Stories

U.S. Marines, members of the San Diego Padres organization, and volunteers pose for a photo after assembling care packages to be shipped to Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, MAG-11, 3rd MAW at Petco Park, San Diego, Sept. 15, 2025. - U.S. Marines, members of the San Diego Padres organization, and volunteers pose for a photo after assembling care packages to be shipped to Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, MAG-11, 3rd MAW at Petco Park, San Diego, Sept. 15, 2025. VMFA-232 is currently attached to MAG-12, 1st MAW, as part of the unit deployment program, enhancing squadron readiness and providing flexible fighter attack capabilities to support U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The San Diego Padres demonstrate their commitment to U.S. service members and their families with over 30 years of support through donations, Military Sundays, and community programs via the Padres Foundation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis during a live ordnance training event at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar combat aircraft loading area, California, July 25, 2024. This was the first time VMFA-311 conducted live ordnance operations independently and a milestone for the squadron, which declared initial operational capability on July 31, 2024. Achieving initial operational capability means that VMFA-311 has the operational F-35C aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Bruno, an aircraft avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, displays VMFA-311 unit patch in front of a F-35C Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 15, 2023. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Bruno, an aircraft avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, displays VMFA-311 unit patch in front of a F-35C Lighting II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 15, 2023. VMFA-311, the Marine Corps’ second fleet squadron to operate the F-35C Lightning II, is declared “Safe for Flight”. The Safe for Flight certification means that VMFA-311, MAG-11, 3rd MAW, has the maintenance programs, processes, and trained Marines in place to independently conduct flight operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Samantha Devine)