Ch-53K Egress Training

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07/22/2021

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, participate in egress training in the CH-53K “King Stallion” at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, April 28, 2021.

Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX) is training Marines on the CH-53K to improve proficiency and familiarize all elements of the Marine Expeditionary Force with the aircraft.

The CH-53K will be considered the most powerful helicopter in the Department of Defense and is scheduled to completely replace the CH-53E Super Stallion by 2030.

MCAS NEW RIVER, NC.

04.28.2021

Video by Sgt. Mikayla Perez 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Carter Hall Conducts Flight Operations

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07/21/2021

ARABIAN GULF (July 10, 2021) Sailors assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) chock and chain a UH-1Y Huey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), during flight operations in the Arabian Gulf, July 10, 2021.

Carter Hall is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sawyer Connally)

 

STRAIT OF HORMUZ (July 9, 2021) Lance Corporal Ben Nelson, assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), mans an M240 machine gun aboard dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) during a Strait of Hormuz transit with the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), not pictured, July 9, 2021. Carter Hall is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sawyer Connally)
ARABIAN GULF (July 10, 2021) A UH-1Y Huey helicopter, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), lands on the flight deck of dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) during flight operations in the Arabian Gulf, July 10, 2021. Carter Hall is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sawyer Connally)
ARABIAN GULF (July 10, 2021) Sailors assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) chock and chain a UH-1Y Huey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), during flight operations in the Arabian Gulf, July 10, 2021. Carter Hall is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sawyer Connally)

Summer Fury 21: 3rd Marine Air Wing Works Maritime Strikes

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by 1st Lt. Charles Allen

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – (July 7, 2021) Marines with 3rd Marine
Aircraft Wing begin Exercise Summer Fury 21 with a long-range maritime strike off the coast of
Washington. Summer Fury is the largest Marine aviation exercise on the West Coast, and provides 3rd  MAW opportunity to improve warfighter readiness in support of a Marine Expeditionary Force maritime  campaign.

From July 7 to July 9, 3rd MAW will execute a long-range maritime strike against a simulated enemy  naval surface combatant. With the support of the Port of Moses Lake, 3rd MAW will demonstrate its capability to conduct fixed-wing strike operations with F/A-18C Hornets and F-35B Lighting IIs against adversarial naval combatants in a distributed, maritime environment.

“The Summer Fury long-range strike is an opportunity for 3rd MAW to execute a maritime strike against  an enemy surface combatant while being supported by an aerial-delivered forward arming and refueling  point,” said Lt. Col. Duncan A. French, 3rd MAW lead operations planner. “The concepts and tasks  inherent in this mission are critical to the success of a fight against a peer adversary.”

3rd MAW, with a combination of organic aircraft and joint enablers, will conduct Summer Fury from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Kirtland Air Force Base, and  surrounding key locations along the western United States.

This exercise will showcase the aviation combat power of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and all its  functions,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, 3rd MAW commanding general. “You will see  expeditionary naval combat power across a wide range of terrain and combat scenarios. From  sophisticated communications systems to expeditionary basing to the decisive power of 5th generation  platforms, our leading-edge tactics and capabilities are honed to a fine edge. Make no mistake about it,  3rd MAW is ready to fight and win- whenever and wherever that fight takes us.”

Summer Fury 21 will continue until July 30, during which 3rd MAW squadrons will execute additional  missions, including support of advanced naval bases and anti-air warfare, culminating in a missile shoot,  all while maintaining a variety of distributed command and control centers.

3rd MAW continues to “Fix, Fly and Fight” as the Marine Corps’ largest aircraft wing, and remains  combat-ready, deployable on short notice, and lethal when called into action.

This article was published by 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing on July 8, 2021.

An F-35B with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, Marine Air Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury in California, July 8, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
An F-35B with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, Marine Air Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury in California, July 8, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
F/A-18C Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Air Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury in California, July 8, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
The flagship aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 7, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
The flagship aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts an air to air refueling operation with a KC-130J Hercules, during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 7, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey's with Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), conduct air to air refueling operations during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 7, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
U.S. Marines with3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), disembark a KC-130J Hercules during Marine Corps training exercise Summer Fury at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 7, 2021. Summer Fury is an exercise conducted by 3rd MAW in order to maintain and build capability, strength and trust within its units to generate the readiness and lethality needed to deter and defeat adversaries during combat operations as the U.S. Marine Corps refines tactics and equipment during Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
A AH-1Z Viper Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), maneuvers through the air while executing a defense counter air operation during Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed 2 AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), maneuvers through the air while executing a defense counter air operation in support of Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
AH-1Z Viper's with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), maneuver through the air while executing a defense counter air operation in support of Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing (MAW), deploys a flare while executing a defense counter air operation in support of Summer Fury 21 in California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinders’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quince Bisard)
An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) launches a flare in order to mark a target during defensive counter air operations in support of Summer Fury 21 in Fleta Hot airspace off the coast of California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinder’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Levi Voss)
AH-1Z Viper’s with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) launch flares in order to mark a target during defensive counter air operations in support of Summer Fury 21 in Fleta Hot airspace off the coast of California, July 13, 2021. HMLA-469 deployed two AH-1Z Viper’s loaded with Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9 Sidewinder’s to neutralize an unmanned aerial system in order to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Levi Voss)

An Update on the Coming of the CMV-22B to the Fleet: July 2021

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07/20/2021

By Robbin Laird

Recently, I had a chance to talk with Captain Dewon “Chainsaw” Chaney, the Commander of COMVRMWING (or Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing).

My last conversation was in April of this year, and the first one last year.

With the CMV-22B to be first deployed on the USS Carl Vinson later this year, the pairing of the F-35C with the CMV-22B providing a significant upgrade to the air wing onboard the carrier is close to becoming a reality.

According to Captain Chaney, “operational test requirements for the CMV-22B are almost complete.”

And they are on track for deployment with the Vinson.

We then discussed the challenge for the flight deck personnel in preparing for the CMV-22B.

Unlike the C-2, the new aircraft is not a catapult aircraft, and we discussed how the flight deck personnel are adjusting to the coming of the Osprey to the flight deck.

Captain Chaney noted that the major adjustment was to being prepared for the downwash generated by the landing of the Osprey on the flight deck.

“Because of the downwash created by a helicopter, some similar things happen when a V-22 lands.

“That requires canopy disciplines, panel disciplines, in terms not having have open panels, and any loose gear on the deck as the Osprey comes in.

“That’s the biggest mindset shift for the flight deck personnel.”

In the scheme of things, the Navy’s Osprey then is not providing unknown challenges for flight deck operations.

And because the aircraft can land day or night, it comes, and it goes. It is not anticipated to be spending its time on the flight deck in any case.

This reaches into the maintenance side of the equation as well.

The vast majority of maintenance will be done ashore at Navy maintenance facilities.

Indeed, “Chainsaw” had just returned from an overseas trip working with ashore installations and personnel to prepare for the coming of the Navy’s Osprey.

I did suggest that the commonality between the USMC and U.S. Navy’s Ospreys provided some options for how to manage at sea maintenance as well.

For example, I was struck when onboard the LHA-6 class how the Osprey can be maintained below the flight deck. Although the Navy has not yet focused on this idea, it clearly could be done, notably as the focus on wider fleet operations encompassing the amphibious fleet gets worked.

As Captain Chaney noted: “There is much in common between the two Osprey variants.

“Structurally, there are not many parts different between the two variants.

“The biggest difference between the two variants are the fuel cells.

“The fuel cells on the Navy’s version are larger and thus require different parts.”

“Chainsaw” did note that because the preparation for deployment onboard the Vinson was being worked off the coast of Southern California, there were lessons yet to be learned in the challenging waters of the wider Pacific.

“You have to remember that most of the training has happened off of the coast of Southern California.

“There really hasn’t been a lot of bad weather or pitching and rolling decks.

“But I don’t anticipate that with all of the years of Osprey experience under the Marine Corps and Navy’s belt that these challenges are show stoppers.”

Having spent significant time at the Navy’s air warfare center or NAWDC, I asked “Chainsaw” where he thought the Osprey would fit in.

It must be remembered that NAWDC is in transition as the Navy works the broader blue water fleet combat operations.

With the new non-N programs, MISRs and dynamic targeting, how would an Osprey affect fleet operations?

According to “Chainsaw,” the CMV-22B and its impact on the fleet and NAWDC are cleverly works in progress.

He believed that the aircraft would be slotted into the rotary wing segment of NAWDC initially.

But the Osprey is anything but a rotorcraft and here Captain Chaney noted that the coming of the Osprey provided a significant opportunity for innovation for both the fleet and NAWDC.

With the Osprey TTP development at NAWDC, it will significantly impact fixed and rotorcraft thinking about the current force and the future force.

In other words, it is part of what I have referred earlier as the integratable air wing, or as the air wing gets new platforms, it is expanding options, not simply adding replacement aircraft to current wing or carrier ops.

It is part of the template for change for the Navy’s tiltrotor and rotorcraft communities.

Operating in concert with the CMV-22B will help the Navy’s rotorcraft community reshape their template to get better now and to prepare for the future more effectively.

A final issue we discussed was the way ahead for the CMV-22B within the fleet.

Numbers of aircraft are an issue as the Navy has to train their maintainers and to be able to have aircraft involved air wing transformation in places like NAWDC.

I have focused in other articles on ways the CMV-22B could support wider fleet operations, as it does not need to land only on carriers enabled with special launch and recovery systems.

As “Chainsaw” put it: “The Osprey provides flexible options for austere support.

“I think we’re going to need that as we look toward the future and where we’re potentially going to operate, where we may be forced to operate, depending on the evolving combat situation.”

CMV22B Carrier Ops from SldInfo.com on Vimeo.

02.10.2021

Video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Josiah Kunkle
USS Carl Vinson

Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Air Wing TWO conduct flight operations with the CMV-22B Osprey from the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30.

Featured Photo: A Navy CMV-22B Osprey from the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 fuels a MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, stationed in San Diego. The CMV-22B is the U.S. Navy version of the Osprey, a multi-engine, dual-piloted, self-deployable, medium lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor aircraft. The Air Delivered Ground Refueling (ADGR) evolution was a first for HSC 4, en route to Naval Air Station Fallon. Air Wing Fallon is part of the predeployment training cycle for Navy’s carrier air wings. HSC-4, along with VFA-2, VFA-192, VFA-113, VFA-147, VAQ-136, VAW-113, and HSM-78 comprise CVW-2 and are detached to NAS Fallon in order to sharpen their warfighting readiness through a rigorous 5-week curriculum. The training conducted during Air Wing Fallon drives air wing integration and ensures that all CVW-2 squadrons are ready to conduct the full range of military operations when they deploy later this year. HSC 4 provides vertical lift search and rescue, logistics, anti-surface warfare, special operations forces support, and combat search and rescue capabilities.

EL CENTRO, CA, UNITED STATES

03.27.2021

Photo by Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Also, see the following:

The Way Ahead for the CMV-22B: The Integratable Air Wing and the USS Carl Vinson

The CMV-22B Comes to the Large Deck Carrier

The Coming of CMV-22B to the Fleet: Next Steps

 

First Patriot Missile Launch in Australia

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US military personnel completed the first ever Patriot surface-to-air missile firing on Australian soil at Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021(TS21).

Held every two-years. TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, and is aimed at testing Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios.

In addition to the United States, this year’s exercise involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The exercise includes a Field Training Exercise incorporating force preparation (logistic) activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations.

Activities will peak from 18 – 31 July across Queensland.

Sea Breeze Insert 2

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07/19/2021

Bulgarian Special Operators prepare to repel from a U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing during a fast-rope insertion and extraction exercise during operation Sea Breeze 21 at Ochakiv, Ukraine, June 29, 2021.

