News Stories

. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Christopher Melling, the pilot training officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., enters and F/A-18C Hornet while wearing Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble (JPACE) and Respirator equipment at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 29, 2017. VMFA-251 has intensified training on familiarizing aircrew members with the JPACE, a pilot’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense equipment, while still maintaining focus on the squadron’s mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Abrego)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michael M. Rasmussen, assistant operations chief with Marine Air Group (MAG) 12, shows Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviation students an F/A-18C Hornet during a Junior Officer Exchange Program visit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 21, 2017. Students came from Ozuki Air Base to learn about MAG-12 and the F/A-18. They familiarized themselves with the aircraft during the visit by taking part in a flight simulator and by visiting a static display. Hosting the cadets helps them understand the relationship Japan holds with U.S. Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gabriela Garcia-Herrera) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michael M. Rasmussen, assistant operations chief with Marine Air Group (MAG) 12, shows Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviation students an F/A-18C Hornet during a Junior Officer Exchange Program visit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 21, 2017. Students came from Ozuki Air Base to learn about MAG-12 and the F/A-18. They familiarized themselves with the aircraft during the visit by taking part in a flight simulator and by visiting a static display. Hosting the cadets helps them understand the relationship Japan holds with U.S. Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gabriela Garcia-Herrera)

A crowd gathers to walk through a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 Open Day at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 13, 2016. For over 70 years, VMGR-152, also known as the “Sumos,” has successfully carried out support missions by providing aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary, joint and combined operations like Exercise Pitch Black 2016. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg) - A crowd gathers to walk through a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 Open Day at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 13, 2016. For over 70 years, VMGR-152, also known as the “Sumos,” has successfully carried out support missions by providing aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary, joint and combined operations like Exercise Pitch Black 2016. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)

An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg) - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)

An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, taxis into an ordnance loading area after landing at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 21, 2016. VMFA-122 traveled to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time to participate in Pitch Black 2016 and unit level training known as Southern Frontier. Pitch Black affords Marines with VMFA-122 the opportunity to integrate and increase interoperability with regional joint and coalition partners, while developing operational concepts for conducting sustained combat operations. Southern Frontier will help the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg) - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, taxis into an ordnance loading area after landing at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 21, 2016. VMFA-122 traveled to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time to participate in Pitch Black 2016 and unit level training known as Southern Frontier. Pitch Black affords Marines with VMFA-122 the opportunity to integrate and increase interoperability with regional joint and coalition partners, while developing operational concepts for conducting sustained combat operations. Southern Frontier will help the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)