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U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in a formation run at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov 6. 2025. In celebration of the upcoming 250th Marine Corps Birthday, Marines and Sailors with MAG-24 ran 250 miles simultaneously with all 1st MAW units to strengthen unit cohesion and camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anabelle Reed-O’Brien) - U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in a formation run at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov 6. 2025. In celebration of the upcoming 250th Marine Corps Birthday, Marines and Sailors with MAG-24 ran 250 miles simultaneously with all 1st MAW units to strengthen unit cohesion and camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anabelle Reed-O’Brien)

MAG-24 Marines Run 250 Miles for the Marine Corps Birthday

From Nov. 4–6, 2025, Marines and Sailors with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducted the 250th Marine Corps Birthday Run. The event commenced at 5:00 p.m., a time deliberately chosen to synchronize with fellow Marines stationed in Japan. The running of the Colors was a tribute to heritage and legacy across the Wing. For 250 miles, the Colors remained in motion, in three different locations, honoring the Corps’ unbroken spirit.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kaiesha Deweever, an admin specialist with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing translates during a live-fire range as part of exercise Resolute Dragon 25 on Oyanohara Manuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 13, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. Deweever is a native of Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Blanks) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kaiesha Deweever, an admin specialist with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing translates during a live-fire range as part of exercise Resolute Dragon 25 on Oyanohara Manuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 13, 2025. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. Deweever is a native of Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Blanks)

1st MAW Marine provides translation for U.S., Japanese forces during Resolute Dragon 25

Long before she ever wore the uniform, Lance Cpl. Kaiesha Deweever grew up watching the Marines who inspired her path. Born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, till the age of ten where she would find herself living in Pearl City, Hawaii, Deweever’s life was shaped by both the American and Japanese culture. Her father was a U.S. Marine serving over 20 years, and her mother, a native of Okinawa, filled her childhood with the language, customs and traditions of Japan.

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U.S. Marines, Sailors, and staff from the Sunrin Aeyukwon Children’s Home pose for a photo in Pohang, South Korea, Aug. 22, 2025. Marines and the children’s home have maintained a strong relationship since the facility was established in 1952 with the help of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 101. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale) - U.S. Marines, Sailors, and staff from the Sunrin Aeyukwon Children’s Home pose for a photo in Pohang, South Korea, Aug. 22, 2025. Marines and the children’s home have maintained a strong relationship since the facility was established in 1952 with the help of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 101. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale)

1st MAW assistant wing commander visits Sunrin Aeyukwon Children’s Home

What began as an act of compassion during the Korean War has grown into more than seven decades of friendship between U.S. Marines and the children of Pohang Sunrin Aeyukwon. In 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing witnessed the suffering of children who had lost their families, homes and sense of security. Moved by what they saw, the Marines set aside their roles as warriors and became caretakers. They personally raised $3,500 to build what would become the Marine Memorial Orphanage–later named the Pohang Sunrin Aeyukwon–with assistance from Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 101.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members establish a forward arming refueling point on Yonaguni, Japan, Oct. 27, 2025. The FARP training enhanced interoperability and strengthened the ability of U.S. Marines and the JGSDF to control and defend key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Sotodavila) - U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members establish a forward arming refueling point on Yonaguni, Japan, Oct. 27, 2025. The FARP training enhanced interoperability and strengthened the ability of U.S. Marines and the JGSDF to control and defend key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Sotodavila)

U.S. Marines, JGSDF test expeditionary capabilities on Yonaguni Island

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), established a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) on Yonaguni Island, Japan, Oct. 27 during Joint Exercise 07 alongside the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The operation bolstered U.S. Marine and JGSDF bilateral interoperability and demonstrated 1st MAW’s ability to support shared objectives anywhere within the first island chain.

