News Stories Archive

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 542 performs a vertical landing while using the lights on the mobile Expeditionary Hover Position Indicator to adjust its position at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 9, 2016. VMA-542 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the unit deployment program. The Harrier pilots used the mobile EHPI in coordination with Aircraft Recovery assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron to recertify on boat-deck landings to prepare for other future operations in the Pacific. - A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 542 performs a vertical landing while using the lights on the mobile Expeditionary Hover Position Indicator to adjust its position at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 9, 2016. VMA-542 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the unit deployment program. The Harrier pilots used the mobile EHPI in coordination with Aircraft Recovery assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron to recertify on boat-deck landings to prepare for other future operations in the Pacific.

An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal. - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal.

The F-35B made its first trans-Atlantic flight June 29, 2016. Three F-35’s flew from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina and landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. They were assisted by two KC-10’s, and refueled 15 times over the Atlantic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Burdett/Released) - The F-35B made its first trans-Atlantic flight June 29, 2016. Three F-35’s flew from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina and landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. They were assisted by two KC-10’s, and refueled 15 times over the Atlantic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Burdett/Released)

A UH-1Y Venom conducts high-speed, low-level approaches at a landing zone during a training exercise at Camp Davis near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17, 2016. The aircraft and its crew are assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Familiarization flights familiarize pilots new to the unit with the different landing zones and flight procedures around the Camp Lejeune area. - A UH-1Y Venom conducts high-speed, low-level approaches at a landing zone during a training exercise at Camp Davis near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17, 2016. The aircraft and its crew are assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Familiarization flights familiarize pilots new to the unit with the different landing zones and flight procedures around the Camp Lejeune area.

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.

A reconnaissance man with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures his parachute after an air insert into a reconnaissance and surveillance mission at a MEU field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 12, 2016. The Maritime Raid Force provides a unique capability to the MEU commander and can respond to a number of mission requirements the MEU may respond to such as visit, board, search and seizure, reconnaissance and surveillance, and direct action raids. - A reconnaissance man with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures his parachute after an air insert into a reconnaissance and surveillance mission at a MEU field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 12, 2016. The Maritime Raid Force provides a unique capability to the MEU commander and can respond to a number of mission requirements the MEU may respond to such as visit, board, search and seizure, reconnaissance and surveillance, and direct action raids.

Marines from across I Marine Expeditionary Force post security during fast rope inserts on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. May 9, 2016. This training was a part of a helicopter rope suspension techniques training package facilitated by 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I MEF. Marines and Royal British Commandos practiced these techniques on a rappel tower prior to fast roping out of helicopters hovering nearly 40 feet off the ground. - Marines from across I Marine Expeditionary Force post security during fast rope inserts on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. May 9, 2016. This training was a part of a helicopter rope suspension techniques training package facilitated by 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I MEF. Marines and Royal British Commandos practiced these techniques on a rappel tower prior to fast roping out of helicopters hovering nearly 40 feet off the ground.

An AH-1Z Cobra with Marine Aircraft Group taxis down the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2016. Col. Michael Borgschulte, commanding officer of MAG-39, developed a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration effort to develop a closer integration of the ground combat element and aviation combat element. - An AH-1Z Cobra with Marine Aircraft Group taxis down the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2016. Col. Michael Borgschulte, commanding officer of MAG-39, developed a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration effort to develop a closer integration of the ground combat element and aviation combat element.

Marines with aircraft rescue and firefighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, guide a simulated aircraft to the back of a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 11, 2016. Motor transportation operators, combat engineers, heavy equipment operators and aircraft rescue and firefighters worked together to recover the simulated downed aircraft. The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness. The opportunity to train in this environment helps Marines within different squadrons enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capabilities. - Marines with aircraft rescue and firefighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, guide a simulated aircraft to the back of a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 11, 2016. Motor transportation operators, combat engineers, heavy equipment operators and aircraft rescue and firefighters worked together to recover the simulated downed aircraft. The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness. The opportunity to train in this environment helps Marines within different squadrons enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capabilities.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni. - Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni.