YellowSheetSummer2024 : simplebooklet.com

4 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgSUMMER 2024 | VOLUME LXXThe MCAA is a nonproﬁt organization incorporated in 1972 to carry out the work and spirit of the First Marine Aviation Force Veterans Association, which was made up of Marines who served in WWI prior to 30 Nov. 1918. Today, our membership includes active duty, retired, and honorably discharged Marines and anyone else with an interest in Marine Corps aviation — past, present and future. MCAA represents the entire spectrum of Marine Corps aviation from all ranks and skills.The Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Yellow Sheet takes the name from the old yellow-colored, printed form that pilots used to record ﬂight data after each hop.The original yellow sheet had a tear-off portion, which contained basic aircraft information with space for aircrew log book stats, ﬂight time, instrument time, number of takeoffs and landings, type of ﬂight, passengers, and other assorted information. At the end of a ﬂight, a pilot always walked into the “line shack” and reached for the yellow sheet. And that’s why the MCAA named this publication The Yellow Sheet.8 JOHN R. DAILEY “ZORRO” SQUADRON UPDATE10 DON DAVIS SQUADRON UPDATES 12 JEREMIAH J. O’KEEFE III SQUADRON UPDATE 13 JOHN GLENN SQUADRON UPDATE 32 MIKE YUNCK SQUADRON UPDATE 35 NIGHTHAWK SQUADRON UPDATE 38 THE DALLAS RUNDOWN By Executive Director John RaderA U.S. Marine with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 observes the Philippines from a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion attached to HMH-462 during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 in The Philippines, 13 July 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines conducted approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-ﬁre, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. ISRAEL CHINCIOPhotos are submission from our squadron award winners!BELOW RIGHT:September 2023, an aircraft handler “Yellow Shirt” positions Maj Eric “Porky” Schiebeon the tram line for launch in support of operations in 5th Fleet. PHOTO BY USS BATAAN COMBAT CAMERABELOW LEFT:Osprey landing on the USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201), a simulated enemy ship while conducting a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure during Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. PHOTO TAKEN BY LANCE CORPORAL RAFAEL BRAMBILA-PELAYO)

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 5 STANDARD OPS 2 Corporate Members 3 2024 Symposium Sponsors 7 Commander’s Call 8 Squadron News36 MCAA Scholarship Recipients & Alumna64 TAPS67 Donations67 Donations in Memory 69 Squadron POCs 70 New Members 70 Read & Initial50 FLYING LEATHERNECK AVIATION MUSEUM PROGRESS By Colonel Patrick “Paddy” Gough, USMC (Retired)55 FINAL MARINE HARRIER PILOTS FINISH TRAINING, SET TO JOIN LAST SQUADRON By Damone Perez56 MARINE AVIATION SUPPORT ACTIVITY 2024 THE U.S.-PHILIPPINE TEAM REACHED NEW HEIGHTS By 1st Lt. John Fischer, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force60 REORIENTING MARINE AVIATION’S LIFT VECTOR TOWARD 2040 TRAINING, SET TO JOIN LAST SQUADRON By Marine Corps AssociationON THE WEB || www.ﬂymcaa.orgMEMBER PORTALfacebook.com/MarineCorpsAviationAssociation/FLIGHTplanA U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 receives fuel from Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS)172 during Shinka 23 at Camp Fuji, Japan, 13 June 2023. 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is supporting 3rd Marine Division’s execution of Shinka 23 by providing combat assault transport and aerial escort, aerial delivery operations, and simulated close air support. Shinka23 is a company-level force-on-force exercise, split into two week-long realistic training scenarios.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. EMILY WEISS

