Pilots aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) perform deck landing qualifications in an MV-22B Osprey, MH-60S Sea Hawk, and F-35B Lightning II on March 19, 2018.
As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed Marine Expeditionary Unit, the 31st MEU provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations
03.19.2018
Video by Lance Cpl. Kristiana Gehly
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
The transformation of Marine Corps aviation and with innovations in terms of the ability of the Marines to operate at greater distance, speed and more effectively in distributed operations began with the Osprey.
The F-35B is now being added to the force and it provides, sensing, C2 and strike capability for a distributed force.
Coming next is the CH-53K, which is no more of a replacement for the CH-53E than the Osprey replaced the CH-46 or the F-35B is replacing Harriers and Hornets.
And next up will be a new vertical life class four UAV, which will further enhance the ability to support the Marines at sea and at shore in the distributed battlespace.
And the K is arriving as the Marines are transitioning the MAGTF with a wide-ranging emphasis on digital interoperability.
The most recent Weapons Training and Tactics course at the Marine’s cutting edge Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One was the first WTI where digital interoperability was tested in every aspect of the training.