This is the 21st iteration of the exercise which is an annual Ukraine and U.S. co-hosted multinational maritime exercise held in the Black Sea region and is designed to enhance interoperability of participating nations, strengthening maritime security in support of stability within the region. (U.S. Air Force video by Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Nelson)

2nd MAW Marines Train with Finnish Air Force at Exercise ILVES

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on 2nd MAW Marines Train with Finnish Air Force at Exercise ILVES
07/18/2021

By Robbin Laird

Since 2018, the Marines have ramped up their efforts to train in the Nordic region and to operate in Cold Weather.

With the Nordics ramping up their defense capabilities, and working greater integration with each other and with their North Atlantic partners, there are enhanced opportunities for Marines to work in the region as well.

As VADM Lewis made clear last week in his speech at the FOC ceremony on July 15, 2021 aboard USS Kearsarge for Joint Allied Command Norfolk, the expertise of the Nordics is certainly a valued part of reworking North Atlantic defense. And for the North Carolina-based Marines, this means expanded opportunities to learn from our Nordic partners.

During my visit to 2nd MAW last week, I had a chance to talk with VMFA 115 about their time in Finland and will report on that later this month.

But for now I would simply highlight that what I learned during my 2018 visit to Finland about how the Finnish Air Force operates was reconfirmed as a core defense capability in the defense of Europe.

I will focus in the interview piece on the cross-fertilization between Marine Corps and Finnish approaches going forward for regional and North Atlantic defense.

In this article, I simply wished to highlight some of the photos from VMFA 115s visit to Finland.

In the featured photo, U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 are seen with Airmen from Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 17, 2021.

Marines with VMFA-115 deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”).

According to 2nd MAW: “The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES was to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.”

 

 

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 fly alongside Finnish Air Force Fighter Squadron 31 over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 18, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
Finnish Air Force Col. Aki Puustinen talks to U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, May 31, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Exercise ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Exercise ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with NATO allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines clean and conduct maintenance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet to prepare for Exercise ILVES at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland May 31, 2021. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Exercise ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Exercise ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with NATO allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines clean and conduct maintenance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet to prepare for Exercise ILVES at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland May 31, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Exercise ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The Purpose of Exercise ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with NATO allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marines clean and conduct maintenance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet to prepare for Exercise ILVES at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland May 31, 2021. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Exercise ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Exercise ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with NATO allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy Miller, commander of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, meets Finnish Air Force Maj. Gen. Pasi Jokinen, commander of the Finnish Air Force, at Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 8, 2021. Marines with VMFA-115 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet with Fighter Squadron 31 refuels from a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452 during aerial refueling operations over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 8, 2021. Marines with VMGR-452 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet with Fighter Squadron 31 refuels from a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452 during aerial refueling operations over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 8, 2021. Marines with VMGR-452 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb Stelter)
A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet with Fighter Squadron 31 refuels from a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452 during aerial refueling operations over Rissala Air Base, near Kuopio, Finland, June 16, 2021. Marines with VMGR-452 are deployed to Kuopio, Finland in support of Squadron Visit ILVES (Finnish for “Lynx”). The purpose of Squadron Visit ILVES is to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground training, improve proficiency in joint and multinational tactics, and enhance partnerships with international allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Samuel Kackman)

Marine Rotational Force Darwin, 2021

Posted on | by Robbin Laird | Leave a Comment on Marine Rotational Force Darwin, 2021

U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Banning, commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, gives an interview at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, Darwin, NT, Australia, July 13, 2021.

The interview allowed Banning to express his thoughts on MRF-D’s relationships with partners and allies, as well as MRF-D’s contribution to the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The MRF-D 21.2 rotation provides the U.S. Marine Corps and Australian Defence Force with an exceptional opportunity to develop relationships, learn about each other’s cultures, strengthen partnerships, and increase shared military capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Colton K. Garrett.

DARWIN, NT, AUSTRALIA

07.13.2021