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 7Leadership & Board of Directors NATIONAL COMMANDER LtGen Robert S. Walsh, USMC (Ret) PRESIDENT, MCAACSLtGen David Beydler, USMC (Ret)DEPUTY CMDRLtGen Terry Robling, USMC (Ret)TREASURER Col Chris Boniface (Ret)ADJUTANT Col Paul Fortunato, USMC (Ret) SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISORMSGT John Newport, USMC (Ret)LEGAL COUNSEL VacantPREVIOUS NAT’L CMDRS LtGen Thomas L. Conant, USMC (Ret)LtGen Keith Stalder, USMC (Ret)LtGen Jon Davis, USMC (Ret)Gen William Nyland, USMC (Ret)WEST DISTRICT LEAD Col Earl Wederbrook, USMC (Ret)SOUTH DISTRICT LEAD Col Chris Seymour, USMC (Ret)SOUTHEAST DISTRICT LEAD Col John Gumbel, USMC (Ret)NORTHEAST DISTRICT LEAD Col James Quinn, USMC (Ret)DISTRICT LEAD Col Laura Sampsel, USMC (Ret)GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE LEAD Col John Rupp, USMC (Ret)MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LEAD Col Michael Orr, USMC (Ret) STRATEGY COMMITTEE LEADBGen Kevin Killea, USMC (Ret)MEDIA COMMITTEE LEAD Col Patrick Gough, USMC (Ret)INDUSTRY COMMITTEECol Johnny Ostrowski, USMC (Ret) Col Glenn Klasse, USMC (Ret)MCAA StaffEXECUTIVE DIRECTORCol John Rader, USMC (Ret)EVENTS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH Kelly Rupp EDITOR AND PUBLIC OUTREACH Kristina Bitancurt FINANCIAL AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Debbie Martin «MARINE CORPS AVIATION ASSOCIATION«HEADQUARTERS 715 Broadway Street Quantico, VA 22134703-630-1903Lieutenant General Robert S.” Whaler” WalshUSMC (Retired) National Commander843.476.7411Members,I hope you are all enjoying your summers and are getting on the ight schedule before the afternoon thunderstorms! We had a wonderful MCAA Symposium & Readiness Summit in Dallas 20-24 May. e attendance broke our previous record! We can’t thank our members enough for your support and LtGen “Gilla” Gering our Deputy Commandant for Aviation and his hardworking Aviation Hallway Team. A special thanks goes to our industry partners and awards sponsors that do so much for Marine Aviation. As your National Commander, I could not be more pleased with how the ight schedule was executed by “Smoke” Rader and his MCAA ight. Most importantly, I’d like to give a big Bravo Zulu to our awardees! I think most would agree that the geopolitical situation we face is the most dangerous and high risk environment we’ve seen in decades with wars in Europe and the Middle East and a potential conict in the Indo-Pacic. Gilla and his team provided tremendous insights to us in Dallas on Project Eagle and it’s objectives to address today’s current challenges while setting conditions to compete and win in the next decade. e challenge will be whether Marine Aviation can meet operational readiness goals while recapitalizing and modernizing with the pressing demands within the Department of the Navy. It was impressive to hear from the Aircraft Wing Commanding Generals on how they are operating across the globe and are postured and ready with the combat capabilities to perform a myriad of missions or contingencies.Our MCAA squadrons have their throttles up and I thank you for your dedicated support to Marine Aviation. I’d like to single out e Corpus Cristy, Texas, “John Smith” Squadron and Dallas “Bob Gale” squadron who are re-activating. We have included lots of squadron updates in this issue as it’s been a busy and successful season for our MCAA squadrons! Our membership continues to grow and please look at the benets of upgrading and becoming a Lifetime Member. Also, we are always looking for some good sea stories from our active-duty units, MCAA squadrons, or individual historical contributions.Finally, Marine aviation is as busy as ever and continues to be the deep reach for the MAGTF with no letup in sight! We should all be very proud of our historic contributions and all we have to look forward to!Semper Fidelis,COMMANDER’Scall

