#1st Marine Aircraft Wing

[the-nomadicone]

Ex. Resolute Dragon // United States Marine Corps

[alex99achapterthree]

Phantom Friday...

Pardo's push.

An epic story of guts and ingenuity. Captain Bob Pardo used his own damaged Phantom to push his wingman's crippled aircraft to an area safe for ejection. From Wikipedia: (they write it better than I could...)

Captain Bob Pardo (with Weapon Systems Officer 1st Lt Steve Wayne) and wingman Captain Earl Aman (with Weapon Systems Officer 1st Lt Robert Houghton) were assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. In March 1967, they were trying to attack a steel mill in North Vietnam just north of Hanoi. On March 10, 1967, the sky was clear for a bombing run, but both F-4 Phantom IIs were hit by anti-aircraft fire. Aman's plane took the worst damage; his fuel tank had been hit, and he quickly lost most of his fuel. Aman and Houghton then determined that they did not have enough fuel to make it to a KC-135 tanker aircraft over Laos. To avoid having Aman and Houghton bail out over hostile territory, Pardo decided to try pushing the airplane. Pardo first tried pushing the plane using Aman's drag chute compartment but turbulence interfered. Pardo then tried to use Aman's tailhook to push the plane. The Phantom, having been originally designed as a naval aircraft for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, was equipped with a heavy duty tailhook for landings aboard aircraft carriers and for emergency arrestments ashore. Aman lowered his tailhook and Pardo moved behind Aman until the tailhook was against Pardo's windscreen. Aman then shut down both of his J79 jet engines. The push worked, reducing the rate of descent considerably, but the tailhook slipped off the windscreen every 15 to 30 seconds, and each time Pardo had to reposition his plane to do it again. Pardo also struggled with a fire in one of his own engines and eventually had to shut it down. In the remaining 10 minutes of flight time, Pardo used the one last engine to slow the descent of both planes. With Pardo's plane running out of fuel after pushing Aman's plane almost 88 miles (142 km), the planes reached Laotian airspace at an altitude of 6,000 feet (1,800 m). This left them about two minutes of flying time. Both crews ejected, evaded capture, and were picked up by rescue helicopters.

Initially Pardo was reprimanded for not saving his own aircraft but the case was re-evaluated in 1989 and all four crewmembers were awarded the Silver Star.

Epic!

[usafphantom2]

Marines hit operational status with second carrier-capable F35-C unit

Todd SouthJul 31, 2024 at 04:56 PM

A West Coast Marine F-35C Lightning II squadron has achieved initial operational capability.

The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, hit that key milestone Wednesday, 1st Lt. Madison Walls, wing spokeswoman told Marine Corps Times. The status means a unit can employ, maintain and train on the jet.

The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, unit conducted its first independent live ordnance operations July 25.

“Initial operational capability is a milestone and achievement in readiness,” said Lt. Col. Michael Fisher, commanding officer of VMFA-311 in a statement. “It’s all on the backs of the Marines out there. What they do in their day-to-day actions is what made this possible.”

The squadron, also known as the Tomcats, flew more than 900 sorties, which equals nearly 1,700 flight hours and another 800 simulator hours and 2,400 maintenance actions to reach initial operational capability, according to a service release.

“The Tomcats have a storied history that includes legends such as Ted Williams and John Glenn, and participation in every major conflict since World War II,” Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd MAW, said in the release. “Today’s Marines add another chapter to that legacy with the introduction of the F-35C and fifth-generation capabilities to VMFA-311.”

Marine Corps Cpl. Larry Casas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, directs Capt. Joshua G. Falgoust, an F-35C Lightning II pilot. (Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez/Marine Corps)

In 2020, the squadron deactivated its AV-8 Harrier jets and then reactivated in April 2023 with 84 Marines and one F-35, reflecting the Marine Corps’ move to fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The transition has resulted in a gradual reduction in Harriers and F/A-18 Hornets.

The Corps’ two F-35C squadrons, VMFA-311 and VMFA-314, are both stationed at Miramar.

The VMFA-314, or Black Knights, reached initial operational capability in 2020, Marine Corps Times previously reported.

The F-35C is specifically engineered for carrier-based operations, featuring heavier landing gear and enlarged, foldable wings designed to facilitate catapult launches and arrestments on aircraft carriers. The foldable wingtips also facilitate easier storage on the carrier deck.

