Aircraft and has participated in diverse operations across the globe, including Iraq, Afghanistan, the Republic of the Philippines, and support to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The MQ-9A’s IOC signifies a new era for VMU-3 and a remarkable milestone for Marine Corps aviation, providing enhanced capabilities readily available in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Col. Nicholas Law, VMU-3’s commanding officer, emphasized the necessity of advanced capabilities in the contemporary security landscape. The MQ-9A brings crucial maritime domain awareness, positioning VMU-3 to serve as navigational leaders for combined and Joint Forces. The ceremonial unveiling of the aircraft, preceded by a Hawaiian blessing, symbolized the official operational introduction of the MQ-9A to the squadron.

Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm, Deputy Commandant of Aviation and the guest of honor, underscored the speed of innovation, heralding the MQ-9A as a tangible realization of Force Design principles. VMU-3 is the sole U.S. Marine Corps unit in the region employing the MQ-9A, reaffirming the Marine Corps’ commitment to modernization and technological leadership.

Col. William G. Heiken, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 24, hailed the MQ-9A as a game-changing capability, serving as an airborne quarterback for littoral maneuver elements. The achievement of this milestone reflects VMU-3’s relentless pursuit of excellence, even as they continue refining advanced operating concepts for the Marine Corps, Naval, and Joint Force missions.

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