3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

✈️ Inside the Fight with VMFA-323

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael R. Nakonieczny, deputy commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, geared up for flight operations with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323. The visit offered a firsthand look at the squadron’s combat capabilities and the critical role Marine aviation plays in mission readiness.



📸 Photo by Lance Cpl. Peyton Gilliland
📍MCAS Miramar

Semper Fi General⭐️⭐️

Frocking is a tradition where Marines are advanced to the next rank, assuming the title and responsibilities before their official date of promotion. The Ceremony recognized Brodie’s leadership and service as he assumed the responsibilities of a major general.

Please help us in congratulating him for this accomplishment!

📍MCAS Miramar, May 1, 2026
📸 Lance Cpl. Peyton Gilliland

NO PLATFORM LEFT BEHIND 🛩️

with MALS-11  and civilian contractors with the Aviation Maintenance and Consulting, Stricken Aircraft Reclamation and Disposal Program team hoist and load a stricken F/A-18C aircraft onto a transport truck.

The  aircraft, previously under Type Commander and Program Management Activity 265 oversight, is being transferred to the Air National Guard in support of the Advanced Crash Recovery Team Chief Course at the Combat Readiness Training Center at Volk Field, Wisconsin.

📍MCAS Miramar, April 23, 2026
📸 Lance Cpl. Jacob Gabris

SILENT APPROACH. VIOLENT EFFECT. ⚡️

The F-35B Lightning II gets in where others can’t. Short takeoff, vertical landing, hitting from places the enemy doesn’t see coming.

The F-35C Lightning II brings the distance. Carrier-based, long-range, built to dominate well beyond the shoreline.

Different platforms. Same mission: Locate, Close-With, and Destroy the Enemy

🖊️ U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra

Death From Above 🐍

F/A-18D Hornet with VMFA-323 “The Death Rattlers”, MAG 11, sharpen the edge, executing routine flight operations to maintain lethal proficiency in close-air support and aerial intercept missions.

When called, they don’t prepare… they perform.

📍MCAS Miramar, April 15, 2026
📸 Lance Cpl. Peyton Gilliland

Behind the craft 🔧⚡

Behind every successful flight is a Marine who made it possible.

Maintainers across 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing ensure aircraft are mission-ready at a moment’s notice. working long hours on the flight line, troubleshooting complex systems, and keeping the force lethal and reliable.

Their precision, discipline, and dedication keep aircraft in the fight and Marines moving forward.

No maintainers = No mission

📍MCAS Miramar, California, April 13, 2026
📸 Cpl. Michael Gavin