The “C” variant holds more fuel than other versions of the single-seat jet, with nearly 20,000 pounds of internal fuel capacity for long-range flights.

“The next step for VMFA-311 is full operational capability, attained when VMFA-311 receives its complete inventory of ten F-35C aircraft, projected for fiscal year 2025,” according to the release.

The Marine Corps has used the F-35B for years. The “B” variant, built to use short runways and flat-decked amphibious assault ships, is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings.

Currently, the Corps has eight operational F-35B squadrons and two training squadrons, totaling over 100 F-35B aircraft globally.

Todd South has written about crime, courts, government and the military for multiple publications since 2004 and was named a 2014 Pulitzer finalist for a co-written project on witness intimidation. Todd is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War.

@DefenseNews.com

[freetheshit-outofyou]

Major John F. Bolt the Marines first jet ace seated in a U.S. Air Force F-86E, 1953. Major Bolt, who shot down six Japanese planes during World War II, has flown 89 jet fighter-bomber missions with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, which has been assigned only close support and interdiction missions in Korea. He has also flown 37 Saber missions with the 5th Air Force.

[airmanisr]

Agusta-Bell AB204B Huey ‘18’ (really MM80279) by Alan Wilson Via Flickr: c/n 3037 Built in 1964 for the Aeronautica Militare Italiana with the serial MM80279. Previously on display at the London Motor Museum in Hayes. Since acquired by the MAG36-UK group and painted to represent a UH-1E from Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6), part of Marine Air Group 36 (MAG-36) under the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) during the Vietnam War. She is used as a travelling exhibit by the group. Hangar 10, Manston Airport, Kent, UK 30th April 2022

[pacificeagles]

https://pacificeagles.net/the-guadalcanal-campaign/

The Guadalcanal Campaign

Kido Butai’s defeat at the Battle of Midway meant that American positions in the Central Pacific, including Hawaii, were now secure. US Navy Commander in Chief Admiral Ernest J. King now felt that the time was right to begin a counter-offensive, to take full advantage of the changing circumstances. He had long thought that the South Pacific was the key to blunting the Japanese offensive – if sufficient forces could be deployed to secure the lines of communication between the United States and Australia, then the area offered the perfect springboard for offensive operations against the key Japanese strongholds of Rabaul and New Guinea. This plan also had the advantage of keeping Allied forces in the Pacific active and engaged with the Japanese, rather than having them hold defensive positions until American industrial output allowed for a Central Pacific offensive to begin sometime in 1943.

On June 24th King cabled Admiral Chester Nimitz to warn him operations were due to begin far sooner than anyone had previously thought possible – Nimitz was informed that he should begin planning for an offensive into the Solomon Islands, targeting Tulagi and “adjacent areas” with a start date of August 1st. That left just five weeks to prepare for what would be the first Allied offensive of the war, into an area that was badly lacking in adequate harbours and airfields. To work out the finer details Nimitz flew to San Francisco for a conference with King, but the XPBS-1 flying boat carrying the admiral crashed on landing and he was lucky to escape with his life.

Wreckage of Admiral Nimitz’s XPBS

Nimitz had already carved out part of his vast command territory, the South Pacific, and appointed V.Adm. Robert L. Ghormley, as Commander, South Pacific (COMSOPAC). He would have overall command of the operation, but he had only taken command of the theatre in May 1942. Now he found himself with just five weeks to prepare his meagre forces. The only major ground forces available to Ghormley were M.Gen Alexander A. Vandegrift’s 1st Marine Division, but this unit was very green – most of the division was still on its way to New Zealand having left the US several weeks earlier. Several smaller units, including the Marine Raiders, the 1st Parachute Battalion, and the 3rd Defense Battalion with 90mm anti-aircraft guns, coastal defence guns and radar were attached the 1st Marine Division when the scope of their mission was expanded in mid-July.

More pressing was the lack of forward bases in the area. The major US forward base at Noumea had sufficient port facilities and a spacious airfield at Tontouta, but it lay almost 1,000 miles from Tulagi and could not offer adequate support to the marines. A fighter strip was under construction at Efate in the southern New Hebrides, itself 850 miles from the target area. Engineers raced to build another field at Turtle Bay on Espiritu Santo in the northern New Hebrides, which at 650 miles distant proved barely adequate as a base for B-17s and PBYs.

