III MEF VIDEOS

President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed August 19, 1939, National Aviation Day to celebrate the development of aeronautics. However, Marine Corps aviation began on May 22, 1912, when 1st Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham reported to the aviation camp at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Starting with its first aircraft, the Curtiss C-3, Marine aviation has stayed at the forefront of cutting-edge technology with its newest aircraft, the F-35B Lightning II. Currently, the four Marine aircraft wings are operating across the world and stand ready to overcome any obstacles in the future. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Marine Attack Squadron 311 AV-8B Harriers fire the AGM-65E 'Maverick' missile during the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Integration Training, August 5, 2017. The Maverick is a laser guided, air-to-surface tactical missile designed to eliminate armored targets and hardened structures. VMA-311 is concluding the Harrier's 'farewell tour' with the 31st MEU as the force transitions to the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the amphibious component of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. The 31st MEU and PHIBRON 11 conducted Amphibious Integration Training in preparation for Certificaton Exercise, and to ensure readiness for crisis response throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Garett Burns/Released)

Marine Corps Capt. Michael Gucwa an, AV-8B Harrier pilot with VMA-311, explains the training and importance of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 9, 2017. During the flight Harrier pilots fired the (APKWS), a laser-guided rocket, for the first time in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. VMA-311 is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s fixed-wing attack asset and are combined with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), to make up the 31st MEU’s Aviation Combat Element. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form amphibious component of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. The 31st MEU and PHIBRON 11 combine to provide a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific.(U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Garett Burns)

In this episode, pilot the AV-8B Harrier using short take offs and vertical landings on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

AV-8B Harriers with Marine Attack Squadron 542, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct carrier landing qualifications at night aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard at sea. Currently deployed in the Asia-Pacific region in support of theatre security operations, the Air Combat Element of the MEU continually trains vital techniques in ship-board operations for upcoming exercises. VMA 542 is the fixed wing asset of the MEU's Air Combat Element, providing long distance reconnaissance and close air support capabilities. Soundbite from Maj. Howard Longwell. Also available in high definition

AV-8B Harriers with Marine Attack Squadron 542, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct carrier landing qualifications at night aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard at sea. Currently deployed in the Asia-Pacific region in support of theatre security operations, the Air Combat Element of the MEU continually trains vital techniques in ship-board operations for upcoming exercises. VMA 542 is the fixed wing asset of the MEU's Air Combat Element, providing long distance reconnaissance and close air support capabilities. Soundbites include Maj. Howard Longwell - AV-8B Harrier Pilot, VMA 542, Hometown: Waterloo, NY. Suggested Lead: Think landing jets on the deck of a moving ship is difficult ? Cpl. Jonathan Wright shows us how the 31st MEU's AV-8B Harrier pilots land their jets vertically, in compete darkness. Suggested Tag - The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward deployed MEU and is the Marine Corp's force in readiness in the Asia Pacific region. Produced by Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright. Also available in High Definition.

AV-8B Harriers with Marine Attack Squadron 542 join the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard at sea. The 31st MEU is currently deployed in the Asia-Pacific region in support of theater security operations. VMA 542 is the fixed wing asset of the MEU's Air Combat Element, providing long distance reconnaissance and close air support capabilities. Soundbite from Capt. Kevin Hughes. Also available in high definition