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8 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgSQUADRONnews & viewsJohn R. Dailey “Zorro” SquadronVMCJ, VMAQ, VMFP Marines meet in San DiegoShown above left to right are: Colonel Joe (Bagwan) Burgin, Capt. John (Cado) Fertig, Colonell Don (Dandy) Davis, Colonel Kenny (Sparks) Watts, Lt. Col. Harold (Weird) Baker, Capt. Dennis (Gumby) Larson, Capt. Pat (Falfy) Long, Lt. Col. Jeff (Buck) Buchanan. PHOTO BY MAJOR JAMIE STANLEYSan Diego, Calif. — (3 May 2024) — Prior service Marines from VMCJ, VMAQ and VMFP squadrons who are members of the John R. Dailey “Zorro” MCAA Squadron met in reunion in San Diego, CA from April 17 to April 20, 2024. e VMCJ and VMAQ squadrons provided manned airborne electronic warfare capabilities. e VMFP squadrons provided manned airborne photographic services. e squadrons represented are from a by-gone era as the Marine Corps has phased out both manned airborne electronic warfare and photographic capabilities. ose two services were provided by the Marine Corps from WWII until the nal Photo-Recce squadron, VMFP3, was deactivated in 1990 and the nal Airborne Electronic Attack Squadron VMAQ-2 was deactivated in 2019.Approximately fty Marines and spouses attended the reunion. e activities commenced on ursday morning with a visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. e Midway was built during WWII but did not see service until after the end of the war. Some members of the reunion party served active duty tours on that ship. e Midway has an extensive array of aircraft displayed that actually ew from the ship. Shown above is a picture of attendees who served on the Midway taken in front of a model of the EA-6A aircraft that they ew from that ship.e trip to the Midway included a stem to stern guided tour throughout the ship by Navy veteran docents familiar with the ship’s layout and history. Most attendees had not served on this ship and many had no sea duty at all. e presentations were very informative for all who attended. e group picture below shows attendees gathered on the bow catapult bridle ramp end of the ship facing west toward Coronado after completion of the tour.ursday evening the attendees were bused to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Once again we received a docent guided tour of the facility. Docents shared many stories of aviation history and numerous humorous anecdotes concerning military aviation from its earliest days. Following the tour a catered meal was shared by all. At the conclusion of the meal Colonel Jeremy W. Beaven, USMC, Commanding Ocer, MCB Hawaii addressed the group. Colonel Beaven previously served as an Electronic Countermeasures Ocer (ECMO) ying the EA-6B Prowler aircraft in VMAQ – 3 and, later, commanded VMAQ – 2. He provided on update on the Marine Corp Commandant’s Vision and Strategy 2025 document. Colonel Beaven is shown below addressing the group.On Friday morning the attendees were bused to MCAS Miramar for a tour of a Marine Corps F35B belonging to the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), VMFAT-502. We were met by the FRS squadron Operations Ocer who then provided a detailed unclassied brieng of the F-35B capabilities on the tarmac in the sun. To be able to walk around, touch, feel and smell the aircraft took attendees back many years to the time they were on active duty, daily going onto the ight line, pre-ighting their aircraft and subsequently ying the assigned mission. ere is nothing like the up close and personal experience of being there in person. e one dierence between the time we all ew and the present was pointed out by our host. e F-35B aircraft does not leak any type of uids. e tarmac was spotless. While I am sure none of us had noticed that, once it was pointed out it was impressive. e group gathered for a photo in front of a VMFAT-502 F-35B shown below. e base tour ended with a brief by the Station Duty Ocer concerning day to day operations of the base. From their vantage point the attendees looked out at the main Miramar runway, which was the location of the Tom Cruise nighttime motorcycle ride in the original “Top Gun” movie. Upon completion of the initial brieng the group was joined by 3rd MAW Commanding General Major General

