News - Tag 1st MAW

U.S. Marines with 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD), Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and civilian contractors pose for a photo at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 12, 2025. - U.S. Marines with 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD), Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and civilian contractors pose for a photo at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 12, 2025. Program Executive Office Land Systems successfully fielded two Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems to 1st LAAD. The fielding of these systems marked a pivotal step in enhancing expeditionary defense capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps fields MADIS to 1st LAAD

The U.S. Marine Corps took a major step forward with a state-of-the-art system designed for short-range detection, tracking and engagement of aerial threats. On Dec. 12, 2025, Program Executive Office Land Systems fielded two Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems (MADIS) to 1st Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). The fielding of these systems marks a pivotal step in enhancing expeditionary defense capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region.

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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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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. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), perform COVID-19 prevention measures during Exercise Driven Thermite 21 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2020. This exercise ensures that 1st MAW personnel are ready to plan and execute air operations in the Indo-Pacific by operating in a simulated environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Tess Lobossiere) - U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), perform COVID-19 prevention measures during Exercise Driven Thermite 21 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2020. This exercise ensures that 1st MAW personnel are ready to plan and execute air operations in the Indo-Pacific by operating in a simulated environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Tess Lobossiere)