Marines

Photos

Filter

U.S. Marines and Soldiers attend an end of course discussion during the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marines and Soldiers attend an end of course discussion during the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marines and Soldiers attend an end of course discussion conducted by U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Arellano, the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course manager with 2nd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 30th Air Defense Brigade, at Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marines and Soldiers attend an end of course discussion conducted by U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Arellano, the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course manager with 2nd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 30th Air Defense Brigade, at Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Arellano, the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course manager with 2nd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 30th Air Defense Brigade, conducts an end of course discussion with students of the ADAFCO course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesus Arellano, the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course manager with 2nd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 30th Air Defense Brigade, conducts an end of course discussion with students of the ADAFCO course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marines and Soldiers pose during the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marines and Soldiers pose during the Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2024. Marine Air Support Squadron 3 hosted its first three-week U.S. Army ADAFCO course, with 10 soldiers and four Marines. The ADAFCO course is designed to teach and develop the necessary skills to integrate Army Air and Missile Defense engagement operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

Malaysian soldiers and Mexican Naval Infantry Corps marines carry a combat rubber raiding craft into the ocean at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Waimanalo, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC), July 17. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in and around the Hawaiian Islands June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise; RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms)

Malaysian soldiers and Mexican Naval Infantry Corps marines carry a combat rubber raiding craft into the ocean at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Waimanalo, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC), July 17. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in and around the Hawaiian Islands June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise; RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms)

Photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms

Malaysian soldiers and Mexican Naval Infantry Corps marines drive a combat rubber raiding craft onto the beach during a small boat training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Waimanalo, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 17. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in and around the Hawaiian Islands June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise; RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms)

Malaysian soldiers and Mexican Naval Infantry Corps marines drive a combat rubber raiding craft onto the beach during a small boat training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Waimanalo, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 17. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in and around the Hawaiian Islands June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise; RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms)

Photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms

From left to right: U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joy Kitashima, sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of III MEF, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Masayoshi Arai, commanding general of the Western Army, and Warrant Officer Hiroki Kiyama, command sergeant major of WA, right, pose for a photograph at a press conference during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at JGSDF Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, August 4, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

From left to right: U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joy Kitashima, sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of III MEF, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Masayoshi Arai, commanding general of the Western Army, and Warrant Officer Hiroki Kiyama, command sergeant major of WA, right, pose for a photograph at a press conference during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at JGSDF Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, August 4, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Morelli, left, the communications maintenance chief assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sgt. Albert Morelli, an assistant patrol leader assigned to Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th MEU, pose for a photo in the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean Aug. 4, 2024. Gunnery Sgt. Morelli and Sgt. Morelli, identical twins from Cheyenne, Wyoming, enlisted together in the Marine Corps in 2009 and are both underway aboard Boxer supporting the 15th MEU’s routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is 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 Cpl. Luis Agostini)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Morelli, left, the communications maintenance chief assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sgt. Albert Morelli, an assistant patrol leader assigned to Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th MEU, pose for a photo in the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean Aug. 4, 2024. Gunnery Sgt. Morelli and Sgt. Morelli, identical twins from Cheyenne, Wyoming, enlisted together in the Marine Corps in 2009 and are both underway aboard Boxer supporting the 15th MEU’s routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is 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 Cpl. Luis Agostini)

Photo by Cpl. Luis Agostini

Archbishop Christopher Cardone gives the opening prayer during the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the battle, and served to honor the fallen and strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific allies and partners. The historic battle was codenamed Operation Watchtower and was the first major offensive and decisive victory for the allied forces in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole)

Archbishop Christopher Cardone gives the opening prayer during the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the battle, and served to honor the fallen and strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific allies and partners. The historic battle was codenamed Operation Watchtower and was the first major offensive and decisive victory for the allied forces in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole

U.S. Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific band perform during the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the battle, and served to honor the fallen and strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific allies and partners. The historic battle was codenamed Operation Watchtower and was the first major offensive and decisive victory for the allied forces in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole)

U.S. Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific band perform during the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the battle, and served to honor the fallen and strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific allies and partners. The historic battle was codenamed Operation Watchtower and was the first major offensive and decisive victory for the allied forces in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Richter, a field artillery radar operator with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division connects an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar cable to a power generator during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, July 31, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Richter, a field artillery radar operator with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division connects an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar cable to a power generator during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, July 31, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, participate in a 5K run and walk in support of anti-human trafficking awareness on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons during exercise Koa Moana 24 at Koror, Palau, July 30, 2024. During Koa Moana’s deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force work to strengthen alliances and partnerships with development of interoperable capabilities, combined operations, theater security cooperation, and capacity-building efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, participate in a 5K run and walk in support of anti-human trafficking awareness on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons during exercise Koa Moana 24 at Koror, Palau, July 30, 2024. During Koa Moana’s deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force work to strengthen alliances and partnerships with development of interoperable capabilities, combined operations, theater security cooperation, and capacity-building efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele)

Photo by Sgt. Nello Miele

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, left, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, awards the commanding officer coin for excellence to Lance Cpl. Nicholas Miller, an F-35C airframes mechanic, aboard the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), July 20, 2024, while underway in the Pacific Ocean. VMFA 314, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the Lincoln, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, left, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, awards the commanding officer coin for excellence to Lance Cpl. Nicholas Miller, an F-35C airframes mechanic, aboard the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), July 20, 2024, while underway in the Pacific Ocean. VMFA 314, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the Lincoln, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

Photo by 1st Lt. Madison Walls

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua G. Falgoust, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts pre-flight checks during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua G. Falgoust, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts pre-flight checks during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Larry Casas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, directs a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Larry Casas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, directs a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Larry Casas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, directs Capt. Joshua G. Falgoust, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with VMFA-311, during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Larry Casas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, directs Capt. Joshua G. Falgoust, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with VMFA-311, during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, unload ordnance from a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA-311, during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, unload ordnance from a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA-311, during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, load ordnance onto a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA-311, during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, load ordnance onto a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA-311, during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 24, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are staged during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 24, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific