The official account of the Marine Corps’ largest air wing.
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We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the five Marines that died in a MV-22B Osprey mishap in Glamis, CA on June 8th, 2022. All five Marines were assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364.
(Part 1)
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VMFA-211, the “Wake Island Avengers”, recently touched down at RAF Lakenheath, England, and will soon be embarking aboard @HMSQNLZ for the UK’s Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment.
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The five deceased Marines from the CH-53E helicopter mishap on February 6, 2024, have been identified.
Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis
Sgt. Alec Langen
Capt. Benjamin Moulton
Capt. Jack Casey
Capt. Miguel Nava
Additional information can be found at:
3rdmaw.marines.mil/News/Pres…
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Update: The five 3rd MAW Marines have been confirmed deceased.
“To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time.” -Maj. Gen. Borgschulte, 3rd MAW Commanding General
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#Wake
Happy 211 Day!
VMFA-211, The Wake Island Avengers, continues to train in preparation of their historic deployment aboard @RoyalNavy @HMSQNLZ later this year.
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In spring 2022, VMA-311 will reactivate as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311 operating the F-35C Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Similarly, VMA-214 will begin flying the F-35B as VMFA-214 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
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At approximately 1600 it was reported that an F-35B made contact with a KC-130J during an air-to-air refueling evolution, resulting in the crash of the F-35B. The pilot of the F-35B ejected successfully and is currently being treated.
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MEDIA RELEASE: A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed in the vicinity of El Centro, California, at approximately 2:35 p.m. Tuesday during a routine training mission.
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The names of the deceased are:
Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, a Crew Chief.
Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire, an MV-22B Pilot.
Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, a Tiltrotor Crew Chief.
(Part 2)
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Last of His Kind
Maj. Billy Hall fought in WWII, Korea & Vietnam—one of the last to enlist before Pearl Harbor & serve in all three.
At 15, he joined the #MarineCorps. Today, we honored his legacy with a funeral flyover at Miramar National Cemetery.
Semper Fi, Billy!
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Project Legacy
#Marines took to the skies over the Pacific in a formation flight uniting every aircraft in MAG-11.
This display of precision flying honored Marine aviation’s past and future, showcasing air superiority and the integration of legacy and fifth-gen aircraft.
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#Marines from #VMFA314, 3rd MAW, flew 4 F-35C Lightning II jets from #California to #Australia! They flew >7,800 miles with #aerialrefueling and 4 stopovers enroute. This is a first for @USMC F-35Cs. The VMFA314 Black Knights are poised to train alongside our Australian #Allies.
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VMFA-215’s F-35Bs conducted realistic training missions from a remote island during #SteelKnight24. With @usairforce support, Marines showcased the Joint Force's ability to operate the F-35B in austere environments.
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See attached for updates on missing 3rd MAW Marines.
Search and rescue operations are underway.
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SOAR with the Marines🦅
Marines with HMLA-367 train with Soldiers from the 160th SOAR & 75th Ranger Regiment, Feb 4, 2025.
📸 LCpl. Sanchez
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🇺🇸🇦🇺Refueling Across the Pacific
#USMC F-35B Lightning Il aircraft with VMFA-214, supported by a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft with No. 33 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, conduct a #transpacific flight from Camp Blaz, Guam, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia.
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Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, an MV-22B Pilot.
Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico, a Tiltrotor Crew Chief.
The cause of this crash is currently under investigation.
(Part 3)
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The deceased will be reunited with their families through dignified transfer in the coming days.
(Part 4)
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Maj. Gen. Mark R. Wise, commanding general of @3rdmaw, helps highlight the importance of wearing maximum personal protective equipment when riding motorcycles.
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VMFA-211 is blazing the trail for @thef35 integration on the @Official13thMEU ! Keep up the good work @USMC 💪 #motivation
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Hornets Launch to Alaska!
#USMC F/A-18 Hornet aircraft with MAG-11 take off for exercise #ArcticDefender at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 28, 2024.
#Aviation #semperfi #flymarines #GermanAirForce
@1stMEF @PacificMarines @USMC @INDOPACOM @DeptofDefense
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Raiders Gas Up Flying Nightmares
A @USMC F-35B Lightning II assigned to VMFAT-502, and KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to VMGR-352, conduct an aerial refueling training mission over Southern California, May 14, 2024.
#flymarines #aviation #SoCal
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New Chapter, Same Mission ✈️🇺🇸
Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, the outgoing commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, passes the unit colors to Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons during a change of command ceremony.
Welcome to #3rdMAW, Maj. Gen. Wellons!
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VMFA-314 declares their initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II.
3rdmaw.marines.mil/News/Arti…
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Raiders fuel up Black Sheep for LLFX
#MarineCorps F-35B Lighting II aircraft with VMFA-214 and a KC-130J Super Hercules with VMGR-352 conduct aerial refueling in support of a littoral live-fire exercise off the coast of Zambales, Philippines, during #MASA 24, June 15, 2024.
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The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport. All crew members of the KC-130J have been reported safe.
The official cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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Welcome Home, Death Rattlers
Marines of VMFA-323 return home after a 10-month deployment to the Middle East, the last F/A-18 carrier deployment in Marine Corps history. Following this homecoming, VMFA-323 will transition to employ the F-35 Lightning II.
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Welcome Home, Marines! 🇺🇸
#Marines and MV-22B Osprey, UH-1Y Venom, and AH-1Z Viper aircraft with VMM-165 (Rein.) return home to @MCASMiramarCA and @MCIWPendletonCA, California, after a 5-month deployment to the @INDOPACOM region with the @15thMEUOfficial.
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Lightning Blur ⚡️
An F-35B Lightning II assigned to VMFA-211, MAG-13, 3rd MAW, departs the flight deck of the USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Dec. 4, 2024.
VMFA-211’s deck landing qualifications in the Pacific Ocean occurred during I MEF exercise #SteelKnight 24.
📸: Sgt. Luc Boatman
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F-35B Lightning II Training, Yuma, AZ
The aircraft was armed with 6 guided bombs and an Air Intercept Missile 9X. This gives 3rd MAW the capability to conduct offensive air support, anti-aircraft warfare, & aviation reconnaissance from expeditionary sites in any clime and place.
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Firepower!💥
#Marines and CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft with HMH-462 conduct a simulated air assault in support of Service Level Training Exercise 5-24 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California.
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📍 Java Sea
A #USMC CH-53E Super Stallion with VMM-165 (Rein.), @15thMEUOfficial, flies alongside @USNavy amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and an Indonesian Eurocopoter AS565 Panther during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Indonesia 24 in the Java Sea.
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Once a Knight Is Never Enough
LtCol Jeffrey Davis relinquished command of VMFA-314, which operated in combat & earned #MarineCorps Attack Squadron of the Year.
His father, LtGen (Ret.) Jon Davis, former DCA, stood by—marking a proud moment for #USMC aviation across generations.
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Back from Combat
#Marines with VMFA-314 returned home after a 5-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3.
In the first combat employment of F-35C Lightning IIs, the “Black Knights” conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities within Yemen.
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Resupply Ops 💪
#Marines and CH-53E Super Stallions with HMH-462 conduct resupply flight operations from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to Imperial, California, Feb. 27, 2024.
#magtf #flymarines #aviation @1stMEF @PacificMarines @USMC
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Winter Fury 21
During exercise #WinterFury, @USMC with VMFA-211, the #WakeIslandAvengers, conducted a missile #FIREX in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
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Fuel on demand
A #USMC CH-53E Super Stallion attached to VMM-165 (Rein.), @15thMEUOfficial, and a KC-130J Super Hercules attached to VMGR-352, conduct air-to-air refueling during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 off the coast of the Philippines, June 16, 2024.
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Early Bird
U.S. #MarineCorps MV-22B Ospreys with VMM-165 (Rein.), @15thMEUOfficial, conduct deck landing qualifications aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean April 5, 2024.
#flymarines #aviation #usmc @1stMEF @PacificMarines @USMC
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📍Guam
U.S. #Marines and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft with the “Red Devils” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 arrive at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 19, 2024.
#flymarines #aviation #freeandopenindopacific
@PacificMarines @USMC
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.@thef35 making history on the @Official13thMEU1! Keep up the hard work! #militaryaviation
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Happy Birthday Marines!
#Marines with VMGR-352 participate in a 60-mile relay run and hike from @MCASMiramarCA to @MCIWPendletonCA in honor of the 249th Marine Corps birthday and 105th Veteran’s Day.
Read more ⬇️
@1stMEF @USMC #USMC #SemperFidelis
3rdmaw.marines.mil/Media-Roo…
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"The utility and ubiquity of #Marine #aviation is a #warfighting multiplier..." -Col. Nathan Marvel, commanding officer of MAG-39 discusses Marine aviation for the future fight. @USMC @1stMEF @INDOPACOM @PacificMarines 3rdmaw.marines.mil/News/Stor…
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🇺🇸U.S. Marine Corps Captain Spencer Hart speaks to community members of San Diego about the AH-1Z Viper during Fleet Week San Diego 2019. #FWSD gives service members the opportunity to show #community involvement in the ♥️ of #SanDiego🏙 #SeaCadets #BoyScouts
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Rapid Raid Pt. 1
#Marines with BLT 1/5, and Marines and MV-22B Osprey aircraft with VMM-165 (Rein.), @15thMEUOfficial, depart for a raid exercise from the USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, April 8, 2024.
