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

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

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

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

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.

Sikorsky VH-92 lands in front of the White House during tests, 22 September 2018 (180922-M-ZY870-531)
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Hunter Helis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Naval Postgraduate School achieves first in-flight 3D printing of medical cast on Osprey

The Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Additive Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in military logistics. In a historic moment, CAMRE successfully demonstrated in-flight 3D printing by producing a medical cast aboard a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.


Photo: USMC
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