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U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 9, 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and further assures 3rd MAW’s commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as part of U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 9, 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and further assures 3rd MAW’s commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as part of U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

An F/A-18D Hornet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 prepares for take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Oct. 13. VMFAT-101 is a training squadron for Marine Corps and Navy students who are learning to pilot F-18s. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11. - An F/A-18D Hornet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 prepares for take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Oct. 13. VMFAT-101 is a training squadron for Marine Corps and Navy students who are learning to pilot F-18s. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11.

An F-35B Lightning II takes off on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, as part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. Data and lessons learned during the operational test will lay the groundwork for future F-35B deployments aboard amphibious ships. - An F-35B Lightning II takes off on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, as part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. Data and lessons learned during the operational test will lay the groundwork for future F-35B deployments aboard amphibious ships.

An F-5N Tiger II taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. in Dec. 3, 2015 to support Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 in air-to-air training from Dec. 2-Dec. 11. Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 brought five F-5N Tiger II aircraft to support red air for VMFAT-501. Red air is the adversary forces for air-to-air training. - An F-5N Tiger II taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. in Dec. 3, 2015 to support Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 in air-to-air training from Dec. 2-Dec. 11. Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 brought five F-5N Tiger II aircraft to support red air for VMFAT-501. Red air is the adversary forces for air-to-air training.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conducts formation flights - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conducts formation flights while in transit to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 13, 2017. VMGR-152 is participating in unit-level training Evergreen. The training consists of division formation flights with stateside-based VMGR squadrons and tri-lateral training with the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group to gain valuable insight on the most recent Operation Inherent Resolve assault support tactics.

Cpl. Mason Stone, left, a KC-130J crewmaster, Staff Sgt. David Hoyt, middle, a KC-130J loadmaster, and Cpl. Greg Gambrell, right, a KC-130J crewmaster, set up the refueling site for air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 21, 2015. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 uses this training to make sure their Marines are able to proficiently use all of the KC-130J’s assets. - Cpl. Mason Stone, left, a KC-130J crewmaster, Staff Sgt. David Hoyt, middle, a KC-130J loadmaster, and Cpl. Greg Gambrell, right, a KC-130J crewmaster, set up the refueling site for air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 21, 2015. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 uses this training to make sure their Marines are able to proficiently use all of the KC-130J’s assets.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, taxis to the flight line during aviation delivered ground refueling training with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2017. The ADGR marked the first evolution of this form of refueling for VMFA-121’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft, and it increases the squadron’s ability to refuel by C-130 aircraft in austere locations when other resources may not be available. - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, taxis to the flight line during aviation delivered ground refueling training with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2017. The ADGR marked the first evolution of this form of refueling for VMFA-121’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft, and it increases the squadron’s ability to refuel by C-130 aircraft in austere locations when other resources may not be available.

Multiple squadrons participated in the professional military education on the island to gain information on its historical significance and foster esprit de corps. - U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, collect sand at Iwo To (Iwo Jima), Japan, Nov. 7, 2017. Multiple squadrons participated in the professional military education on the island to gain information on its historical significance and foster esprit de corps.

Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 connect a fuel hose from a KC-130J Super Hercules to a UH-60 Black Hawk during air-delivered ground refueling training at Wright Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 22, 2014. ADGR allows aircraft unable to refuel in-flight to land, refuel and resume mission support. The Super Hercules belongs to the Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and the Black Hawk belong to the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). - Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 connect a fuel hose from a KC-130J Super Hercules to a UH-60 Black Hawk during air-delivered ground refueling training at Wright Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 22, 2014. ADGR allows aircraft unable to refuel in-flight to land, refuel and resume mission support. The Super Hercules belongs to the Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and the Black Hawk belong to the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).

A critical skills operator with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command searches the horizon for the objective zone from the ramp of a KC-130J Super Hercules during parachute training above Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 6, 2015. CSOs were supported by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Aerial deliveries are one of the mission essential skills VMGR-252 provides in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - A critical skills operator with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command searches the horizon for the objective zone from the ramp of a KC-130J Super Hercules during parachute training above Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 6, 2015. CSOs were supported by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Aerial deliveries are one of the mission essential skills VMGR-252 provides in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Capt. Orlando R. Samudio, left, and Capt. Mike A. Jordan pilot a KC-130J Super Hercules during tactical navigation training above Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 23, 2014. The training allows pilots to hone skills through disparate terrain to avoid ground threats. Samudio and Jordan are both naval aviators with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. Samudio is a native of Austin, Texas and Jordan is a native to Decatur, Texas. - Capt. Orlando R. Samudio, left, and Capt. Mike A. Jordan pilot a KC-130J Super Hercules during tactical navigation training above Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 23, 2014. The training allows pilots to hone skills through disparate terrain to avoid ground threats. Samudio and Jordan are both naval aviators with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. Samudio is a native of Austin, Texas and Jordan is a native to Decatur, Texas.