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A Naval Junior ROTC cadet of Kalaheo High School explores the cockpit of a KC-130J Super Hercules during a static display presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2025. The visit gave the NJROTC cadets a comprehensive look at how a military aviation unit operates through the various roles and responsibilities from mechanical maintenance to flight operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Atherton) - A Naval Junior ROTC cadet of Kalaheo High School explores the cockpit of a KC-130J Super Hercules during a static display presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Sept. 12, 2025. The visit gave the NJROTC cadets a comprehensive look at how a military aviation unit operates through the various roles and responsibilities from mechanical maintenance to flight operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Atherton)

JROTC tour

Students from Kalāheo High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) executed their annual Basic Cadet Training (BCT) camp at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH). The event immersed cadets in the core values, operations and culture of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Kalāheo NJROTC has a long history of partnering with MCBH to introduce first year cadets to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps principles. As the official unit sponsor, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153, a subordinate squadron of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, worked closely with MCBH to coordinate guided tours, static displays and military instruction over the span of two-days from Sept. 12, 2025, to Sept. 13, 2025. The BCT camp offers orientation training to new cadets while allowing senior cadets to showcase their operational planning and small unit leadership skills by supervising the cadet’s movements between stations. “MCBH Kāne‘ohe has been a tremendous partner over the years,” said retired Lt. Cmdr. Henry Van Oss, the program’s senior naval science instructor. “The support provided by MCBH is a key factor in successfully orienting our new first-year cadets to Navy JROTC and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team.” NJROTC is an elective program emphasizing self-discipline, character development and leadership. At Kalāheo High School, the program supports federally mandated goals as well as many Hawai‘i Content Performance Standards, including social studies, science and physical education. While participation does not require a military obligation, it provides numerous benefits for cadets interested in military careers. This year’s training began with guided tours of the Marine Corps Air Station air traffic control tower and radar room. Cadets then moved to the flight line to learn about Marine Corps aircraft and equipment, including the KC-130J Super Hercules and MV-22B Osprey. “I personally loved going into the Osprey,” said cadet Lacy Bitanga. “I’m thinking about cadets who have never been on a military base. They don’t know what it’s like to be in these types of positions, so I think it’s really cool how they can incorporate civilian life into military life.” In addition to the aircraft displays, cadets also learned about some of the engineering equipment used by Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, including a water filtration system, solar charging station and heavy equipment like the P-19R Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle. At each station, Marines engaged with cadets, explaining their occupational specialties, answering questions and offering insights into military life. After an event filled morning on the first day of training, cadets had lunch while Sgt. Maj. Christopher Rivera, sergeant major of MAG-24, spoke about physical and mental toughness, the ability to lead and his personal connection to the program. Many of the Cadets recognized Rivera because of his daughter, who recently graduated from the Kalāheo High School NJROTC program. “Seeing my daughter benefit directly from the NJROTC program makes this deeply personal,” Rivera explained. “She was a cadet in Kalāheo’s NJROTC and the exposure, discipline and mentorship she received laid the foundation for her transformation. Supporting and mentoring cadets is MAG-24’s way of creating that future, ensuring we leave it in capable hands.” The second day, Cadets gained hands-on experience with simulated marksmanship training before attending a military and career orientation and leadership training. At the conclusion of the training Cadets expressed their thoughts. “As a leader, events like this really help you build a relationship with your cadets,” said cadet Mia Krebbeks, who serves as the cadet’s command master chief. “You’re able to build memories with them, and I think that relationship is one of the most important parts of leadership.” Following this year’s BCT Camp, cadets can move forward with more confidence in their ability to lead others and overcome adversity. Through collaborative programs and opportunities MAG-24 and MCBH will continue supporting cadets in their journey to build resilience, embrace responsibility and answer the call of leadership.

