Alert 5

Aviation News

Category: Marines

VMA-311 tested the APKWS off Okinawa

Posted on by alert5

The AV-8B tested the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) for the first time in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region last week.

An AV-8B Harrier belonging to Marine Attack Squadron 311 taxis after landing aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 9, 2017. VMA-311 is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s fixed-wing attack asset and is currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), the 31st MEU’s Aviation Combat Element. During the flight the Harrier’s pilot fired the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a laser-guided rocket, for the first time in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form amphibious component of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. The 31st MEU and PHIBRON 11 combine to provide a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stormy Mendez)
An AV-8B Harrier belonging to Marine Attack Squadron 311 taxis after landing aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 9, 2017. VMA-311 is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s fixed-wing attack asset and is currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), the 31st MEU’s Aviation Combat Element. During the flight the Harrier’s pilot fired the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a laser-guided rocket, for the first time in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form amphibious component of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. The 31st MEU and PHIBRON 11 combine to provide a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stormy Mendez)

Continue reading “VMA-311 tested the APKWS off Okinawa”

End of an era as USMC AV-8Bs depart Japan for good

Posted on by alert5

The U.S. Marine Corps has ended its last AV-8B detachment at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan when VMA-311 took its aircraft and departed on Jun. 2.

An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 departs from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 2, 2017. VMA-311 is expected to be the last AV-8B Harrier squadron forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni as part of the unit deployment program. The squadron's departure caps the end of an era for U.S. attack aircraft in Japan and is a significant milestone for MCAS Iwakuni and Marine Corps aviation.
An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 departs from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 2, 2017. VMA-311 is expected to be the last AV-8B Harrier squadron forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni as part of the unit deployment program. The squadron’s departure caps the end of an era for U.S. attack aircraft in Japan and is a significant milestone for MCAS Iwakuni and Marine Corps aviation.