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SQUADRON news & viewsSummer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 9PHOTO BY MAJOR JAMIE STANLEYPHOTOS BY COLONEL KENNY WATTSMichael J. Borgschulte who provided the attendees further information on Marine aviation operations on the West Coast. Visiting with the CG simulated a routine ready room brieng which attendees would have attended when on active duty with the exception that the brieng ocer was a two star general. e brieng wrapped up in short order and many questions were asked and answered. In due time, we once again made our way back through the gate checkpoint and returned to our hotel. e initial plan for the reunion was scheduled to wrap up with the end of this visit. Subsequent to nalizing the reunion plan a member of the group who lives in Coronado volunteered to host a cocktail party at his home on PHOTO BY MCAS MIRAMAR PAOFriday night. Our host was John Turpit who was an RF-4B pilot. About half of the attendees at the reunion chose to take him up on the invitation.Toward the end of the party our host called us to attention for a presentation by retired Brigadier General Michael J. Aguilar who currently serves as the President/CEO of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation. A Marine Corps aviation museum for many years was located on the grounds of the Miramar Naval Air Station. Subsequently that became the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. During that evolution process the Museum, which was located on the Air Station grounds was closed. e Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation is raising money to move the museum’s aircraft and other memorabilia to Great Park in Irvine, Calif., around the fall of 2025. General Aguilar explained that our support will make it possible for the Foundation to deconstruct and move the aircraft collection, renovate the El Toro hangars and create exciting, immersive experiences, exhibits and programs. “Just a word from our sponsor” seems to be ubiquitous. BG Aguilar is shown below, right front addressing the party.Once again the experience of meeting with old friends and making new friends concerning our service in the Marine Corps was wonderful. If you haven’t been to a Zorro Squadron reunion you should give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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10 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgGreetings to our Families, Friends, and guests of the MCAA and the Don Davis Squadron. Our rich history and community have gathered once again for the 2024 Aviation Logistics reunion. We’re happy to report of another successful reunion, this time at the North Myrtle Beach Embassy Suites Resort and Conference Center.is excellent venue provided the guests to beautiful beaches, dining, and accommodations while enjoying the camaraderie of young and “old” friends. We even had Blayne, Bubba, and Mitch sightings throughout the duration to keep this event fresh and funny. First-timers and Plankowners alike, met during our Welcome Aboard in our private Ready Room overlooking the beach. As is becoming a tradition, Left-Center-Right dice game has almost reached Crud levels of notoriety and the Ladies are relentless although our CWO3 (Ret) Pat Kelley took home the money!Friday morning the groups split to go either to the Top Golf Driving Range, or the “Liquid Lunch” crowd to the ART Sushi and Burger Bar down the strand. Dinner was fend-for-yourself night and a chance for old friendships to get reacquainted. Saturday morning began with coee and the Squadron Ocer’s and Board Members meeting. As a starter, longstanding Board Member Col (Ret) Rick Owen stood down after decades of leadership while helping grow this unit into what it has become. Colonel, thanks for everything you’ve done and are going to do in support of the Davis Squadron! Subsequently CWO4 (Ret) Tim Cook was installed as a new Board Member and the squadron will benet greatly from Tim’s Non-prot Organizational experience (Mustang Marines), and more. Welcome aboard Tim. Don Davis Squadron2024 Aviation Logistics reunion

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fence in attending the next one…. Jump in… You will immediately feel like family. Semper Fidelis. Brent MeekOld and New business concluded, a hearty welcome aboard extended to our esteemed panel of current operations experts including LtGen Robert “Whaler” Walsh (MCAA Commander), SES Russ Blauw (ADCA Avn Sustanment), and Col (Ret) Blayne Spratlin (Mustang Services). Russ reminded us of Aviation Logistics relevance with the quote: “When things are good downstairs…things are good upstairs”. Topics such as multi-domain task forces, Current Crisis response capability, and strategic vs tactical logistics were discussed throughout the conversation. LtGen Walsh further emphasized the critical requirement of Carrier Survivability “Must Have” and ensuring TAV-B survivability. A smaller, more deployable force has similarities to the days of the “Cactus Air Force” with enhanced capabilities. Blayne emphasized the current requirement to “Train the Trainer” within these scal realities. At the end of the sessions, quite a few “Graybeards” oered to return to help in the ght any way that they could. (Even as unpaid volunteers). Sign me up Sir!Our grand tradition ends, as is custom, with the pageantry of the Evening Banquet. Over 100 people took part in the celebration. Kudos to the North Myrtle Beach JROTC Color Guard where all participants joined in singing of the National Anthem. We always remember in Taps our departed Marines and families. ank you, Reverend Jim Rodgers. After dinner, the squadron presented our very own Communications Ocer (Rob McCutcheon) the distinguished leadership award. We were fortunate to award Logistics Marine of the Year awards to CWO3 Liz Pottmeyer, GySgt Corey Carlson, and SSgt Jared Landis. Congratulations to all and your families. Great job in supporting the AVLOG team!Sundays are always bittersweet but anticipation for next year’s reunion is just starting to build. If you are reading this and are thinking of or are on the Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 11SQUADRON news & views

