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U.S. Air Force Capt. Reece Cooke, 40th Airlift Squadron pilot, observes terrain from a C-130J Super Hercules during low-level flight over the Peninsular Ranges, California, Feb. 4, 2026. The aircraft carried an ultra-light tactical vehicle and U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, providing realistic joint training during the Spring 2026 C-130 Weapon System Council led by the 317th Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jade M. Caldwell)
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Idris Turay, Marine Aircraft Group 39 sergeant major , speaks with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Martin Castillo, 317th Airlift Wing command chief, during a senior enlisted leader sync at the Spring 2026 C-130 Weapon System Council at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 5, 2026. The senior enlisted leaders discussed enlisted development, challenges faced by both branches and opportunities for future joint integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jade M. Caldwell)
U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Linwood Hinton, operations chief at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, poses for a photo at MCAS Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 20, 2026. Hinton was recognized as the 2026 Marine Corps Installations Command Enlisted Marine of the Year. This award highlights the outstanding achievements of the Corps' top-performing Marines and units in the Installations and Logistics community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Martinez)
From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Nick I. Brown, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West; Capt. Landon Nagao, a UH-1Y pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; Sgt. Stephanie Evtodi, a maintenance management specialist with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd MAW and Sgt. Maj. Sherri N. Cook, senior enlisted leader of MCIWEST, pose for a photo during the 2025 Camp Pendleton Male and Female Athlete of the Year award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 9, 2026. The Camp Pendleton Athletes of the Year for 2025 were recognized for their sustained excellence in competitive athletics while serving on active duty. (Courtesy photo by Nava Kiss)
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Brown, right, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Col. Houser, left, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton and Mr. Soucy, high voltage electrician with MCAS Camp Pendleton, stand for photo during a the MCAS Safety Award Ceremony at MCB Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 12, 2026. This award highlights the significant contribution and accomplishment MCAS Camp Pendleton made in the field of safety and mishap prevention across all Marine Corps units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Cantu)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Turay, left, the incoming senior enlisted leader for Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, and Sgt. Maj. Smith-Leavy, right, the outgoing senior enlisted leader of MCAS Camp Pendleton, salute during a relief and appointment ceremony at MCAS Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 28, 2026. During the ceremony, Smith-Leavy relinquished her role as the air station’s senior enlisted leader to Turay. The ceremony represents the transfer of authority and accountability from the outgoing senior enlisted leader to the incoming senior enlisted leader. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sherchand)
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Capt. Nelson J. Baker observes an MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 30, 2026. Baker is a plank holder of VMM-364 and served as one of the squadron’s first pilots when it was commissioned as Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 364 in 1961. He visited to share the squadron’s legacy with the current generation of Marines who work with and fly the MV-22B Osprey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Sherchand)
Rear Adm. Nowakowski, the deputy commander of Naval Education and Training Command, engages with a staff member during a command visit at the Center for Naval Aviation Technician Training Detachment on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 18, 2025. Nowakowski conducted a command visit and engaged with students and staff about the future of initial and advanced MOS training. During his visit, he recognized Marines for their professionalism and contributions to the mission while gaining insight into daily operations and training efforts throughout the facility. (U.S Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Rafael)
U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and members of the Royal Canadian Air Force with 429 Transport Squadron prepare to offload an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from a Royal Canadian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 4, 2025. Marines worked alongside Canadian service members to rehearse HIMARS rapid infiltration procedures to deliver precision fires from forward locations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan Torres)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christine M. Houser, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton commanding officer, speaks on the importance of safety for U.S. Marines, Sailors and their families at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 5, 2024. Safety for service members and their families is a top priority for Marine Corps Installations West leadership. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Adrian Estrada)
Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. John Kelliher
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“Our Astronaut Corps prides ourselves on our expeditionary mindset,” said Lt. Col. Jasmin Moghbeli
A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466 delivered critical U.S. Navy support equipment to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest ship, the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. The mission underscored the operational cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces as they strengthen joint capabilities in the Pacific.
UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper aircrew assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a series of day and night close air support training missions with live ordnance Sept. 25 and Oct. 13, launching from the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) to a range west of Okinawa, Japan.
The Marine Corps has taken significant strides in enhancing its air defense capabilities since the introduction of the Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System in October 2022. This ground-based system is designed to deter and neutralize unmanned aircraft systems, addressing the evolving threats faced in modern warfare. The LMADIS consists of two all-terrain Polaris MRZR vehicles—one serving as a command unit, while the other is equipped with advanced sensors and signal-jamming technology. For the first time, LMADIS has been integrated into the Marine Corps’ premier advanced aviation school at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) - Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, WTI 1-25 - as an employable capability throughout each evolution, showcasing its operational viability and reinforcing the Marine Corps' commitment to enhancing air defense.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-- U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Celia G. Flomo, a supply