Theodore Roosevelt CSG and Makin Island ARG conduct expeditionary strike force operations in South China Sea

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) joined forces in the South China Sea to conduct Expeditionary Strike Force operations Apr. 9.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 9, 2021) The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group transits in formation with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group in the South China Sea April 9, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) are conducting expeditionary strike force operations during their deployments to the 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Terence Deleon Guerrero)

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MAG-13conducted large force exercise with F-22s acting as Red Air

Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13 carred a lrage force exercise on Mar. 4 from MCAS Yuma with F-35Bs from VMFA-122, VMFA-211, AV-8Bs from VMA-214, MQ-9 from VMU-1, F-35Cs from VX-9.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13 conduct refueling operations during a Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR) mission aboard a simulated naval vessel at KNOZ range, Yuma, AZ., March 4, 2021. The large-force exercise was implemented in order to project the capabilities of “island hopping” and consisted of multiple MAG-13 assets, including ground support from Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371 and aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl John Hall)

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VMFA-242 to start operating F-35B from this month at Iwakuni, Japan

A briefing by Japan’s Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau on Mar. 31 revealed that the U.S. Marine Corps’ VMFA-242 will start operating the F-35B at MCAS Iwakuni from this month.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 18, 2017. VMFA-121 conducted a permanent change of station to MCAS Iwakuni, from MCAS Yuma, Ariz., and now belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter, which is the world’s first operational supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The F-35B brings strategic agility, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy to III MEF with a mission radius greater than that of the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II in support of the U.S. – Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph Abrego)

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USN says new small aircraft carrier unnecessary, L-class ships sufficient

During a virtual Navy League event, Rear Adm. Gregory Harris, who heads the Air Warfare Division, says the service is unlikely to adopt the small aircraft carrier concept.

160918-N-BB269-036 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 18, 2016) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) fires a Sea Sparrow missile during a missile exercise during Valiant Shield 2016. Valiant Shield 16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces. Germantown, part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is participating in Valiant Shield in an effort to increase naval integration and joint capabilities in the event of conflict, contingency, or disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)
160918-N-BB269-036 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 18, 2016) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) fires a Sea Sparrow missile during a missile exercise during Valiant Shield 2016. Valiant Shield 16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces. Germantown, part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is participating in Valiant Shield in an effort to increase naval integration and joint capabilities in the event of conflict, contingency, or disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)

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