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12 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgJeremiah J. O’Keefe III SquadronUp and Running in the Great State of MississippiOn 22 April 2024, the State of Mississippi’s newest and only MCAA Squadron, the Jeremiah J. O’Keefe III Squadron completed its inaugural meeting and “Ready Room Social” at the Briar Patch in Livingston, MS. We are proudly named after Mississippi War Hero, Jeremiah J. O’Keefe III. As a member of VMF-323 “Death Rattlers”, 1stLt O’Keefe became a Fighter “ACE In-a-Day” during the battle of Okinawa and received the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal for his combat heroism in the sky. After the war, he continued his service in the State of Mississippi as a member of the State House of Representatives (1960-1964) and as the Mayor of Biloxi (1973-1981). Our agenda included the formal nomination/election of our ocers, formalizing our mission, and developing the way ahead. e plank holders of our squadron will operate under the leadership of our CO, Richard “Vinny” Caputo Col (Ret.); XO, Chris “Snoop” Abrams LtCol (Ret.); and Sergeant-at-Arms, Pete “Zilla” Gadd Col (Ret.). Like our squadron’s namesake, we intend to selessly serve the State of Mississippi through outreach and scholarship fund raising in the local community for the express purpose of generating interest and support for civilian and military aviation. We’ve already generated excitement and interest from local businesses and schools regarding our scholarship opportunities, developing a path forward for aviation related internships, and creating an opportunity for local service members active and retired to share experiences and comradeship. Our Sergeant-at-Arms will be leading the charge to develop squadron swag, and we’re already in the process of planning our inaugural Golf Tournament …with plenty of designated drivers standing by. e MCAA Jeremiah J. O’Keefe Squadron’s Plank Holders are up and running in the Great State of Mississippi “Virtute et Armis.”

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 13SQUADRON news & viewsOn 25 June 2024, Colonel Scott “Shady” Shadforth, relinquished command of the John Glenn Squadron to Colonel Jason “Dookie” Duke. ank you to Rich Richardson for making his beautiful property on Buzzard Point, overlooking the waters of Breton Bay, available for this special event. As the Commanding Ocer of the John Glenn Squadron, “Shady” held the role for two years. He led the squadron through two awards ceremonies, where Marine Aviation Acquisition Marines and Department of Navy civilians are recognized as the John Glenn Test Pilot of the Year, the LtGen Michael Hough Acquisition Ocer of the Year, the Leader/Joyce Acquisition Sta Non-Commissioned Ocer of the Year, the JJ McCue Civilian Tester of the Year Award and the omas Laux Acquisition Civilian of the Year. Additionally, Colonel Shadforth led our scholarship program from this period. Since the start of the John Glenn Squadron Scholarship Program in 2007, the squadron has provided $693,500 in scholarships to 165 students from southern Maryland’s tri-county area. During this period the squadron added three ‘named’ scholarships to the awards program. Shady also strengthened the relationship with other local non-prot organizations John Glenn SquadronChange of Commandin the Pax River area that support the local business community and veteran’s initiatives. e John Glenn Squadron partnered with the Association of Naval Aviation Pax River Squadron and e Patuxent Partnership on events that supported the local business community. e squadron would like to thank “Shady” for his tremendous leadership and enthusiasm. Colonel Duke is very familiar with the mission of the John Glenn Squadron. In 2021 Colonel Duke was recognized with the LtGen Michael Hough Acquisition Ocer of the Year Award for his work in PMA-275, the AV-8 Harrier Program Oce. e squadron welcomes Colonel Duke and his family, and look forward to his leadership, energy and the many contributions he will make to the John Glenn Squadron and the Pax River community.e 2024 John Glenn Orbital Classic is the engine that drives our fundraising activity for our scholarship program, and it is scheduled for 19 Sept. 2024 at the Wicomico Shores Golf Course. Please check our website (www.mcaajgs.org) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MCAAJGS/) for updates. If you would like to be placed on distribution for our quarterly newsletter, please contact us at mcaajohnglennsquadron@gmail.com.Colonel Steve “Gizzard” Girard, USMC (Ret.) – Squadron XO, presents Shady with a framed John Glenn Squadron guidon.Colonel Jason Duke, MCAA John Glenn Squadron Commanding Ofﬁcer.

