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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Space Force Guardians with Space Systems Command, and Mobile User Objective System Program Office personnel attend a MUOS presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16, 2023. Members of Space Systems Command and the MUOS Program Office engaged with 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force Marines to understand end-user considerations and see MUOS used at the tactical level. MUOS elevates Marine Corps warfighting capabilities by enhancing long-range, rapid communication and expanding the operational reach of the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Space Force Guardians with Space Systems Command, and Mobile User Objective System Program Office personnel attend a MUOS presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16, 2023. Members of Space Systems Command and the MUOS Program Office engaged with 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force Marines to understand end-user considerations and see MUOS used at the tactical level. MUOS elevates Marine Corps warfighting capabilities by enhancing long-range, rapid communication and expanding the operational reach of the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael O’Brien, Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, discusses the capabilities of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft with Air Commodore Peter Robinson, Commander of Air Combat Group, Royal Australian Air Force, and Wing Commander Adrian Kiely, Commanding Officer of RAAF No. 3 Squadron, while touring RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, Australia, June 28, 2023. The tour allowed for U.S. Marine Corps and Australian military leadership to view on-going unit-level and bilateral training events designed to enhance U.S.-Australian relationships and further develop and sustain capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region. O’Brien is a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael O’Brien, Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, discusses the capabilities of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft with Air Commodore Peter Robinson, Commander of Air Combat Group, Royal Australian Air Force, and Wing Commander Adrian Kiely, Commanding Officer of RAAF No. 3 Squadron, while touring RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, Australia, June 28, 2023. The tour allowed for U.S. Marine Corps and Australian military leadership to view on-going unit-level and bilateral training events designed to enhance U.S.-Australian relationships and further develop and sustain capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region. O’Brien is a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native.

Philippine Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade and U.S. Marines from across the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, share laughs positioning for a photo following the opening ceremony for Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, July 6, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. - Philippine Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade and U.S. Marines from across the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, share laughs positioning for a photo following the opening ceremony for Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, July 6, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities.

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. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct boat patrols during a littoral movement as part of MEU Exercise III on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 11, 2023. BLT 1/6 continues to enhance RHIB familiarization and readiness through conducting on and off and shore-to-shore drills prior to deployment. The 11m RHIBs provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Commander a high-speed, long –range, low-signature combatant craft capable of projecting and recovering Marines for a variety of missions. - U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct boat patrols during a littoral movement as part of MEU Exercise III on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 11, 2023. BLT 1/6 continues to enhance RHIB familiarization and readiness through conducting on and off and shore-to-shore drills prior to deployment. The 11m RHIBs provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Commander a high-speed, long –range, low-signature combatant craft capable of projecting and recovering Marines for a variety of missions.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Hart (left) a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist and Cpl. Dominik Cochrane, a motor vehicle operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, post security for a Forward Arming and Refueling Point during the Aviation Ground Support Leadership Course on Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 8, 2023. Marines in the course trained for and demonstrated capabilities across the six activities of AGS: forward arming and refueling, airbase ground defense, airfield damage repair, aircraft salvage and recovery, base recovery after attack, and airfield operations. This course is designed to equip noncommissioned officers in AGS units with the knowledge and experience to be technically proficient, and develop them as strong, effective leaders. Cochrane is a Cleveland native and Hart is Houston native. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Timothy Hart (left) a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist and Cpl. Dominik Cochrane, a motor vehicle operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, post security for a Forward Arming and Refueling Point during the Aviation Ground Support Leadership Course on Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 8, 2023. Marines in the course trained for and demonstrated capabilities across the six activities of AGS: forward arming and refueling, airbase ground defense, airfield damage repair, aircraft salvage and recovery, base recovery after attack, and airfield operations. This course is designed to equip noncommissioned officers in AGS units with the knowledge and experience to be technically proficient, and develop them as strong, effective leaders. Cochrane is a Cleveland native and Hart is Houston native.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 165, Marine Air Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, stages by the fuel line at a forward arming and refueling point during Steel Knight 23 Dec. 1, 2022, on Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 165, Marine Air Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, stages by the fuel line at a forward arming and refueling point during Steel Knight 23 Dec. 1, 2022, on Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

