U.S. Marines Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fly overs of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Coral Sea, July 1, 2025. VMFA-242 “The Bats” celebrated 82 years; the unit was commissioned July 1, 1943, boasting a combat history, beginning in the Solomon Islands and continuing through Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. The squadron has adapted and evolved, flying the A-4 Skyhawk during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the A-6 Intruder in Vietnam, and the F/A-18 Hornet in Iraq. Today, VMFA-242 flies the F-35B Lightning II aircraft and carries the title of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year, earning the Robert M. Hanson Award in 2024. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins)

Director, Marine Corps Staff, U.S. Marine, Lieutenant General Paul J. Rock Jr., The Inspector General, U.S. Army, Lieutenant General Gregory, Director, Navy Staff, Vice Admiral Michael Boyle, and U.S. Postal Service, Military Programs Specialist, Martin Mieras give speeches during the First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony, at Freedom Plaza, Washington D.C., May 16, 2025. The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the release of three individual commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps video by John Martinez).

The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, and the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, officially kickoff the year-long 250th birthday of the Marine Corps celebration, Dec 11. For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has served honorably in every clime and place. Founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Marines have fought from the shores of Tripoli to the valleys of Afghanistan – always the most-ready when the nation was least ready. Coming from all walks of life, Marines stay true to the uncompromising standards found in their core values of honor, courage, and commitment.