The South China Sea is currently witnessing an exciting display of naval power as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG) embark on a combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operation. The NIMCSG is made up of some of the most formidable units in the U.S. Navy, including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, and the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 17. Meanwhile, the MKI ARG comprises units from Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), adding a powerful amphibious capability to the operation.
230211-N-DU622-1588 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 11, 2023) An MV-22 Osprey from the “Ugly Angels” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 flies by the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Group (MKI ARG) with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations in the South China Sea as part of continuing and routine interoperability training operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)
The CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter has recently entered Full Rate Production (FRP) following a decision review by the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.
The CH-53K King Stallion successfully plugs into a funnel-shaped drogue towed behind a KC-130J during aerial refueling wake testing over the Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Erik Hildebrandt.
Officials from Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) held a re-designation ceremony on Dec. 1 at MCAS Cherry Point, to celebrate the squadron’s transition from an AV-8B Harrier squadron to the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35 squadron.
A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542 flies over Bodo, Norway during Fjord Fury, June 6, 2018. Exercise Fjord Fury is designed to conduct combined training with NATO allied forces, foster relationships with host and partner nations, and improve the squadron’s combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jailine L. Martinez)
The U.S. Marine Corps has stand-up Charlie Battery for the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38.
The logo of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stands at the activation of Charlie Battery on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 18, 2022. The activation of Charlie Battery increases 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s capabilities in ground-based air defense. Charlie Battery will be equipped with new and emerging technologies to combat unmanned aerial systems, and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean Potter)
