Tag Archives: Marine Corps aviation

Marines' CH-53E Helos Seeing Sharp Uptick in Readiness, Amid Replacement's Testing Delays

Marines’ CH-53E Helos Seeing Sharp Uptick in Readiness, Amid Replacement’s Testing Delays

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The CH-53K King Stallion lifts a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, January 18, 2018. The purpose of this exercise was to show the Capabilities of the CH-53K. US Marine Corps photo.

THE PENTAGON – Amid ongoing testing challenges and delays in the Marine’s CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter program, the legacy CH-53E fleet is seeing its highest reliability in decades and is focused on modernization efforts to keep it ready through 2031 or beyond. Read More →

Marines Zero In On Requirements for Future MUX Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Marines Zero In On Requirements for Future MUX Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

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The Bell V-247 tiltrotor is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) that will combine the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft, and would provide long-endurance persistent expeditionary and surveillance and fires capabilities. Bell Image

THE PENTAGON – The Marine Corps has refined its vision for a large sea-based unmanned aerial system (UAS) after honing in on capability gaps the Marines most urgently need to fill. Read More →

Marine Corps Orders 24-Hour Operational Pause for All Aviation Units Within Next 2 Weeks

Marine Corps Orders 24-Hour Operational Pause for All Aviation Units Within Next 2 Weeks

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jesse Schmitt, a powerline mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, gives directions to an F/A-18C Hornet at Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, July 18, 2017. US Marine Corps photo.

The Marine Corps ordered all its aviation units to hold a 24-hour stand-down at some point in the next two weeks to take a break from operations and focus on flight safety and fundamentals, according to a service news release. Read More →

Lt. Gen. Jon Davis on Marine Corps Aviation Readiness, Modernization

Lt. Gen. Jon Davis on Marine Corps Aviation Readiness, Modernization

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen Jon M. Davis, deputy commandant, Aviation, salutes the flag during the playing of the national anthem during his retirement ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, Washington, D.C., July 10, 2017. Davis retired after 37 years of service US Marine Corps photo

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Jon Davis retired this week after 37 years of service and was a witness to generational evolution in Marine Corps Aviation. Davis began his career as an AV-8A Harrier pilot, and in his last assignment as deputy commandant for aviation guided the service to fielding the fifth-generation F-35B. Read More →

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Rudder Named Next Deputy Commandant for Aviation

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Rudder Named Next Deputy Commandant for Aviation

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Then-Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder expressed his intent to build upon 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s past successes during the 1st MAW change of command ceremony July 9, 2013, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. US Marine Corps photo.

This post has been updated to include additional information.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Steven Rudder has been nominated to serve as the next deputy commandant for aviation (DCA). Read More →

Marine Aviation Going After Small Maintenance Issues that Create Big Readiness Problems

Marine Aviation Going After Small Maintenance Issues that Create Big Readiness Problems

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U.S. Marine Sgt. Ryan Boele (left), a MV-22 flight line mechanic chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Lance Cpl. David Bath (right), a MV-22 flight line mechanic with VMM-163, 11th MEU, adjust cables on an engine of an MV-22 Osprey within the hanger bay of the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Dec. 27. US Marine Corps photo.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Ryan Boele (left), a MV-22 flight line mechanic chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Lance Cpl. David Bath (right), a MV-22 flight line mechanic with VMM-163, 11th MEU, adjust cables on an engine of an MV-22 Osprey within the hanger bay of the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Dec. 27. US Marine Corps photo.

THE PENTAGON – The Marine Corps is tackling the little problems that combine to create major burdens on the aviation maintenance community, the deputy commandant for aviation told reporters today. Read More →