Marines Archives - Page 3 of 237

Curtain falls on Harrier at FRCE

Posted on October 29, 2024October 29, 2024 by alert5

“An aircraft which is deployed and based as simply as a helicopter, but which packs the punch of a conventional attack aircraft is going to have a far-reaching effect on military aviation,” Maj. Gen. Homer S. Hill of the U.S. Marine Corps told a Congressional committee in 1970. The AV-8B Harrier, a testament to this prediction, has received its final maintenance in the United States, marking the end of an era for this unique aircraft.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) celebrated its final AV-8B Harrier maintenance event with an informal celebration in the facility’s AV-8B hangar Sept. 20. FRCE delivered the completed aircraft to Marine Attack Squadron 223 onboard Marine Air Station Cherry Point Sept. 26.

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VMFA-533 receives F-35B Block 4 aircraft

Posted on October 13, 2024 by alert5

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, has received its first F-35B Lightning II jet. This event marks a significant milestone as the squadron transitions from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B, becoming the second operational F-35 squadron on the East Coast and the first at MCAS Beaufort.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett, from Illinois and the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, taxis an F-35B Lightning II jet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 11, 2024. VMFA-533 received their first F-35B Lightning II jet, marking their transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

U.S. and Chilean forces forge ‘Kill Web’ in Joint Exercise

Posted on October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 by alert5

Exercise UNITAS LXV, the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise, took place along the Pacific coast of South America from Sept. 2nd to 12th. Hosted by Chile, the exercise challenged participating forces with unique terrain, pushing them to adapt and refine their skills in a new environment. The United States showcased its commitment to regional stability and security through a strong presence of Marine Corps and Navy assets, including F/A-18C Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), a KC-130J Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), and a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Patrol Squadron 5.

U.S. Marine F/A-18Cs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, break away from a KC-130J belonging to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, to prepare for aerial refueling operations during Exercise UNITAS LXV over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile, Sept. 5, 2024. UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959 and has taken place annually since it was first conducted in 1960. This year marks the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt. Eric Kilpatrick)

VMFA-251 is the first East Coast-based U.S. Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C

Posted on September 18, 2024September 18, 2024 by alert5

In a pivotal moment for U.S. Marine Corps aviation, the skies over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, witnessed a new era of aerial supremacy. On September 17, 2024, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, better known as the “Thunderbolts,” received their first F-35C Lightning II jet, heralding a new chapter in the squadron’s storied history and marking a significant milestone in the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, from Virginia and commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, taxis an F-35C Lightning Il at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024. VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

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USMC bolsters F/A-18 Hornet’s strike capabilities with AGM-158A JASSM integration

Posted on September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 by alert5

The United States Marine Corps has successfully validated the integration of the AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) on its F/A-18D Hornet aircraft. This achievement, accomplished by Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 11 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, took place at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, on Aug. 27-28.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, MAG-11, load an AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile on an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to VMFA-232 during the AGM-158A validation and verification at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Aug. 27, 2024. MALS-11 and VMFA-232 were the first Marine Corps units to conduct ordnance operations with the AGM-158A JASSM which is being incorporated into the F/A-18 Hornet ordnance arsenal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

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