III MEF VIDEOS

This short video welcomes Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369,whom will spend the next six months touring the Indo-Asia-Pacific region while on the unit deployment program with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

A sneak peek and behind the scenes look of "Get to know your UDP" video series. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 is currently on the unit deployment program and will spend six months based out of Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, conduct a training exercise where they zero their weapons on Range 2, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 8, 2017. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit readied their M16A4 and M4 service rifles and M240B machine guns to prepare for the MEU's future deployments and to be ready to be called to action at a moment's notice. (U.S. Marine Corps Motion Imagery by Lance Cpl. Kristina Gehly/Released)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson , Cpl. Russell Argabrite and Cpl. Kent Wien talk about the dedication and training required to keep the Marine Corps a force in readiness on Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 24, 2017. Nicholson, from Toronto, is the III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general and the Okinawa area coordinator. Argabrite, from Norfolk, Virginia, is an automotive mechanic with III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. Wien, from Johns Creek, Georgia, is a combat rubber raiding craft coxswain with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I MEF and is assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit through the unit deployment program.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462's 6th month unit deployment program comes to an end. HMH-462 will be returning back to their home unit at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 6th month unit deployment program comes to an end. HMLA-169 will be returning back to their home unit in Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

For their bravery and professionalism, during the Vietnam War, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by former president Lyndon B. Johnson on October 9, 1968. CITATION: THE PRESIDENT of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION TO THE FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Gong forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 11 May 1965 to 15 September 1967. Throughout this period, the First Marine Aircraft Wing, operating in I and II Corps tactical -zones of the Republic of Vietnam, North Vietnam, and adjacent waters, sought out and destroyed determined enemy forces and provided combat air support to ground forces of the Free World and the Republic of Vietnam. Participating in 195 major operations, and thousands of other attacks, the Wing continuously and aggressively carried the battle to the elusive enemy in bitterly contested actions. Operations such as DOUBLE EAGLE, HARVEST MOON, STARLITE, HASTINGS, PRAIRIE, UNION, HICKORY, COCHISE, AND SWIFT, reflect the high degree of superior airmanship, valor, devotion to duty and professionalism exhibited by personnel of the Wing. Although heavily committed to increased combat operations, the Wing developed and successfully employed new weapons, tactics, and procedures against the hard-core communist forces with gratifying results. Through the aggressive actions of the Wing, military and political victories were denied the insurgent communist forces, thereby providing a more stable atmosphere for the legally constituted Government of the Republic of Vietnam. The establishment, and logistical support of many separate airfields throughout the I Corps tactical zone and the vital air supply support provided the III Marine Amphibious Force and its allied ground forces, was a tribute to the resourcefulness and determination of the Wing. This dependable support was provided under the most trying and difficult combat conditions. Flying in fair weather and foul, against a fanatical, well-armed enemy, the uncommon courage and intrepidity of the Marine pilots and supporting Wing personnel, acting in a concerted team effort, contributed to another glorious chapter in an already illustrious history. The valor, devotion to duty, aggressive spirit, professionalism, and ingenuity of the entire First Marine Aircraft Wing in battle against a well trained, dangerous, and determined enemy, reflected the highest degree of heroism and exemplary performance, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. LYNDON B. JOHNSON Music by: AShamaluevMusic Footage by: Jeff Quitney (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

A multimedia piece sharing 1st Marine Aircraft Wings impact during the Korean War. On September 15, 1950, Marines stormed ashore on three Inchon beaches. 1st MAW assault squadrons quickly captured Kimpo Airfield, which assisted in turning the tide of the war. VMF-212 dropped the most ordnance out of any Marine Corps squadron in the Korean War. For 1st MAW's combat action, the wing was awarded two Korean Presidential Unit Citations. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Laura Gauna)

Marines and Sailors experience the jolt of 50-thousand volts course through their bodies during nonlethal weapons training aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), underway in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 14, 2017. Nonlethal weapons instructors with Combat Logistics Battalion-31’s Military Police Platoon trained Marines and Sailors from across the 31st MEU to use Tasers and other nonlethal weapons during security operations. A critical component of nonlethal weapons training is “exposure,” when trainees feel and experience the effects of nonlethal weapons, including Tasers. CLB-31 provides logistical support to all elements of the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy's Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, providing a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Breanna Weisenberger/Released)

On August 20, 1942, the first allied air units, to include 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, landed at Guadalcanal. They became known as the “Cactus Air Force,” one of the most innovative, hybrid units of WWII. By September 11th, 1,014 aviation personnel were operating on Guadalcanal. Of these, 33 were Army, 64 Navy and 917 were Marines. The battle of Guadalcanal would become the defining point for Marine Corps aviation in WWII and for the next fifty years. In this multimedia package, Brig. Gen. Thomas D. Weidley, 1st MAW commanding general, speaks about their role during the battle of Guadalcanal.

For the first time, more than 2,000 U.S. Marines joined with approximately 1,500 service members with the Japan Self-Defense Force to support the first iteration of Exercise Northern Viper 2017, at Misawa Air Base and the island of Hokkaido, Japan, August 10-28, 2017. Northern Viper, an annual joint contingency exercise, tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the JSDF and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together across a variety of areas including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This exercise enhances and improves interoperability at the tactical level between the Marines and JSDF to keep the forces formidable and adaptive. NV17 showcases a highly-capable, forward-deployed U.S. military presence positioned with their Japanese partners to directly support the security of the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

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)

Lance Cpl. Jeanette E. Fernando and other Marines in her squadron were given the opportunity to revisit the battlegrounds at which Fernando's grandfather, a Navajo Code Talker, fought during World War II, July 26, 2017 , at Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, Japan. Fernando is an airframe mechanic assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently on a unit deployment program with 1st MAW based in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Marines with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit utilize the M777A2 Lightweight 155 mm Howitzer Expeditionary increase proficiency with direct and indirect fire during day and night time operations on Townshend Island, Australia July 17, 2017. Talisman Saber is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in Talisman Saber 17 while deployed on its regularly-scheduled patrol of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Garett Burns/Released)

Cpl. Timothy Spencer with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit explains how they utilize the M327 Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) to increase proficiency with indirect fire during day and nightime operations on Townshend Island, Australia July 16, 2017. Talisman Saber is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in Talisman Saber 17 while deployed on its regularly-scheduled patrol of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Garett Burns/Released)