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VMA-542 is the USMC’s first East Coast operational F-35 squadron

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Officials from Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) held a re-designation ceremony on Dec. 1 at MCAS Cherry Point, to celebrate the squadron’s transition from an AV-8B Harrier squadron to the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35 squadron.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542 flies over Bodo, Norway during Fjord Fury, June 6, 2018. Exercise Fjord Fury is designed to conduct combined training with NATO allied forces, foster relationships with host and partner nations, and improve the squadron’s combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jailine L. Martinez)

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Japan plans to buy 500 Tomahawks

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Up to 500 Tomahawk cruise missiles produced in the United States are being considered by the Japanese Ministry of Defense for purchase by fiscal 2027, The Yomiuri reports.

180918-N-VG727-1129 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 18, 2018) A tomahawk cruise missile launches from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) for a live-fire exercise during Valiant Shield 2018. Valiant Shield is a U.S. only, biennial field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment among U.S. forces. This training enable real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Collins III)

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