Land-based air support for the operation was under the command of RAdm John S. McCain. Elements of several Catalina squadrons from Patrol Wing 1 would provide reconnaissance, supported by the Flying Fortresses of the 11th Bomb Group. Tenders moved to Ndeni in the Santa Cruz islands to support the flying boats. For more direct support, the new Marine Air Group 23 was alerted for deployment to the Solomons once suitable airfields were captured. MAG-23 was only formed on 1st May and had just a handful of veteran pilots, the rest being rookies. VMF-223 and VMSB-232 formed the first echelon which boarded the escort carrier Long Island. VMF-224 and VMSB-242 were to follow when transportation was available. The Army’s 67th Pursuit Squadron was also based at Noumea, ready to move forward in support.

Heavy support for the landings would come in the form of VAdm Frank J. Fletcher’s Task Force 61, built around the carriers Enterprise, Saratoga and Wasp. Enterprise was by now a fixture of the Pacific War, having fought from the first day. Saratoga was returning to action following six months out due to torpedo damage. Wasp arrived in the South Pacific direct from the Panama Canal after an eventful period operating in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, where she twice delivered RAF Spitfires to the embattled island of Malta. All three carriers had an increased fighter compliment, with the standard VF squadron allotment of F4F Wildcats increased from 27 to 36 (although the smaller Wasp had just 30).

One invaluable service available to the invaders was Section C, Allied Intelligence Bureau, better known as the “Coastwatchers”. This was an organisation of mainly Australian and British civilians who lived in the Solomons and surrounding areas before the war, typically managing plantations or acting as colonial administrators. Many remained behind when the Japanese took over the islands, hiding in remote parts of the jungle and relying on the support of the native Solomon Islanders to remain hidden. Equipped with radios and commissioned into the naval services, the coastwatchers provided information about Japanese movements and sheltered Allied airmen who had to bail out over remote areas, amongst other roles. Key to the upcoming offensive would be Jack Read, based near Buka island off Bougainville, Paul Mason on southern Bougainville, and Martin Clemens on Guadalcanal.  

Japanese opposition

Meanwhile, intelligence received from British coastwatchers in the Solomons revealed that in early July the Japanese had cleared several coconut plantations on the northern coast of Guadalcanal, across Savo Sound from Tulagi, and were beginning construction of an airfield. Heavy construction equipment was shipped in, and it became clear that the airfield would be complete by early August. The plan for Operation Watchtower was altered and the “adjacent positions” in King’s original operation order were explicitly defined as Guadalcanal and the Lunga Point airfield. The Japanese had only 4,000 troops on Guadalcanal, most of them engineers and Korean labourers. Across Savo Sound on Tulagi were another 1,500 troops including several Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) troops.

Aerial view of Lunga Point airfield under construction, July 1942

The principal Japanese air units in the region were based at Rabaul, well over 500 miles distant from Guadalcanal and Tulagi. The 5th Air Attack Force, administratively the 25th Air Flotilla, had several units of veteran fliers. The crack Tainan Kokutai had many veteran fighter pilots and was primarily equipped with Zero fighters. The 4th Kokutai, which had been badly handled by Lexington’s fighters on February 20, 1942, was equipped with G4M bombers. The 2nd Kokutai was another fighter unit, but they were equipped with shorter range Model 32 Zeros (later known as “Hamp”) that could not make the flight down to Guadalcanal and return. There were also elements of the Yokosuka and 14th Kokutai with H6K and H8K flying boats, some of which were based at Tulagi, as well as small units of floatplane Zero fighters. The major bases were Lakunai on the shores of Rabaul’s Simpson Harbour for the fighters, and Vunakanau further inland for the bombers. A small number of primitive emergency fields existed in the Solomons, primarily at Buka on the northern end of Bougainville and Kieta on the same island’s eastern coastline. No Imperial Japanese Army Air Force units were deployed in western New Guinea.

