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)
The U.S. Marine Corps has released findings from its investigation into the August 27, 2023, V-22 Osprey crash during a military exercise in Australia, revealing acts of heroism that led to the posthumous awarding of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, according to a news report by the Associated Press.
The 2024 Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) have yielded significant outcomes across multiple domains, reinforcing the allies’ commitment to Indo-Pacific security and global stability. Key points from the ministerial statement include enhanced force posture cooperation, advanced defense capabilities development, strengthened regional security integration, and joint efforts on climate action and economic resilience.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles participate in the 34th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Aug. 6, 2024. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley) Continue reading “AUSMIN 2024: U.S.-Australia alliance bolsters regional defense capabilities”
The U.S. Marine Corps is on the hunt for a new ground-based, long-range cruise missile system. This system will provide precision kinetic fires using the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) and its Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS).
A Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System launcher deploys into position aboard Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii, Aug. 16, 2021. The NMESIS and its Naval Strike Missiles participated in a live-fire exercise, here, part of Large Scale Exercise 2021. During the training, a Marine Corps fires expeditionary advanced base sensed, located, identified and struck a target ship at sea, which required more than 100 nautical miles of missile flight. The fires EAB Marines developed a targeting solution for a joint force of seapower and airpower which struck the ship as the Marines displaced to a new firing position. The Marine Corps EABO concept is a core component of the Force Design 2030 modernization effort. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Nick Mannweiler, released) Continue reading “U.S. Marine Corps seeks new long-range cruise missile capability for expeditionary platform”
The U.S. 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has deployed an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system to Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan. The radar, transported by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-2 transport aircraft, marks the first time the system has been deployed to the strategic island.
A U.S. Marine Corps AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar is deployed during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 2, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales) Continue reading “JASDF C-2 delivers AN/TPS-80 radar to Camp Yonaguni for Resolute Dragon 24”