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The latest news and the coverage of news, events, videos, tweets and more from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Tag: F-35C Lightning II

VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, from Virginia and commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, taxis an F-35C Lightning Il at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024. VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

VMFA-251 receives first F-35, the first East Coast-based Marine Corps F-35C to arrive

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35C Lightning II jet aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael P. Fisher, commanding officer Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes the pass and review with former VMFA 311 commanders during a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. The reactivation and redesignation of VMFA-311 marks the transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II, which brings its unique capabilities to 3rd MAW as a long-range compliment to existing aviation assets. Formerly Marine Attack Squadron 311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael P. Fisher, commanding officer Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes the pass and review with former VMFA 311 commanders during a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. The reactivation and redesignation of VMFA-311 marks the transition for the squadron to the F-35C Lightning II, which brings its unique capabilities to 3rd MAW as a long-range compliment to existing aviation assets. Formerly Marine Attack Squadron 311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy.

U.S. Marine Corps Activates Second F-35C Squadron

Third Marine Aircraft Wing reactivated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311, an F-35C Lightning II squadron, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 14, 2023. VMFA-311 is the U.S. Marine Corps’ second F-35C squadron. The F-35C is a land and/or carrier-based platform boasting long-range flight and high weapons payload capabilities. Formerly VMA-311, the Tomcats have made their mark on Marine Corps aviation for decades, and now will continue their legacy...

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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.

VMFA-314 Black Knights return from Historic Deployment

The “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 returned today from their deployment with Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Black Knights are the first Marine Corps squadron to deploy the F-35C Lightning II aboard an aircraft carrier...

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A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21. - A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21.

F-35 simulator building unveiled during Winter Fury

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing dedicates its inaugural F-35 simulator building aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, January 21. This marks the next step in streamlining the training process of the fifth-generation joint strike fighter, which has been recognized as one of the most advanced aircraft in military history. In addition to providing a much more efficient means of producing highly trained pilots to operate the fifth-generation stealth fighter, this simulator will allow 3rd MAW aviators to train, rehearse, and refine their integrated abilities alongside the Navy and other Marine Corps allies operating across the globe...

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U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 declares their initial operational capability for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps. - U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 declares their initial operational capability for the F-35C Lightning II, having met the standards set forth by Headquarters Marine Corps.

3rd MAW advances air superiority with F-35C

In a time characterized by rapidly evolving tactics and modernized equipment, the Marine Corps has taken the next step in maintaining air superiority as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 declares their initial operational capability for the F-35C Lightning II. Initial operational capability declaration marks a significant accomplishment for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, enabling VMFA-314 to deploy the F-35C onto aircraft carriers where they will be able to support combat operations anywhere in the world. “The F-35 is an expeditionary platform that extends the reach of our Marines and machines, and increases our ability to support joint and allied partners at a moment’s notice,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, 3rd MAW commanding general...

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A U.S. Marine fires an M2 .50-caliber machine gun from a CH-53E Super Stallion in Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 3. - A U.S. Marine fires an M2 .50-caliber machine gun from a CH-53E Super Stallion in Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 3.

3rd MAW strengthens as WTI 1-21 concludes

Upon the completion of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-21, over 100 newly qualified instructors return to their respective squadrons throughout the Marine Corps. Culminating in a fully integrated, combined arms exercise encompassing all functions of Marine aviation, WTI prepares graduates to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with mission planning, briefing and debriefing, threat systems, and unit weapons system employment...

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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II lands on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 11. - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II lands on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 11.

F-35 arrive at MCAS Miramar

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 welcomed its most recent delivery of the F-35C Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar May 18, 2020. Earlier this year, the VMFA-314 Black Knights made history when they became the first F-35C squadron in the Marine Corps. “We are extremely excited to be receiving our seventh aircraft today,” said Lt. Col. Cedar Hinton, commanding officer of VMFA-314...

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A U.S Marine lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21. - A U.S Marine lands VMFA-314's first F-35C Lightning II on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21.