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Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Marine Corps' oldest flying squadron flew its last Harrier jump jet flight as the unit's pilots ready to fly new F-35 stealth fighters
The Marines will rebrand a squadron as pilots switch to the F-35B Lightning II. The transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B is part of modernization. The change is part of service-wide plans to enhance capabilities for modern Pacific warfare. The Marine Corps will soon rebrand a storied aviation squadron as its pilots switch to a new jet designed for next-level warfare. Amid ongoing changes to the Corps, the North Carolina-based Marine Attack Squadron 231 will be renamed "Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231." The squadron, identified as the service's oldest flying squadron, was formed just after World War I, and it adopted the Harrier jump jet in the mid-1980s. With VMA-231's rebranding, the unit's pilots will no longer fly the AV-8B Harrier, an aircraft known for its short and vertical take-off and landing capabilities. The Corps is doing away with the plane, preferring the new fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters. Marines fly the stealth jet's B variant built for short runways and big-deck amphibious assault ships. VMA-231, known as the "Ace of Spades," will be deactivated later this year and then reactivated as VMFA-231 in the next fiscal year. The aviation unit completed its last Harrier flight last Thursday at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, according to a news release out Monday. "Everybody knows that VMA-231 is transitioning to F-35s," said the unit's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Paul Truog, stressing that the final Harrier flight was not a "sad day" and asserting that "the Wing, the [Marine Aircraft Group], and the squadron are going to be more capable of responding to any crisis." The Corps has already phased out training for the aviation mechanics responsible for Harrier engine maintenance and for Harrier pilots amid the push to field fifth-generation fighters. In previous discussions with BI, Marine pilots have characterized the newer F-35 as a game-changing capability. The changes come as the Corps remains deep in its transformation, a process to move from fielding a force built to fight counterinsurgencies to one made for modern warfare in the Pacific. It's a shift made all the more difficult by major logistical hurdles in the region and fast changing battlefields being radically shaped by AI and drone technology. Along with the Harrier, the Corps has put F/A-18 Hornets on the chopping block to make way for the F-35. The Hornet made up over half of the Corps' tactical air capabilities in 2022, according to and has been a go-to aircraft for the Marines and the Navy for both offensive and defensive needs. But there's a growing recognition that future fights could demand next-generation capabilities. In its statement on changes to VMA-231, the Marine Corps said "the squadron's transition from the legacy AV-8B Harrier II to the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is representative of 2nd MAW's ongoing modernization efforts to meet the needs of the future fight," referring to the 2nd Marine Air Wing. The Corps' "Force Design" plans, announced in 2020 amid much controversy, has already seen the service scrap its scout sniper program and tanks in an all-out effort to shed any capability deemed less urgent for the Pacific, and it has also rolled out new units in Hawaii and Japan specially formed for fighting along the Pacific's formidable island chains. Read the original article on Business Insider
GMA Network
27-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
UK aircraft carrier to sail in Indo-Pacific as part of multi-national task force —PH Navy
The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (09) before she departed for Operation Highmast. Royal Navy The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said that a multi-national task force centered around an aircraft carrier of the United Kingdom is expected to sail in the Indo-Pacific region to promote international order. In a press briefing, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the activity is under the Royal Navy-led Operation Highmast. 'The United Kingdom last month, April 25, set sail Operation Highmast centered on the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales joined by warships from Norway, Canada,and Spain,' he said. 'The objective here is to reinforce the alliances with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific Region and to support the international order, which is currently being attacked by one country that would like to change the international status quo,' he added. Trinidad said the eight-month deployment will cover the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Indo-Pacific Region. According to him, multilateral exercises will be conducted during Operation Highmast. HMS Prince of Wales has an embarked air group that includes the F-35B Lightning II stealth multirole fghters, anti-submarine helicopters, airborne early warning aircraft and accommodation for 250 Royal Marines. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." Beijing has refused to recognize the decision. —RF, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Marine F-35B stealth fighter squadron arrives in Japan