#flymarines #bluegreenteam #aviation
@1stMEF @USMC @USNavy
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SNAKES ON A PLANE! But seriously, Vipers on a Super Galaxy. #Airmen and #Marines load @USMC AH-1Zs and UH-1Ys on a C-5M to transport to a fires exercise. #mobility #logistics #expeditionary @usairforce @1stMEF
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VMFA-122 continues to refine EABO tactics to increase 3d MAWs operation reach and ability to deliver long range precision fires in preparation for future conflicts. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya)
For more information: go.usa.gov/xHbW2
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VMFA-311 flies through a milestone in Marine Aviation: Today, July 31st, the Marine Corps' second #F35C Lightning II squadron, VMFA-311, declared initial operational capability.
#aviation #marines #USMC #news
@1stMEF @PacificMarines @USMC @theF35JPO
3rdmaw.marines.mil/Media-Roo…
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On Target!💥
#Marines, UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters assigned to HMLA-369, deployed to MAG 36, @1stMAW_Marines, conduct a live-fire training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, April 2, 2024.
#flymarines #USMC #aviation
@1stMEF @PacificMarines @USMC
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⚡️🌙
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Craig Norris, an F-35B Lightning II instructor and demonstration pilot with VMFAT-502, flies during The Great Texas Airshow April 5, 2024. (@usairforce photo by Brian Boisvert)
#flymarines #aviation #f35b
@theF35JPO @1stMEF @USMC @JBSA_Official
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T-3 Days!
In 3 days, America’s Airshow will take to the skies over San Diego from September 27-29.
#airshow #flymarines #sandiego #3rdmaw
@1stMEF @MCASMiramarCA @mccsmiramar
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Marine C-130 Circles Globe
#Marines with VMGR-352 circumnavigated the globe aboard a KC-130J Super Hercules with the mission of delivering equipment and Marines to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in support of @CJTFHOA.
Read more on the global flight ⬇️
3rdmaw.marines.mil/Media-Roo…
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Heavy Lifting in the Philippines💪🇵🇭
#Marines assigned to CLB 15, and Marines and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters assigned to VMM-165 (Rein.), @15thMEUOfficial , conduct external lifts #ExerciseBalikatan 24 at Tarumpitao Point, Palawan, Philippines, May 2, 2024.
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Two Marines, two promotions, one family. Congratulations to Majors Leah & Connor Deignan!
“To be a Marine, married to a Marine, and have a family, is another level of commitment that is just remarkable,” 3rd MAW CG Maj. Gen. Wellons said following the promotion ceremony.
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A @USMC #F35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, #3rdMAW taxis into a forward arming and refueling point during exercise #SteelKnight 23 at Inyokern Airfield, California, Dec. 2, 2022. #5thGen
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Atlas flies SoCal to Canada!
HMLAT-303 "Atlas" flew a UH-1Y Venom and two AH-1Z Vipers 1,045 nautical miles from San Diego, California, to Abbotsford, Canada, April 2024, for the "Sky's No Limit-She is Anything!" Air Show and conducted valuable training along the way!
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Secure together🇺🇸🇲🇾
#Marines assigned to BLT 1/5, @15thMEUOfficial, and Malaysian soldiers assigned to 10th Brigade (Para), hold security after offloading a CH-53E Super Stallion attached to VMM-165 (Rein.), during Tiger Strike 24 at Sri Pantai Camp, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
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Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducted a re-designation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, March 25, 2022. 1/9
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Three @USMC #F35BLightningII from #VMFA211 await refueling from a @RoyalAirForce Voyager KC during Red Flag-Nellis 23-1. Aerial refueling capabilities allow the aircraft to extend range and #Lethality.
#3rdmaw #MAG13
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Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 Makes History
#USMarines with #3rdMAW return after a #deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, on Aug. 9, 2022. The historic deployment marked the first #USMC #F35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier
📸: Cpl. Levi Voss
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Fueling the fight
#Marines and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters with HMH-465 conduct #aviation delivered ground refueling training with Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, @1st_Marine_Div at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 8, 2024.
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A new play on an old adage: shoot, move, communicate. Check out a take on #SteelKnight by @thedrive. @USMC @1stMEF @1st_Marine_Div @PacificMarines @INDOPACOM thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ho…
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Fighting Fire... With Venom!