The logo of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stands at the activation of Charlie Battery on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 18, 2022. The activation of Charlie Battery increases 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s capabilities in ground-based air defense. Charlie Battery will be equipped with new and emerging technologies to combat unmanned aerial systems, and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. - The logo of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stands at the activation of Charlie Battery on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 18, 2022. The activation of Charlie Battery increases 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s capabilities in ground-based air defense. Charlie Battery will be equipped with new and emerging technologies to combat unmanned aerial systems, and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Kathleen M. Haggard, tactical air command center company commander, provides updates on Exercise Summer Fury to Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, August 3, 2022. The TACC Company enables wing-level forward deployed aviation command and control and battlespace management across all functions of Marine aviation. Summer Fury 22 is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps’ largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Kathleen M. Haggard, tactical air command center company commander, provides updates on Exercise Summer Fury to Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, August 3, 2022. The TACC Company enables wing-level forward deployed aviation command and control and battlespace management across all functions of Marine aviation. Summer Fury 22 is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps’ largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action.

Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 7, 2022. Tripoli completed flight deck operations with 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required. - Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 7, 2022. Tripoli completed flight deck operations with 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required.

An AV-8B Harrier and an F-35B Lightning II are staged during the change of command and redesignation ceremony for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, March, 25, 2022. As part of the transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II, Marine Attack Squadron 214 was re-designated as VMFA-214. The F-35B Lightning II is replacing the AV-8B Harrier to introduce unmatched capabilities to the Marine Corps. The F-35B Lightning II represents a leap forward in air dominance by providing the operational agility and tactical supremacy Marines need to provide expeditious and lethal support. - An AV-8B Harrier and an F-35B Lightning II are staged during the change of command and redesignation ceremony for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, March, 25, 2022. As part of the transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II, Marine Attack Squadron 214 was re-designated as VMFA-214. The F-35B Lightning II is replacing the AV-8B Harrier to introduce unmatched capabilities to the Marine Corps. The F-35B Lightning II represents a leap forward in air dominance by providing the operational agility and tactical supremacy Marines need to provide expeditious and lethal support.

F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, arrive aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as they prepare to deploy alongside the Navy as an integrated part of Carrier Strike Group 3. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, led by Carrier Strike Group 3, deployed from San Diego, Jan. 3, in support of global maritime security operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations-from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. - F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, arrive aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as they prepare to deploy alongside the Navy as an integrated part of Carrier Strike Group 3. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, led by Carrier Strike Group 3, deployed from San Diego, Jan. 3, in support of global maritime security operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations-from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Captain Joshua Brooks, an unmanned aircraft system representative, and Master Sergeant Willie Cheeseboro Jr., an enlisted aircrew coordinator with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, prepare to launch and operate the first Marine Corps owned MQ-9A Reaper on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. Aug. 30, 2021. The MQ-9A is designed to maintain a persistent presence overseas with its long range endurance, and has the capability to provide immediate support to ground units. - U.S. Marine Corps Captain Joshua Brooks, an unmanned aircraft system representative, and Master Sergeant Willie Cheeseboro Jr., an enlisted aircrew coordinator with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, prepare to launch and operate the first Marine Corps owned MQ-9A Reaper on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. Aug. 30, 2021. The MQ-9A is designed to maintain a persistent presence overseas with its long range endurance, and has the capability to provide immediate support to ground units.

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over a U.S. Navy Submarine during Advanced Naval Basing evolution of Summer Fury 21 at San Clemente, California, July 20, 2021. Advanced Naval Basing offering forward logistics and support, as well as sensor and strike capabilities that make a significant contribution to undersea warfare campaigns in the Indo-Pacific region. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment in accordance with Force Design 2030. - U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over a U.S. Navy Submarine during Advanced Naval Basing evolution of Summer Fury 21 at San Clemente, California, July 20, 2021. Advanced Naval Basing offering forward logistics and support, as well as sensor and strike capabilities that make a significant contribution to undersea warfare campaigns in the Indo-Pacific region. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment in accordance with Force Design 2030.

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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.

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.

U.S. Marines prepare to deploy an oceanographic sensor at the Pacific Ocean, Calif., Oct. 13. - U.S. Marines prepare to deploy an oceanographic sensor at the Pacific Ocean, Calif., Oct. 13.