Capt. Mike Jordan, left, and Capt. Craig Fitzhugh operate the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit system in a modified KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 2, 2014. The Harvest HAWK comes equipped with both Hellfire and Griffin missiles to provide close-air support for Marines on the ground. Jordan and Fitzhugh are both KC-130J pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. - Capt. Mike Jordan, left, and Capt. Craig Fitzhugh operate the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit system in a modified KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 2, 2014. The Harvest HAWK comes equipped with both Hellfire and Griffin missiles to provide close-air support for Marines on the ground. Jordan and Fitzhugh are both KC-130J pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

Lance Cpl. Zackary Bowen, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, scans a field for anything that could damage the MV-22B Osprey he is in while landing. As a crew chief, Bowen and another crew chief constantly monitor the aircraft’s components and make changes as necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and personnel within. - Lance Cpl. Zackary Bowen, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, scans a field for anything that could damage the MV-22B Osprey he is in while landing. As a crew chief, Bowen and another crew chief constantly monitor the aircraft’s components and make changes as necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and personnel within.

Jon Ayers discusses the cockpit armament controls in a V-22 Osprey with Lance Cpl. Jared Wooten while assessing the aircraft’s onboard systems and tactical aircraft protection system at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 17, 2016. Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) underwent the assessment to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Ayers is a ALE -47 program Navy Logistician with the fleet support team. Wooten serves as a V-22 Osprey avionics technician with the unit. - Jon Ayers discusses the cockpit armament controls in a V-22 Osprey with Lance Cpl. Jared Wooten while assessing the aircraft’s onboard systems and tactical aircraft protection system at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 17, 2016. Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) underwent the assessment to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Ayers is a ALE -47 program Navy Logistician with the fleet support team. Wooten serves as a V-22 Osprey avionics technician with the unit.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 head to Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to conduct a deployment for training (DFT) exercise, Dec. 1. The squadron is scheduled to complete several missions during this exercise, which include long range raids, aerial refueling, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel in preparation for their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 head to Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to conduct a deployment for training (DFT) exercise, Dec. 1. The squadron is scheduled to complete several missions during this exercise, which include long range raids, aerial refueling, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel in preparation for their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 takes off from a simulated combat zone during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 17, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted the exercise in support of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in order to increase proficiency in conducting CAS EVACS. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 takes off from a simulated combat zone during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 17, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted the exercise in support of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in order to increase proficiency in conducting CAS EVACS.

Cpl. Alec Bechtel, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, communicates with pilots during a field carrier landing practice at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 30, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted field carrier landing practices at Camp Pendleton to maintain their proficiency in landing aboard Navy vessels. - Cpl. Alec Bechtel, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, communicates with pilots during a field carrier landing practice at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 30, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted field carrier landing practices at Camp Pendleton to maintain their proficiency in landing aboard Navy vessels.

Cpl. Matthew Maenner, crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) observes the other MV-22B Osprey returning from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. Marines with VMM0-163 (Rein.) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid and supplied four MV-22B Ospreys, two AH-1W Cobras, two UH-1Y Hueys and one CH-53E Super Stallion. - Cpl. Matthew Maenner, crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) observes the other MV-22B Osprey returning from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. Marines with VMM0-163 (Rein.) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid and supplied four MV-22B Ospreys, two AH-1W Cobras, two UH-1Y Hueys and one CH-53E Super Stallion.

Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command. - Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command.

A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 looks outside an MV-22B Osprey during a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8. Crew chiefs aboard the Osprey assisted with maintaining visuals during the flight for the pilots. - A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 looks outside an MV-22B Osprey during a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8. Crew chiefs aboard the Osprey assisted with maintaining visuals during the flight for the pilots.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 attach a 6,200 pound steel girder to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during external lift training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 14. The squadron conducted the training to maintain proficiency in transporting external cargo. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 attach a 6,200 pound steel girder to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during external lift training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 14. The squadron conducted the training to maintain proficiency in transporting external cargo.

Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepare for a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18. Marines conducted casualty evacuation drills as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit predeployment training. - Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepare for a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18. Marines conducted casualty evacuation drills as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit predeployment training.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 prepares to land onto the Karel Doorman, a Dutch warship, during an interoperability test near Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 12, 2015. The unit worked jointly with the Royal Netherlands Navy to perform the first MV-22 Osprey carrier landing aboard a Dutch warship and strengthened the existing partnership between the two countries. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 prepares to land onto the Karel Doorman, a Dutch warship, during an interoperability test near Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 12, 2015. The unit worked jointly with the Royal Netherlands Navy to perform the first MV-22 Osprey carrier landing aboard a Dutch warship and strengthened the existing partnership between the two countries.

160916-M-PJ332-519.JPG - A MV-22B Osprey belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced) prepares to land on Farallon de Medinilla Range, Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 16, 2016. Valiant Shield is a biennial U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps exercise held in Guam, focusing on real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish)

Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee, center, salutes Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown and Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd during a post and relief ceremony Jan. 8 at hangar 525 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. . Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee passes on his reponsibilities as the squadron sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd. Marines are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee, center, salutes Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown and Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd during a post and relief ceremony Jan. 8 at hangar 525 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. . Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee passes on his reponsibilities as the squadron sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd. Marines are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

Vivianlee Aguero is a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. At 17 she enlisted as an embarkation specialist from her home in Guam. - Vivianlee Aguero is a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. At 17 she enlisted as an embarkation specialist from her home in Guam. She is currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, the 31st MEU provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Three MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 landed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 6, 2014, to refuel and begin planning for support of Exercise Forest Light in Kumamoto Prefecture. Forest Light is a routine, semiannual training exercise that enhances the readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and is in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. - Three MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 landed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 6, 2014, to refuel and begin planning for support of Exercise Forest Light in Kumamoto Prefecture. Forest Light is a routine, semiannual training exercise that enhances the readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and is in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

An Air Force KC-10 Extender releases its drogue, or hose, in order to refuel a MV-22B Osprey above the Marine Corps Air Station New River area, Jan. 15, 2015. Marine pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 flew behind the KC-10 and practiced aerial refuels with the aircraft. - An Air Force KC-10 Extender releases its drogue, or hose, in order to refuel a MV-22B Osprey above the Marine Corps Air Station New River area, Jan. 15, 2015. Marine pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 flew behind the KC-10 and practiced aerial refuels with the aircraft.

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Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 attach a simulated cargo of 1,400 pounds to an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 16, 2015. Daytime external lift training prepares the Marines with VMM-363 to attach cargo to the aircraft which helps qualify more air crew in the mission-essential task of rapid insertion and extraction for the squadron. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 attach a simulated cargo of 1,400 pounds to an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 16, 2015. Daytime external lift training prepares the Marines with VMM-363 to attach cargo to the aircraft which helps qualify more air crew in the mission-essential task of rapid insertion and extraction for the squadron.

Cpl. Jesus Ontiveros, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 “Purple Foxes,” and an Oxnard, Calif. native, walks through an MV-22B Osprey during a post-operations check aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, April 5. Before and after every flight, Marines with VMM-364 check Ospreys for any mechanical discrepancies to ensure the safety of pilots, air crew and passengers. - Cpl. Jesus Ontiveros, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 “Purple Foxes,” and an Oxnard, Calif. native, walks through an MV-22B Osprey during a post-operations check aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, April 5. Before and after every flight, Marines with VMM-364 check Ospreys for any mechanical discrepancies to ensure the safety of pilots, air crew and passengers.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft.

Lance Cpl. Jarod L. Smith, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, fires a mounted M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun from the back of the MV-22B Osprey during a live fire training session off the coast of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 10, 2016. Marines with VMM-365 flew to a landing zone, which allowed pilots to practice CALs in their Osprey’s and then flew several miles off the coast to practice their proficiency with the .50-caliber machine gun. - Lance Cpl. Jarod L. Smith, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, fires a mounted M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun from the back of the MV-22B Osprey during a live fire training session off the coast of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 10, 2016. Marines with VMM-365 flew to a landing zone, which allowed pilots to practice CALs in their Osprey’s and then flew several miles off the coast to practice their proficiency with the .50-caliber machine gun.

Corporal Chris Stewart, the senior crew chief aboard an MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), communicates with pilots during a para-operations training with an 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. Reconnaissance Marines, rigged with parachutes, jumped from an altitude of 13,000 feet with the assistance of Marines with VMM-365 (Rein) to practice the airborne insertion. - Corporal Chris Stewart, the senior crew chief aboard an MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), communicates with pilots during a para-operations training with an 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. Reconnaissance Marines, rigged with parachutes, jumped from an altitude of 13,000 feet with the assistance of Marines with VMM-365 (Rein) to practice the airborne insertion.