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14 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgJohn Glenn SquadronThanks Its Sponsorse John Glenn Squadron opened 2024 with a mixer on 7 March 24 at the Patuxent River Naval Aviation Museum to recognize our great sponsors. e Guest of Honor was Colonel Jay ‘BIZ’ Zarra, the Commanding Ocer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two ree (VX-23), Naval Air Systems Command’s largest ight test organization. Prior to taking command of the squadron on 25 Jan. 2024, Colonel Zarra served as the VX-23 Chief Test Pilot from 2022 to Jan. 2024. Colonel Zarra is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in 2001. He served with the VMFA-251 underbolts at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. Colonel Zarra deployed twice with Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. Colonel Zarra is a graduate of the USN Test Pilot School – Class 141. In 2015 Colonel Zarra entered the Marine Corps’ acquisition workforce, and served in many acquisition roles, to include the role of F-35 Integrated Test Force Government Flight Test Director from March 2020 to June 2022.e Commanding Ocer of the Marine Corps Aviation Association John Glenn Squadron, Colonel Scott “Shady” Shadforth provided attendees an update on squadron achievements. Most notable is the squadron’s Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship program. Signicant accomplishments in 2023 included the squadron awarding $51,000 in scholarships to 12 STEM students in Southern Maryland’s tri-county (Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s County’s) area. Since the start of the John Glenn Scholarship program in 2007, the squadron has awarded $641,500 in scholarships to 153 students. Colonel Scott “Shady” Shadforth, Commanding Ofﬁcer, MCAA John Glenn Squadron.Colonel Jay “BIZ” Zarra, Commanding Ofﬁcer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23).Hank Vanderborght, Precise Systems

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18 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgJohn Glenn SquadronAwardse Marine Corps Aviation Association John Glenn Squadron Acquisition Awards Ceremony took place on 25 April 2024 at the White Rose in Callaway, Maryland. e John Glenn Squadron has been recognizing Marine Corps Aviation Acquisition Professionals since 2005. ese awards recognized three Marines and two Department of Navy civilians for their outstanding performance in demanding roles during 2023. is year’s Guest of Honor was Brigadier General Richard Joyce, the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation. e Senator John Glenn Test Pilot/Naval Flight Ocer of the Year Award went to Major Tyler Davenport from Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21). Major Davenport has logged over 1,540 total mishap free ight hours in a combined 25 dierent TMS aircraft. He is currently serving as a V-22 Developmental Test Pilot and the V-22 Flight Test Director for HX-21. Major Davenport led the V-22 team in developmental testing for Radar Cross Section Evaluation, Weighted Fast Rope, and HMS Prince of Wales Dynamic Interface testing. Most notably, he served as the team lead for Hard Clutch Engagement Instrumentation testing, evaluating clutch behavior and failure modes to improve reliability and safety. His leadership has been critical in advancing V-22 capabilities. Major Davenport’s leadership, superior technical abilities as a developmental test pilot, and unswerving devotion to duty reected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Major Davenport is married to the former Anne Elizabeth Shomberg of Madison, Ct. ey live in California, Md.(L-R) Colonel Scott Shadforth, Brigadier General Joyce, Major Tyler Davenport, Nora Burghardt – GE Aerospace (Award Sponsor)(L-R) Colonel Scott Shadforth, Brigadier General Richard Joyce, Lieutenant Colonel Irwin, Michael Deslatte – Bell Flight (Award Sponsor)(L-R) Colonel Scott Shadforth, Brigadier General Joyce, Warrant Ofﬁcer Ralphlorence Rodriguez, Marvin Lee and Cole McKenney (friends of Warrant Ofﬁcer Rodriguez), Chris Patton – Lockheed Martin (Award Sponsor)

