U.S. Marines and aircraft with Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a formation flight as part of Project Legacy off the coast of San Diego, March 4, 2025. The Project Legacy flight was a unique opportunity for all aircraft platforms across MAG-11 to fly as one team, practice tight formations, and take part in the documentation of a historical flight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - U.S. Marines and aircraft with Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a formation flight as part of Project Legacy off the coast of San Diego, March 4, 2025. The Project Legacy flight was a unique opportunity for all aircraft platforms across MAG-11 to fly as one team, practice tight formations, and take part in the documentation of a historical flight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)
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 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and volunteers collect toys, books, and other gifts during Disneyland’s Toys for Tots Drive in Anaheim, California, Dec. 9, 2023. Toys for Tots is a year-round charity that provides toys, books, and games to economically disadvantaged children and families since 1947. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine) - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and volunteers collect toys, books, and other gifts during Disneyland’s Toys for Tots Drive in Anaheim, California, Dec. 9, 2023. Toys for Tots is a year-round charity that provides toys, books, and games to economically disadvantaged children and families since 1947. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takeoff during suppression of enemy air defense training in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Dec. 6, 2023. SEAD training increases the ability of fifth-generation fighter pilots to enter the fight first, strike targets deep within an enemy air defense system, and enable follow on strikes by supporting weapons platforms. 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 Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elizabeth Gallagher) - U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takeoff during suppression of enemy air defense training in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Dec. 6, 2023. SEAD training increases the ability of fifth-generation fighter pilots to enter the fight first, strike targets deep within an enemy air defense system, and enable follow on strikes by supporting weapons platforms. 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 Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elizabeth Gallagher)
The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Glenn Walters addresses the audience as the guest speaker of the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s 46th Annual Symposium and Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in La Jolla, Calif., May 19. The MCAA awards program was founded in 1962 and since then has recognized excellence in Marine aviation through education, activities, media, events and its awards program. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing received six individual awards and three squadron awards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released) - The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Glenn Walters addresses the audience as the guest speaker of the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s 46th Annual Symposium and Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in La Jolla, Calif., May 19. The MCAA awards program was founded in 1962 and since then has recognized excellence in Marine aviation through education, activities, media, events and its awards program. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing received six individual awards and three squadron awards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Harley Robinson/Released)
Marines engage targets during the Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 24. The course trained Marines to become combat marksmanship coaches to further improve Marines’ shooting abilities Marine Corps-wide. - Marines engage targets during the Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 24. The course trained Marines to become combat marksmanship coaches to further improve Marines’ shooting abilities Marine Corps-wide.
Cpl. Quinton Milsap, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, inserts hearing protection before shooting at the Carlos Hathcock Range aboard the east side of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 8. Marines must wear hearing protection while at the range to ensure they reduce any hearing loss caused by shooting their weapons. - Cpl. Quinton Milsap, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, inserts hearing protection before shooting at the Carlos Hathcock Range aboard the east side of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 8. Marines must wear hearing protection while at the range to ensure they reduce any hearing loss caused by shooting their weapons.
Marines with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing retire the evening's colors for a special spousal appreciation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 6. The evening's special guest was Maggie Coleman, widow of Jerry Coleman, a World War II and Korean War veteran. - Marines with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing retire the evening's colors for a special spousal appreciation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 6. The evening's special guest was Maggie Coleman, widow of Jerry Coleman, a World War II and Korean War veteran.
Col. John Farnam, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar commanding officer, talks to Marines during a station-wide cleanup aboard MCAS Miramar, California, April 20. Farnam made stops in each of the sectors to give his appreciation to all the service members. - Col. John Farnam, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar commanding officer, talks to Marines during a station-wide cleanup aboard MCAS Miramar, California, April 20. Farnam made stops in each of the sectors to give his appreciation to all the service members.
Col. John Farnam, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, thanks members of the air station for participating in the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Walk aboard MCAS Miramar, California, April 20. The annual event encourages the prevention of sexual assault and related incidents on and off the instillation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Wenger/Released) - Col. John Farnam, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, thanks members of the air station for participating in the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Walk aboard MCAS Miramar, California, April 20. The annual event encourages the prevention of sexual assault and related incidents on and off the instillation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Wenger/Released)
Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, left, presents an award to Cpl. Ryan Kent during the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 16. Kent received distinct recognition with the silver level of the President’s Volunteer Service award for more than 225 hours of volunteer service to the San Diego House Rabbit Society over the past year. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Wenger/Released) - Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, left, presents an award to Cpl. Ryan Kent during the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 16. Kent received distinct recognition with the silver level of the President’s Volunteer Service award for more than 225 hours of volunteer service to the San Diego House Rabbit Society over the past year. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Wenger/Released)
Megan Blucher, second from the right, engineering branch manager, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., stands with Harve Hnatiuk, left, president of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, second from the left, commanding officer of Marine Corps Installations Command, Headquarters Marine Corps, and David Scott Wolf, right, NSPE board member, as she holds her Federal Engineer of the Year Award as the Marine Corps’ top engineer in 2014, after a ceremony in Washington, D.C., Feb. 26. During her time on the air station, she has managed a team engineers and engineering technicians that handle the major maintenance and sustainment of the facilities. - Megan Blucher, second from the right, engineering branch manager, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., stands with Harve Hnatiuk, left, president of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, second from the left, commanding officer of Marine Corps Installations Command, Headquarters Marine Corps, and David Scott Wolf, right, NSPE board member, as she holds her Federal Engineer of the Year Award as the Marine Corps’ top engineer in 2014, after a ceremony in Washington, D.C., Feb. 26. During her time on the air station, she has managed a team engineers and engineering technicians that handle the major maintenance and sustainment of the facilities.