A Marine fighter attack squadron recently deployed to Japan, joining three other squadrons in an effort to support operations in the Indo-Pacific, according to a release from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron, or VMFA-211 — an F-35B Lightning II squadron hailing from Yuma, Arizona — arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on Saturday. The newest additions, also known as the 'Wake Island Avengers,' will fold into Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, to assist with deployments in the region. 'The squadron joins VMFA-121 and VMFA-242, MAG-12's two permanently stationed F-35B squadrons, alongside VMFA-214, another U.S.-based UDP [Unit Deployment Program] squadron, to enhance our ability to support III Marine Expeditionary Force and joint force operations across the Indo-Pacific,' a 1st Marine Aircraft Wing spokesperson said in a statement. Air Force F-35A 'Frankenjet' returns to the skies While the unit declined to list the exact number of aircraft and service members deployed to Japan along with VMFA-211, a spokesperson told Military Times a typical F-35B squadron includes 10 aircraft and enough personnel to operate and maintain the fighters. The exact dates of deployment were also not revealed, but the 1st Aircraft Wing acknowledged deployments usually last six months. VMFA-211 squadron will participate in exercises in support of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, the spokesperson confirmed. Recently, VMFA-214 participated in Freedom Flag 25-1, a joint exercise between the U.S. and Korea held in April at Gwangju Air Base, Korea. 'These exercises, in turn, will ensure the Marine Corps is operationally ready and postured to support U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security,' the spokesperson said. Marine Aircraft Group 12 — along with the now four Marine fighter attack squadrons — includes Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
California Capital Airshow reaches new heights with record-breaking sold-out event
( — The 19th Annual California Capital Airshow at Mather Field Airport in Sacramento County achieved a historic sell-out, captivating over 140,000 spectators across March 22-23. The unprecedented demand culminated in an airshow headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. The show sold out in the days leading up to the event. According to a press release, the Airshow team accommodated the demand by securing an extra 1,400 parking spots per day. California Capital Airshow returns this weekend 'The enthusiasm for this year's Airshow was truly remarkable,' said Darcy Brewer, Executive Director of California Capital Airshow. 'Selling out days in advance is a testament to the incredible lineup and the unique experience we strive to deliver. This event attracts a growing number of aviation enthusiasts from all over the globe, and it is a true honor to create this event for our community.' This year's airshow featured a lineup of performers that left audiences in awe. Highlights included the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper, Tucker's Air Patrol, vintage World War II aircraft, and more. Beyond the aerial displays, the airshow offered more than 200 acres of hands-on activities that educated and inspired. As the cornerstone event of the U.S. Navy's 'Navy Week' in Sacramento, there were several naval aircraft and exhibits on display. Attendees also explored exhibits from Travis Air Force Base, Beale Air Force Base, CAL FIRE, and various law enforcement and first responder agencies. The event showcased numerous STEM and aviation partners, providing interactive experiences for all ages. 'This year's record-breaking attendance shows how important this event is to the Sacramento region,' said Terrence McNamara, Chairman of the California Capital Airshow Board of Directors. 'We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our many volunteers, partners and sponsors, and the essential collaboration with Sacramento County and the City of Rancho Cordova.' The 2025 Airshow included 146,872 Airshow spectators, 204 acres of event space filled with exhibits and aviation displays, 121 vendor booths and exhibits, 812 tables in the event's premium venues, 1,198 of electric vehicle rides at SMUD's Ride & Drive exhibit, 1,024 dedicated volunteers, 30 partnering nonprofits, and 295 aircraft and pilots. Officials said that because of the show's success, planning is already underway for 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
See Blue Angels and other aircraft take to the skies for the California Capital Airshow
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels delivered speed, power and plenty of noise to the skies over Rancho Cordova during the sold-out California Capital Airshow on Saturday at Mather Airport. They concluded four hours of aerial performances that began with the U.S. Air Force's U-2 Dragonfly spy plane and also included the F-16 Viper demonstration team and the U.S. Marine's F-35B Lightning II. Vintage aircraft from World War II also made appearances. The program repeats Sunday.