Lt. Col. Kris Faught speaks to Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 before the first RQ-21A Blackjack flight into Class D airspace over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 21, 2016. The RQ-21A Blackjack system is modular, flexible and multi-mission capable, providing roll-on, roll-off transitions between land and maritime environments. Faught is the commanding officer of VMU-2. - Lt. Col. Kris Faught speaks to Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 before the first RQ-21A Blackjack flight into Class D airspace over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 21, 2016. The RQ-21A Blackjack system is modular, flexible and multi-mission capable, providing roll-on, roll-off transitions between land and maritime environments. Faught is the commanding officer of VMU-2.

Lance Cpl. Homero Campos, left, and Lance Cpl. Chara J. Savoey, set up a hasty communications tower at Bombing Target Range 11, Piney Island, N.C., Dec. 18, 2014. Campos is an unmanned aerial vehicle maintainer with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 and native of Kingston, N.Y. Savoey is a field radio operator with the squadron and is native of Oakland, Calif. - Lance Cpl. Homero Campos, left, and Lance Cpl. Chara J. Savoey, set up a hasty communications tower at Bombing Target Range 11, Piney Island, N.C., Dec. 18, 2014. Campos is an unmanned aerial vehicle maintainer with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 and native of Kingston, N.Y. Savoey is a field radio operator with the squadron and is native of Oakland, Calif.

Sgt. Ethan Mintus and Sgt. Joseph Latsch, both unmanned aerial system operators with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, wait to be awarded during a ceremony at Hangar 103, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Dec. 11, 2017. They were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the newly authorized Remote Impact “R” Device for their performance during combat operations. - Sgt. Ethan Mintus and Sgt. Joseph Latsch, both unmanned aerial system operators with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, wait to be awarded during a ceremony at Hangar 103, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Dec. 11, 2017. They were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the newly authorized Remote Impact “R” Device for their performance during combat operations.

U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 pose for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma Arizona March 12, 2025. - U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 pose for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma Arizona March 12, 2025. The pilots and crew were commended for their heroic efforts, demonstrating Marines capability to react to practical situations, the crew identified an injured motorcyclist while on a flight and provided medical evacuation back to MCAS Yuma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Radosti)

A F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 taxies under a canopy aboard Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 9. This is the squadron’s first F-35 Lightning II. - A F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 taxies under a canopy aboard Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 9. This is the squadron’s first F-35 Lightning II.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, prepares to take off while on top of a mountain during a flight aboard Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 2, 2015. During the flight the Marines conducted low visibility landing, flew through mountainous terrain and at low altitudes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andy J. Orozco/Released) - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22, prepares to take off while on top of a mountain during a flight aboard Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 2, 2015. During the flight the Marines conducted low visibility landing, flew through mountainous terrain and at low altitudes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andy J. Orozco/Released)

Americans will head to the polls Nov. 3, 2020, to elect the president of the United States. - Americans will head to the polls Nov. 3, 2020, to elect the president of the United States.

A U.S. Navy sailor ground guides a Kalmar Lidhults Mekaniska Verkstad container forklift truck down the ramp during a Maritime Prepositioning Force exercise at U.S. Naval Base Guam, Feb. 27. - A U.S. Navy sailor ground guides a Kalmar Lidhults Mekaniska Verkstad container forklift truck down the ramp during a Maritime Prepositioning Force exercise at U.S. Naval Base Guam, Feb. 27.

Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., take photos of the grave marker for Lt. j.g. Weedon Osborne the only Medal of Honor recipient interred at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 26, 2016. Osborne was a dentist who served as corpsman for the 6th Marine Regiment and was killed in action trying to carry an injured Marine to safety June 6, 1918. - Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., take photos of the grave marker for Lt. j.g. Weedon Osborne the only Medal of Honor recipient interred at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 26, 2016. Osborne was a dentist who served as corpsman for the 6th Marine Regiment and was killed in action trying to carry an injured Marine to safety June 6, 1918.

Walking together in unity - From left to right, Yoshihiko Fukuda, the mayor of Iwakuni City; Masahiro Akase, the director general of Chugoku Shikoku Defense Bureau; Yasutake Lida, the director of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Iwakuni Citizen Affairs Bureau; and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Fuerst, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, came together to participate in the 10th Joint Leadership Walk in Iwakuni City, Japan, March 15, 2019. The walk consisted of touring popular local areas where they spoke to business owners as well as Japanese and American customers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Stephen Campbell)