Marines Archives - Page 8 of 236

U.S. Marine Corps set to strengthen Air Defense with additional purchase of Iron Dome system

Posted on August 27, 2023 by alert5

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is poised to bolster its defense capabilities with the acquisition of the Iron Dome air defense system, a move outlined in an official notice of intent recently published on the System for Award Management site. This strategic procurement involves the acquisition of 1,840 Tamir interceptor missiles, 44 launchers, and 11 US-made command centers, signaling a significant enhancement to the Marine Corps’ air defense capabilities.

A BQM-177 is launched from the Marine Corps’ Medium Range Intercept Capability system during Live Fire 2 as part of a quad-launch event at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, in September 2022. A project of Program Executive Officer Land Systems, MRIC provides the warfighter with a state-of-the-art missile system that detects, tracks, identifies, and defeats enemy cruise missiles and other manned and unmanned aerial threats.

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VMU-3 attains initial operational capability with MQ-9A

Posted on August 10, 2023 by alert5

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 marked a significant achievement as they reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the MQ-9A Extended Range Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, High-Endurance (MALE) aircraft. In a unit-led ceremony, VMU-3 commemorated their years of dedicated effort and introduced the operational MQ-9A to Marines, family members, and distinguished guests.

The U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE is formally unveiled during a ceremony for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Aug 2, 2023. The ceremony commemorated the squadron’s years of dedicated effort and work to reach Initial Operational Capability with the MQ-9A. VMU-3 can support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing multi-surveillance and reconnaissance, data gateway and relay capabilities, and enabling or conducting the detection and cross cueing of targets and facilitating their engagement during expeditionary, joint and combined operations.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)

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Japan grounds its Ospreys amid concerns raised by U.S. crash investigation report

Posted on July 28, 2023 by alert5

In response to a recent U.S. military report highlighting potential mechanical issues, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) has taken the proactive step of suspending flights of its MV-22 Osprey fleet. The report called for the replacement of certain parts to mitigate the risk of accidents, prompting the grounding of fourteen tilt-rotor transport aircraft at the GSDF’s Kisarazu camp in Chiba Prefecture since Jul. 22.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B and a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) V-22 Osprey conduct aerial maneuvers at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 9, 2019. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 and JGSDF soldiers conducted a confined area landing exercise as part of their integrated training, strengthening relations and interoperability between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III)

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U.S. Marine Corps activates its first Tomahawk cruise missile battery

Posted on July 26, 2023 by alert5

In a momentous event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, history was made as the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, activated the Marine Corps’ inaugural long-range missile battery. The ceremony held on July 21 marked the birth of a new era for the Corps, as they embraced the capability of the Tomahawk cruise missile to bolster their long-range strike and sea denial capabilities.

A U.S. Marine Corps Long Range Fires Launcher is staged for the activation ceremony for Long Range Missile Battery A, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 21, 2023. The activation of the battery is a major step in providing 1st MARDIV with additional long range missile and over-the-horizon fire support capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Migel A. Reynosa)

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VH-92A expected to replace the VH-3D as Marine One in the next year or so

Posted on July 14, 2023 by alert5

Connecticut-based aerospace company Sikorsky is nearing the formal unveiling of the next generation Marine One presidential helicopter, the VH-92A Patriot. Built as a replacement for the current fleet of VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk helicopters, the VH-92A is on track to take over the esteemed Marine One mission. With the White House expecting a total fleet of 21 VH-92A helicopters, including two test aircraft, this transition marks a significant security measure in presidential transport.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Hunter Helis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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