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A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing taxis the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sep. 8, 2025. - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing taxis the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sep. 8, 2025. VMFA-232, an F-18 Hornet squadron from MCAS Miramar, California, deployed to augment MAG-12, 1st MAW under the Unit Deployment Program, which provides U.S.-based units with operational experience in the Indo-Pacific through continuous and overlapping deployments to the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erick Reyes)

U.S.-based F/A-18 Hornet squadron deploys to Japan

The U.S. Marine Corps deployed Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 “Red Devils”, an F/A-18 Hornet squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, under the Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program (UDP) on Sept. 8, 2025. The fighter squadron joins Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in

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A U.S. Navy Sailor attached to the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) 6 USS John L. Canley watches a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepare to land during a deck landing qualification training on the ship as part of exercise Warrior Voyage, off the coast of the island of O'ahu, Hawaii, Oct. 10, 2024. Exercise Warrior Voyage is a group-level training event that evaluates the ESB as an afloat platform for intermediate-level aviation logistics and hot refueling options in support of the Aviation Combat Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Moses S. Lopez Franco) - A U.S. Navy Sailor attached to the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) 6 USS John L. Canley watches a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepare to land during a deck landing qualification training on the ship as part of exercise Warrior Voyage, off the coast of the island of O'ahu, Hawaii, Oct. 10, 2024. Exercise Warrior Voyage is a group-level training event that evaluates the ESB as an afloat platform for intermediate-level aviation logistics and hot refueling options in support of the Aviation Combat Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Moses S. Lopez Franco)

MALS-24 leads ESB evaluation during Warrior Voyage 2024

The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) set sail through the Pacific Ocean with the Hawaiian island chain visible on the horizon. From October 4 to 21, 2024, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing led exercise Warrior Voyage. This exercise aimed to

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Geoffrey Blumenfled, the commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, left, poses for a group photo after Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary demonstrated a fast-rope insertion to partner forces at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Waimanalo, Hawaii, as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024, July 2. Lt. Col. Blumenfled piloted the MV-22B Osprey while 15th MEU Marines demonstrated to partner forces the ability to conduct fast-rope insertions in austere locations. 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) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Geoffrey Blumenfled, the commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, left, poses for a group photo after Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary demonstrated a fast-rope insertion to partner forces at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Waimanalo, Hawaii, as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024, July 2. Lt. Col. Blumenfled piloted the MV-22B Osprey while 15th MEU Marines demonstrated to partner forces the ability to conduct fast-rope insertions in austere locations. 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)

MAG-24's participation in RIMPAC 2024

From June 26, 2024, to August 2, 2024, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), played a critical support role in the 29th iteration of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world's largest international maritime exercise.

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, right, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. Eric E. Austin, the outgoing commanding general, salute the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. 1st MAW is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan) - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, right, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. Eric E. Austin, the outgoing commanding general, salute the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. 1st MAW is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

1st Marine Aircraft Wing holds change of command ceremony

Major General Eric E. Austin relinquished command of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing to Major General Marcus B. Annibale, July 12, 2024, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan.

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A U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing completes preflight checklist during the first Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Launch and Recovery (SLR) mission at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, June 20, 2024. SLR minimizes logistical constraints, enables operations from short airfields over vast distances, and supports the flexibility required for modern expeditionary operations. VMU-3's successful SLR demonstration emphasized its pivotal role in advancing Marine Corps capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Abreu) - A U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing completes preflight checklist during the first Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Launch and Recovery (SLR) mission at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, June 20, 2024. SLR minimizes logistical constraints, enables operations from short airfields over vast distances, and supports the flexibility required for modern expeditionary operations. VMU-3's successful SLR demonstration emphasized its pivotal role in advancing Marine Corps capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Abreu)

VMU-3 Advancing Operations: The Shift to SATCOM Launch and Recovery

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, achieved a significant operational milestone with the successful execution of a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Launch and Recovery (SLR) flight with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) MQ-9A Aircraft System on June 20, 2024. This marks the first-ever employment of an all-Marine Corps certified team of active-duty aviators conducting an SLR mission with a Marine Corps aircraft at a Marine Corps Air Station.

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