A U.S. Marine taxis down the flightline in an AV-8B Harrier II during Lt. Col. Keith Bucklew’s last flight as commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 311 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 14. - A U.S. Marine taxis down the flightline in an AV-8B Harrier II during Lt. Col. Keith Bucklew’s last flight as commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 311 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 14.

Five F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters taxi at Royal Air Force Station Marham, United Kingdom on Sept. 3. - Five F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters taxi at Royal Air Force Station Marham, United Kingdom on Sept. 3.

F-35B Lightning II - MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.- An F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuels in flight with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 while conducting flight operations above Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 4. The ability to refuel in flight is critical for the supportability and the sustainability of the F-35B during missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Becky Calhoun/Released)

A U.S. Marine observes aircraft coming onto the flight line with a precision approach radar system on MCAS Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 11. - A U.S. Marine observes aircraft coming onto the flight line with a precision approach radar system on MCAS Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 11.

Summer Fury showcases reach of 3rd MAW’s lethal weapons - U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions depart from a forward arming and refueling point during Exercise Summer Fury 20 at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif., July 31.

U.S. Marines pilots fly new F-35B 's out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to be delivered to Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan on March 26. - U.S. Marines pilots fly new F-35B 's out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to be delivered to Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan on March 26.

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What it Takes to Move a Mountain: The Regimental Air Assault - Marines with 1st Marine Division load onto an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), for a regimental air assault during exercise Steel Knight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2019. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that integrates 3rd MAW’s combat power and capabilities with those of 1st Marine Division. This exercise provides the Marines and sailors of 3rd MAW with realistic and relevant training, which enhances their skills, tactics and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Justin M. Pack)

Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 13 work on communications equipment during Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Counterland Training Center, Camp Douglas, Wis. Aug. 16. Exercise Northern Lightning 2018 allows the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy to strengthen interoperability between services and gives the different branches a greater understanding of aviation capabilities within a joint fighting force. - Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 13 work on communications equipment during Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Counterland Training Center, Camp Douglas, Wis. Aug. 16. Exercise Northern Lightning 2018 allows the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy to strengthen interoperability between services and gives the different branches a greater understanding of aviation capabilities within a joint fighting force.

3rd MAW supports firefighting operations at Camp Pendleton - Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and HMLA-169, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct water bucket drops over a brush fire in support of firefighting operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 6. The “Pendleton Complex,” consisting of three separate fires, burned nearly 2,000 acres. In all, six aircraft from 3rd MAW conducted nearly 250 water drops over two separate fires in 30 hours. (Courtesy Photo)

Capt. Samuel A. Schultz, 28, of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, was a pilot assigned to HMH-465. He joined the Marine Corps in May 2012. - Capt. Samuel A. Schultz, 28, of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, was a pilot assigned to HMH-465. He joined the Marine Corps in May 2012.

Vuong saved the life of a UPS driver by using his Marine training to remove him from his wrecked truck. Vuong waited with the driver until emergency medical personnel arrived. - Staff Sgt. Hai Vuong, an imagery analyst from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, received the Liberty Mutual Lifesaver Award from Liberty Mutual Insurance and UPS at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Jan. 26. Vuong saved the life of a UPS driver by using his Marine training to remove him from his wrecked truck. Vuong waited with the driver until emergency medical personnel arrived.

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Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario. - Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario.

Marine Corps F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, transit the Pacific Northwest from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 9, 2017, its final destination being MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, to join 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. VMFA-121, originally an F/A-18 squadron, was redesignated as the Marine Corps’ first F-35 squadron in 2012. - Marine Corps F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, transit the Pacific Northwest from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 9, 2017, its final destination being MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, to join 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. VMFA-121, originally an F/A-18 squadron, was redesignated as the Marine Corps’ first F-35 squadron in 2012.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, begin offloading from a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 during the insertion drill of their Mountain Exercise training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 3. On and offload drills also help air crew and pilots refine their tactics, techniques and procedures during real-time training. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, begin offloading from a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 during the insertion drill of their Mountain Exercise training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 3. On and offload drills also help air crew and pilots refine their tactics, techniques and procedures during real-time training.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 refuel an F-35B Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Jan. 31, 2017. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 refuel an F-35B Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Jan. 31, 2017.