Final preparations

With only old, inaccurate charts of the target area available, Vandegrift had two of his intelligence offers carry out an aerial reconnaissance to fill in the gaps. Marines Col Merrill B. Twining and Maj William McKean flew to New Guinea and managed to procure an AAF B-17 for the effort. On July 17, 1942, they set out to look at “Ringbolt” (Tulagi) and “Cactus” (Guadalcanal). Tulagi was eventually found no less than 40 miles from where charts thought it was, but it appeared that the reef surrounding the island would be impenetrable to small landing craft and therefore amphibious tractors would be needed. Several floatplane Zeros were spotted trying to get airborne to catch the B-17, so it turned south for a look at Guadalcanal. Here it was revealed that there were no fortifications on the Guadalcanal coast and the beaches were clear of natural or manmade obstacles. The now-airborne Zeros got close enough to fire off a few bursts, with fire returned by the B-17’s gunners, before the Americans broke off and headed for Port Moresby.

Hand-drawn map of Lunga Point and the Japanese airfield, July 1942

Despite the frantic pace of preparations, it was clear that the original deadline of August 1st was impossible to meet. Instead Ghormley deferred D-Day until August 7th. The marines sailed from Wellington on July 22nd aboard transports commanded by RAdm Richmond K. Turner, King’s handpicked choice to lead the amphibious force. On the 26th, the amphibious squadron made rendezvous with Fletcher’s carriers south of Fiji and prepared for a practice landing on Koro the following day. During the dress rehearsal a bombardment of the landing beach was carried out by cruisers and bombing attacks were conducted by carrier planes, but the landing craft could not pass over coral heads and the practice landings themselves were cancelled. Vandegrift deemed the exercise a “complete bust”.

Following this failure, Admiral Fletcher convened a planning conference aboard his flagship, Saratoga. Admiral Ghormley was not present, because he had decided to remain at his HQ in Noumea. Fletcher, Turner, Vandegrift and their senior staff officers discussed the upcoming operation at length but disagreed over key details. There was acrimony over the amount of time TF-61 would remain in the area to provide air support as the marines got themselves established ashore. Turner estimated that it would take 4 or 5 days to fully unload the transports and wanted a full 5 days of cover, but Fletcher, worried about exposing his precious carriers to air and submarine attacks that were sure to come, was prepared to offer only 2 days – although he later increased this to 3. After that there would be no air support until MAG-23 could be flown in when the Lunga Point airfield was completed by marine engineers. With Ghormley unavailable to referee the dispute Fletcher got his way over the opposition of Turner and Vandegrift. With that, the commanders headed back to make their final preparations.

The Task Force now numbered 82 ships, the largest naval formation assembled up to that point in the Pacific War. Departing Fiji on the 28th, the force set a south easterly course in order to approach Guadalcanal and Tulagi from the south. Bombing attacks on Guadalcanal and Tulagi were carried out by the 11th Bomb Group – 9 B-17s struck on 31st July, flying from Efate to bomb the airfield at Lunga and disrupt construction works. A smaller raid the following day destroyed a pair of floatplane fighters, but an attack on the 4th was more difficult for the Americans. Three B-17s were intercepted by Zero floatplanes, one of which was damaged by the Flying Fortress’ gunners. The stricken fighter smashed into a B-17 and both aircraft went down. The next day another B-17 was lost in an attack on Tulagi.

On August 5th the ships turned north to begin the final run in, and Fletcher’s carriers broke off to take their supporting positions whilst the transports continued west of Guadalcanal before turning east into Savo Sound. There were no contacts with enemy ships, and radar screens remained blessedly clear of patrolling aircraft. As dawn broke on the 7th, D-Day, it was clear that the Americans had achieved complete surprise.

[lboogie1906]

Sergeant Major Alford L. McMichael (born February 24, 1952) is a retired Marine who served as the 14th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. He was the first Staff Non-Commissioned Officer for Allied Command Operations for NATO. He retired from the Marine Corps after 36 years of service.

He was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training. He was assigned to the Marine Barracks. He was transferred to the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines. He returned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot to serve as a drill instructor, series Gunnery Sergeant, and battalion drill master. He was transferred to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.

He transferred to the 3rd Marine Division, where he served as a shore party chief with the 3rd Division Support Group. He received orders to Marine Security Guard School and upon completion of the training, was assigned to the American embassy. He returned to serve as an instructor for the Marine Security Guard School.

