Lieutenant Colonel Wilbur S. Oles IV concluded 22 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps during his retirement ceremony on the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar flightline on May 8, 2026. The crowd of Marines who gathered to bid farewell and congratulate him was a testament not just to his decorated career, but to the personal impact he had on each of them. While a decorated aviator, it was his leadership, rooted in his philosophy of "leading with love," that left an indelible mark on the Marine Corps.Preceded by generations of service members, it was no surprise that Lt. Col. Oles was drawn to swear the oath and don the nation’s cloth. Through his great-grandfather’s service as an army engineer and his grandfather’s service in the
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The sight of thousands of people smiling, the roar of aircraft echoing freedom, the sharp scent of jet fuel mingling with buttery popcorn, and the warmth of sunshine on your skin—it has once again been a thrilling time at America’s Air Show.This year was even bigger and better. As the Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of exceptional warfighting legacy, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar did not disappoint in bringing new performances and demonstrations over the three-day event. The Silent Drill Platoon, consisting of 24 hand-selected infantry Marines, highlighted their rigorous training and excellent endurance and discipline with five performances, making this the first year ever that they performed on the steady grounds of MCAS Miramar’s
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Marines and squadrons from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing have been recognized with 12 Marine Corps Aviation Association 2025 Aviation Awards, honoring their exceptional leadership and dedication to mission accomplishment. The highly competitive awards program spans 30 categories across the Marine aviation enterprise.“This accomplishment reflects the commitment and high standards of our Marines,” said Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd MAW. “Our Marines are truly the best at what they do, and it’s a real honor to see this widespread recognition for our 3d MAW award winners within the competitive arena of Marine aviation.”
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Beginning at 5:15 A.M. on Nov. 7, 2024, a group of Marines from Marine AerialRefueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing,conducted a 55-mile relay run starting at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and continuing upthe coast of Southern California. The event culminated with a 5-mile hike ending at thegraduation ceremony for Fox Company, Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry West.
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