Captain Niloofar Rahmani, the first female fixed-wing pilot in the Afghan Air Force, speaks with female pilots from across 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 9. Rahmani received the 2015 International Women of Courage award by the Department of state for her courage in advocating women’s rights despite personal risk. - Captain Niloofar Rahmani, the first female fixed-wing pilot in the Afghan Air Force, speaks with female pilots from across 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 9. Rahmani received the 2015 International Women of Courage award by the Department of state for her courage in advocating women’s rights despite personal risk.
Chuck Hagel, secretary of defense, speaks to Marines and Sailors aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 13. Marines and Sailors also had the opportunity to ask questions, take photos with Hagel and receive coins. - Chuck Hagel, secretary of defense, speaks to Marines and Sailors aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 13. Marines and Sailors also had the opportunity to ask questions, take photos with Hagel and receive coins.
Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, spoke during a morning colors ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 9. The ceremony was held to commemorate the end of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s presence in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. - Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, spoke during a morning colors ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 9. The ceremony was held to commemorate the end of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s presence in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Navy Blue Angels C-130 flies in for thousands of people during the 2014 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show, Oct. 3. The C-130 is known as "Fat Albert" and is flown by an all-Marine crew. - The Navy Blue Angels C-130 flies in for thousands of people during the 2014 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show, Oct. 3. The C-130 is known as "Fat Albert" and is flown by an all-Marine crew.
Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 “Green Knights,” conduct a maintenance check on an F-35B Lightning II on the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Aug. 18. The F-35 is scheduled to appear for the first time at the 2014 Miramar Air Show, Oct. 3-5. - Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 “Green Knights,” conduct a maintenance check on an F-35B Lightning II on the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Aug. 18. The F-35 is scheduled to appear for the first time at the 2014 Miramar Air Show, Oct. 3-5.
Marines with Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing pick up trash during a station wide cleanup aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 4. Approximately 250 Service members participated in the event to promote environmental stewardship. - Marines with Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing pick up trash during a station wide cleanup aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 4. Approximately 250 Service members participated in the event to promote environmental stewardship.
A cast of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Falcons drag down a Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division running back during a game at Paige Field House aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 26. The Falcons defeated the Standard Bearers 19-8. - A cast of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Falcons drag down a Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division running back during a game at Paige Field House aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 26. The Falcons defeated the Standard Bearers 19-8.
A CH-53E Super Stallion with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing carries an empty bucket to a simulated fire during the wildland firefighting exercise with the Miramar Fire Department aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 14. The fire department here can call upon 3rd MAW Marines and reliably assist from the ground and the air when other fire combating elements like the United States Forest Service request additional assets to support fires throughout California. - A CH-53E Super Stallion with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing carries an empty bucket to a simulated fire during the wildland firefighting exercise with the Miramar Fire Department aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 14. The fire department here can call upon 3rd MAW Marines and reliably assist from the ground and the air when other fire combating elements like the United States Forest Service request additional assets to support fires throughout California.
Lt. Col. Mitchell A. Criger, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron commanding officer, addresses Marines, Sailors, family and friends during his change of command ceremony aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., July 18. Criger will follow Lt. Col. Daniel J. Levasseur as the new commanding officer for the squadron. - Lt. Col. Mitchell A. Criger, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron commanding officer, addresses Marines, Sailors, family and friends during his change of command ceremony aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., July 18. Criger will follow Lt. Col. Daniel J. Levasseur as the new commanding officer for the squadron.
Safety is a top priority aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., and anything considered hazardous should be reported to Station Safety at (858)577-1359 or the MCAS Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office at (858) 577-4068. (Photo illustration by: Cpl. Owen Kimbrel) - Safety is a top priority aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., and anything considered hazardous should be reported to Station Safety at (858)577-1359 or the MCAS Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office at (858) 577-4068. (Photo illustration by: Cpl. Owen Kimbrel)
Cpl. Andrew Martinez, a crew chief with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, helps children operate a fire hose during a Lil’ Leatherneck day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 27. The Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron event served as an interactive tool for children to gain understanding about their parents’ military life. - Cpl. Andrew Martinez, a crew chief with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, helps children operate a fire hose during a Lil’ Leatherneck day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 27. The Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron event served as an interactive tool for children to gain understanding about their parents’ military life.
Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient, speaks during an evening colors ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Calif., June 23. Carpenter, the most recent Medal of Honor recipient, attended the ceremony as the guest of honor and spoke about the impact noncommissioned officers can make on junior Marines. - Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient, speaks during an evening colors ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Calif., June 23. Carpenter, the most recent Medal of Honor recipient, attended the ceremony as the guest of honor and spoke about the impact noncommissioned officers can make on junior Marines.
Cpl. Fernado Verdoza, a military police officer with the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office, fires an M-9 pistol during a practical weapons course aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., June 18. The training helped keep Marines and police officers current with annual training requirements. - Cpl. Fernado Verdoza, a military police officer with the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office, fires an M-9 pistol during a practical weapons course aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., June 18. The training helped keep Marines and police officers current with annual training requirements.