Crash fire and rescue Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, douse a car fire on U.S. Interstate 8, Oct. 7, 2016. The Marines noticed a compact car bellowing smoke on the westbound side of the interstate near exit 36 while in route to provide crash fire and rescue support at an auxiliary landing exercise for C-130 aircraft at Stoval Airfield, located approximately 50 miles east of Yuma. - Crash fire and rescue Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, douse a car fire on U.S. Interstate 8, Oct. 7, 2016. The Marines noticed a compact car bellowing smoke on the westbound side of the interstate near exit 36 while in route to provide crash fire and rescue support at an auxiliary landing exercise for C-130 aircraft at Stoval Airfield, located approximately 50 miles east of Yuma.

A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 prepares to land after Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, finished a fast-rope drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 6, 2016. The fast-rope training was part of a larger event called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration exercise, which enabled air and ground units to come together and cooperate in various training missions prior to their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 prepares to land after Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, finished a fast-rope drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 6, 2016. The fast-rope training was part of a larger event called a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration exercise, which enabled air and ground units to come together and cooperate in various training missions prior to their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

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.

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.

A Marine with the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit receives assistance putting on a hazardous material suit during Assessment Consequence Management training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 6. The ACM training is conducted by CBRN once a month to maintain mission readiness. - A Marine with the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit receives assistance putting on a hazardous material suit during Assessment Consequence Management training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 6. The ACM training is conducted by CBRN once a month to maintain mission readiness.

Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon affix bayonets to their rifles during a performance at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, March 11. Their performance was part of the Battle Color Ceremony aboard the air station. - Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon affix bayonets to their rifles during a performance at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, March 11. Their performance was part of the Battle Color Ceremony aboard the air station.

Cpl. Joshua Payne, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 and a Spring, Texas, native, guides the pilots of an MV-22B Osprey to an unprepared field during casualty-evacuation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 20. Casualty-evacuation training prepares the Marines to land in a combat zone, pick up injured Marines and transport them to a safe area. - Cpl. Joshua Payne, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 and a Spring, Texas, native, guides the pilots of an MV-22B Osprey to an unprepared field during casualty-evacuation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 20. Casualty-evacuation training prepares the Marines to land in a combat zone, pick up injured Marines and transport them to a safe area.

Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Mulcahy, a combat marksmanship trainer instructor with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, fires an M134 GAU-17 Minigun during an aerial gunnery shoot at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 17. Marines with HMLAT-303 flew a formation flight and conducted an aerial gunnery to shoot give students the opportunity to refine basic skills needed to operate in the Fleet Marine Force. - Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Mulcahy, a combat marksmanship trainer instructor with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, fires an M134 GAU-17 Minigun during an aerial gunnery shoot at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 17. Marines with HMLAT-303 flew a formation flight and conducted an aerial gunnery to shoot give students the opportunity to refine basic skills needed to operate in the Fleet Marine Force.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 perform post-flight checks on an MV-22B Osprey after an aerial refueling training event at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 16. The squadron conducts this annual training once every two months to maintain their proficiency with the maneuvers. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 perform post-flight checks on an MV-22B Osprey after an aerial refueling training event at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 16. The squadron conducts this annual training once every two months to maintain their proficiency with the maneuvers.

Lance Cpl. Taylor A. Vollmer observes aircraft as his team prepares to take off for a Joint Terminal Attack Control training scenerio Dec. 15 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A JTAC is when combat aircraft engage in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. Vollmer, a Bakersfield, California, native, is a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. - Lance Cpl. Taylor A. Vollmer observes aircraft as his team prepares to take off for a Joint Terminal Attack Control training scenerio Dec. 15 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A JTAC is when combat aircraft engage in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. Vollmer, a Bakersfield, California, native, is a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets. - Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 “Warhorse” mount a .50-caliber machine gun onto a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16. Marines with HMH-465 will conduct aerial gun shoots, fire bucket training and terrain flights over the course of five days in El Centro, California. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 “Warhorse” mount a .50-caliber machine gun onto a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16. Marines with HMH-465 will conduct aerial gun shoots, fire bucket training and terrain flights over the course of five days in El Centro, California.