#Marines and UH-1Y Venom aircraft, assigned to HMLA-169 participate in the annual Cory Iverson Wildland Firefighting exercise at the Las Pulgas Lake at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 1, 2024.
#flymarines #SoCal @1stMEF @USMC
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INSIDE THE ARC #MAG16 hones #Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations shorturl.at/dptv7
#3rdMAW #MV22 #CH53 #MarineAviation #EABO #SteelKnight @USMC @INDOPACOM @PacificMarines @1stMEF
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First to Fight. First to Strike.
#USMC F-35C Lightning Il aircraft, assigned to VMFA-314 conducted the first F-35C combat air strikes from the platform, Nov. 9-10.
Read more below
#lethal #aviationnews #Marines
@1stMEF @USMC @CENTCOM @DeptofDefense
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Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, “The #FlyingLeathernecks,” conducted their first flight operations in the @thef35 at @yuma_mcas, March 29. Read the full story: dvidshub.net/news/271505/bla…
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HMH-462 trained alongside U.S. #Airmen from the 821st CRG during joint nighttime external lift training, successfully lifting a Humvee and troops.
The CH-53E is the #MarineCorps’ heavy-lift aircraft, designed to transport heavy weapons, equipment, and troops.
📍Travis AFB, CA
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Rapid Raid Pt. 2
#Marines with BLT 1/5, and Marines and MV-22B Osprey aircraft with VMM-165 (Rein.), @15thMEUOfficial, conduct a raid exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 8, 2024.
#flymarines #USMC #aviation
@1stMEF @PacificMarines @USMC
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Makin Island Underway
VMM-164 (Reinforced) assigned to 15th MEU will operate and train alongside regional and coalition partners, and provide naval aviation support to Operation Inherent Resolve aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). @CENTCOM @15thMEUOfficial
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A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), takes flight from the National City Pier in order to transfer the aircraft to HMLA-267, MAG-39, 3rd MAW. #3rdmaw
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KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii
F/A-18 Hornets assigned to VMFA-323 prepare for takeoff from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 15.
VMFA-323 is currently conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Romero)
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Ready to Launch Into 2025
In 2024, 3rd MAW led the way—executing airstrikes, delivering aid, and supporting missions worldwide.
📍 U.S. Central Command (Nov. 9)
📍 Philippines (Oct. 8)
📍 Djibouti (Sept. 11)
As we enter the Corps’ 250th, Marines remain ready to win.
#SemperFi
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THIS DAY IN HISTORY!!
President Roosevelt becomes the first president to fly! Check out the video!
#aviation #President
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A @USMC CH-53E Super Stallion with HMH-462 conducts air-to-air refueling with a @usairforce HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, near Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Feb. 26, 2024.
#flymarines #aviation #jointservice
@DeptofDefense @INDOPACOM
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Up, Up and Away!
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show in San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The #MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces.
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Sgt. Austin Cox and Sgt. Michael Vura were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal after exposing themselves to a barrage of gunfire to provide first aid to victims of the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival shooting in Las Vegas, Oct. 1, 2017. #VegasStrong
dvidshub.net/r/lajgx5
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Winter Fury: Phase Two, 3rd MAW will establish forward arming and refueling points, distributed command and control centers, and conduct day and night flight operations with the F-35B Lightning II.
3rdmaw.marines.mil/News/Arti…
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Friday, six aircraft from @3rdmaw conducted nearly 250 water drops over two separate fires in 30 hours at @MCIWPendletonCA.
Read more: 3rdmaw.marines.mil/News/News…
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Any Mission. Anytime. Anywhere in the World.
#Marines and MV-22B Osprey aircraft with VMM-164 (Reinforced) execute air operations in support of @CJTFHOA.
#USMC 🎥: Sgt. Emeline Swyers
#FlyMarines #CJTFHOA #aviationnews
@USMC @USMCFEA @1stMEF
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It was an honor for the Marines of 3rd MAW to meet and support U.S. @EsperDoD’s visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton today. 3rd MAW’s ability to move Marines, Machines and VIPs anywhere in the world is just one of our capabilities as the Marine Corps' largest aircraft wing.
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Jack-of-all-trades
Read on #USMC Sgt. Caleb Shockey, a KC-130J Super Hercules loadmaster with VMGR-352, and how he shaped #aviation operations during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24.
📖: tinyurl.com/2w22d4b5
📸: Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez and Cpl. Chloe Johnson
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THE WARHORSE
The CH-53E’s ability to support mass combat power is 2nd only to its ability to conduct heavy-lift operations & deliver with precision in austere environments.
Read about HMH-465 by Joe Campion in @verticalmag!
verticalmag.com/features/a-t…
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Today, remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. #MemorialDay
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