He served as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program. After completing the Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy Advanced Course, he was transferred to Okinawa to serve as the first sergeant of Company C, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. He was ordered to the Marine Barracks, where he served as first sergeant.

He served as the director of the Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy. He served as the sergeant major of Officer Candidates School.

He served as the sergeant major of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit when he was reassigned as the sergeant major of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He served as the sergeant major for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Division, Headquarters Marine Corps.

He sits on the steering committee of the National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans, hosted by AMVETS.

His memoirs were published under the title LEADERSHIP: Achieving Life-Changing Success From Within. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[thxnews]

Heroic Marine's Vietnam Valor Remembered

Celebrating Courage Under Fire

Medal of Honor Monday: Honoring a True Hero Marine Corps Pfc. Ray "Mike" Clausen Jr.'s extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War is a testament to the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces. His daring rescue of 18 Marines trapped in a minefield not only demonstrates his courage but also his unwavering commitment to his comrades.   Vietnam War Hero: Beyond the Call of Duty Born in New Orleans and raised in Hammond, Louisiana, Clausen's journey to heroism began with his enlistment in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1966. Moreover, driven by a desire to contribute to the Vietnam War effort, he quickly transitioned to active duty. Subsequently, he served as a jet helicopter mechanic and crew chief with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.  

7th Marines race across rice paddies near An Hoa, South Vietnam, July 1967. Photo by Naval History and Heritage Command. MOD.   Ray "Mike" Clausen Jr.: A Fearless Rescuer On January 31, 1970, Clausen's heroism shone brightly. When Marines landed in a deadly minefield, Clausen, defying the dangers, led a daring rescue mission. His decisive action and selfless bravery resulted in 18 Marines being saved from certain peril, earning him the nation's highest military honor.   Heroic Minefield Rescue Clausen's boldness in the face of danger, guiding his pilot into the minefield and personally carrying wounded Marines to safety, showcases the epitome of military courage. Moreover, his actions that day reflect the highest ideals of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Armed Forces.   The Medal of Honor President Richard M. Nixon awarded Clausen the Medal of Honor in 1971 for his valor. Additionally, Clausen humbly acknowledged that this prestigious award, representing the highest level of military distinction, is shared with all who served and sacrificed in Vietnam.   Vietnam Veterans Recognition: An Enduring Tribute Clausen's legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the veteran community and beyond. Furthermore, his dedication to duty and fearless leadership are celebrated through displays at the National Naval Aviation Museum and the New Orleans VA Medical Center. Consequently, this ensures his story of heroism endures.   Remembering a Marine's Sacrifice Clausen's remarkable story of saving fellow Marines under fire serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and selflessness exhibited by those who serve. His actions during one of the most challenging moments in Vietnam stand as a beacon of heroism for all generations.   Saving Fellow Marines The rescue mission led by Clausen in the Vietnam minefield remains a symbol of extraordinary courage and brotherhood. Furthermore, his willingness to risk his own life to save others embodies the spirit of the Medal of Honor and the enduring valor of the U.S. Marine Corps.   National Naval Aviation Museum Clausen's Medal of Honor, on permanent display at the National Naval Aviation Museum, serves as a testament to his bravery and the sacrifices made by military personnel. This exhibit not only honors Clausen's legacy but also educates visitors about the valor of those who serve.  

To Sum Up

Medal of Honor Monday offers a moment to reflect on the incredible bravery of Marine Corps Pfc. Ray "Mike" Clausen Jr. and his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. His story, a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel, continues to inspire and embody the highest ideals of courage, commitment, and brotherhood. Clausen's legacy lives on as a beacon of heroism for future generations, forever enshrined in the annals of American military history.   Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense. Read the full article

[queenofir]

WE SALUTE THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE! It's our pleasure to share this post from LinkedIn and Matt Phillips, Founder/President Military Java Group. It regards a MOH recipient who was the ace of aces of World War II! MOH RECIPIENT JOE FOSS: Twenty-one years ago on this 1 January day, America lost yet another hero of our, "Greatest Generation". Arlington National Cemetery: Section 7A, Grave 162-Joseph Jacob Foss and below is his Medal of Honor citation: "For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F-4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38's into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal." RIP, Marine!

[nicepoethere]

WE SALUTE THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE! It's our pleasure to share this post from LinkedIn and Matt Phillips, Founder/President Military Java Group. It regards a MOH recipient who was the ace of aces of World War II! MOH RECIPIENT JOE FOSS: Twenty-one years ago on this 1 January day, America lost yet another hero of our, "Greatest Generation". Arlington National Cemetery: Section 7A, Grave 162-Joseph Jacob Foss and below is his Medal of Honor citation: "For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F-4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38's into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal." RIP, Marine!

[defensenow]

VMGR-153 Assists in Maui Response Efforts

1st Marine Aircraft Wing | Story by 2nd Lt. Hannah Venables | Friday, August 25, 2023

[electronicwriter]

#Repost @deptvetaffairs • • • • • • From serving at the highest levels of the U.S. Air Force to working at various prestigious corporations in the private sector, Judith Fedder has led an exceptional life. She began her military journey with graduation from the Air Force ROTC Program at Michigan State University in 1980. After taking a course in aircraft maintenance in 1981, she pursued a career as a maintainer. Throughout her career, Fedder served in several positions, the first of which included assignment as an officer in charge with the 71st Aircraft Maintenance Unit as well as with the Maintenance Branch at the 1st Equipment Marine Squadron. She then attended Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama in May 1984, before later serving as deputy chief of staff for logistics at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Fedder then served with the 31st Logistics Group at Aviano Air Base in Italy. Additionally, after serving in Florida, Alabama and Washington, D.C. for several years, she served in Portugal as commander of the Forces Azores at Lajes Field. Upon her return to the U.S., Fedder served in several high-ranking positions, including as executive officer to the chief of staff of the Air Force, deputy director of legislative liaison and commander of the 76th Maintenance Wing. Then, in 2011, she became the deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support. Her role focused on managing the readiness of logistics, aircraft and missiles, as well as forming policies and providing budget estimates. She served in that position until her retirement in 2015. Throughout her career, Fedder earned a multitude of medals, including an Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, a Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, a Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and a Defense Superior Service Medal. Fedder’s retirement capped a unique 35-year career with the Air Force; however, her professional career did not end there. Shortly after retiring, she worked at Boeing, an aircraft company... Click the link in our bio to read the rest of this story. https://www.instagram.com/p/Clg2hdfPraQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[the-nomadicone]

Osprey // United States Marine Corps

[usafphantom2]

Let’s take to the sky! 🛫

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing refuel an F-35B during a forward arming and refueling point exercise (FARP) at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

@THEF35JPO via X

[todaysdocument]

A squad leader yells for his squad to move up during this first day of Operation Stockton, approximately 10 miles west of Da Nang, Vietnam, 7/27/1967. 

File Unit: Divider/Subject - 87 - Combat - 1967, 1962 - 1975

Series: Black and White Photographs of Marine Corps Activities in Vietnam, 1962 - 1975

Record Group 127: Records of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1775 -

Image description: A man in a helmet and flak vest crouches in foliage, turning to shout over his shoulder. He is holding a rifle, probably an M16A1.

Transcription:

96

70040

1st MAW

Vietnam

27Jul67   Photog: SSgt Brown

LET'S GO--A squad leader yells for his squad to move up during this first day of Operation Stockton, approximately 10 miles west of DaNang, July 27. Leathernecks of the 1st Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment, were lifted into the zone by Sea Knight helicopters of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. 

DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS)

rfs   A421758

127 GVB-87

[j-r-macready]

Marines conduct an air assault during Exercise Castaway 21.1 in Japan by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Via Flickr: IE SHIMA, Okinawa (March 11, 2021) - U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions and MV-22 Ospreys with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing transport Marines with 3d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment executing an air assault during Castaway 21.1 at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, March 11, 2021. The exercise demonstrated the Marine Corps’ ability to integrate with the joint force to seize and defend key maritime terrain, provide low-signature sustainment, and execute long-range precision fires in support of naval operations from an expeditionary advanced base. 3/8 is currently attached to 3d Marine Division under the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Mario. A. Ramirez) 210311-M-UH307-0003 ** Interested in following U.S. Indo-Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/indopacom | twitter.com/INDOPACOM | www.instagram.com/indopacom | www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command; | www.youtube.com/user/USPacificCommand | www.pacom.mil/ **