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 19SQUADRON news & views(L-R) Colonel Scott Shadforth, Brigadier General Joyce, Mr. Jason Barnidge, Scott Pﬁster – Precise Systems (Award Sponsor)e Lieutenant General Michael A. Hough Acquisition Ocer of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Irwin, Director for Marine Corps Programs Marine Air Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary Medium-Altitude High-Endurance (MUX/MALE), Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) (PMA-266). e award is named after Lieutenant General Michael Hough, the former Director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program, and Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA), Headquarters Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Irwin was designated a Naval Aviator in June 2006. Her operational assignments include a deployment with HML/A-167 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and a deployment aboard the USS Bataan (LHD-5) with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. In February 2012 then Captain Irwin joined Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) and served as an Operational Test Director and Assistant Operations Ocer. While with VX-9 then Major Irwin earned her qualication as a UH-1Y pilot. From there Major Irwin went on to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) and lead H-1 operational test.In 2019 was selected as an Aviation Acquisition Professional (MOS 8059) and was assigned to the USMC Light/Attach Helicopter Programs Oce, (PMA-276) as the Military Deputy Program Manager. In this role her leadership was critical to the accomplishment of on-time deliveries of 50 AH-1Z helicopters. As the Director of Marine Corps Programs for PMA-266, Lieutenant Colonel Irwin’s leadership has been critical to the Marine Corps’ elding of the MQ-9 Reaper (Group 5 UAS) capability. Her extraordinary leadership, profound technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities contributed to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (L-R) Colonel Scott Shadforth, Brigadier General Joyce, Mrs. Lindsay Underwood, JJ McCue, Colonel Russell “Bubba” Strange. The Award is sponsored by Jim Moran – First Home Mortgage2023 MCAA John Glenn Squadron Acquisition Award Winners

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20 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgSquadron – 3 (VMU-3) achieving their ‘Ready-for-Tasking’ milestone ten weeks ahead of the requirement. Additionally, she eectively coordinated the extension of existing contractor logistics and engineering services to ensure the squadron had the support they needed to execute their mission.Lieutenant Colonel Irwin’s superlative leadership and problem-solving capabilities ensured our operating forces had the ability to conduct ISR and network extensions in support of the MAGTF, Stand-In Forces and the Joint Force. e Leader/Joyce Acquisition Sta NCO of the Year award was presented to Warrant Ocer Ralphlorence Rodriguez. Warrant Ocer Rodriguez was a Gunnery Sergeant serving in the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program (PMA-265) when he was selected for the award. en Gunnery Sergeant Rodriguez was serving as the Fleet Liaison and Logistics Program Analyst for the F/A-18C/D platform within the F/A-18 program. e award is named after the late Master Gunnery Sergeant Gary Leader and Gunnery Sergeant Sean Joyce who lost their lives in an MV-22A mishap at Quantico, VA on 20 July 1992. Warrant Ocer Rodriguez enlisted in the Marine Corps in Honolulu, HI in October 2007. After the completion of Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. in July 2009, then Lance Corporal Rodriguez was assigned the Military Occupation Specialty 6483 – Aviation Logistics Information Management System (ALIMS) Specialist. Warrant Ocer Rodriguez operational experience includes deployments to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, a deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in 2014, and he deployed aboard SS Wright (T-AVB-3) in support of NATO Exercise Trident Juncture in 2018 in Norway. Warrant Ocer Rodriguez’ technical Guest of Honor – Brigadier General Richard Joyce, Assistant Deputy Commandant for AviationLtCol Leigh Irwin’s Fan Club!LtCol Irwin has a lot of friends!

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 21qualications and experiences include Master Training Specialist, Avionics Quality Assurance Representative and Avionics Department Production Control Chief.en Gunnery Sergeant Rodriguez was recognized for his outstanding service as the F-18 Logistics Program Analyst for the F/A-18C/D platform as an inuential leader, technical expert and adept manager. His leadership and technical expertise were critical to the resolution of challenges with logistics support, maintenance and training, data analytics, engineering, and program management. As part of his duties Warrant Ocer Rodriguez lead the Integrated Supply Chain Management team that included industry, government, and eet partners to ll 92 high priority requisitions aecting aircraft readiness. Additionally, he led a ‘Degrader Action Cell’ for F-18 ailerons as part of the program’s Reliability Control Board to help solve an endemic support issue for this component. His leadership was also critical in lling support equipment and tooling shortfalls for eet units.Warrant Ocer Rodriguez’s superlative leadership reected great credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Following the completion of the Warrant Ocer Basic Course, Warrant Ocer Rodriguez will serve in VMA-231 as the Avionics Ocer.e omas E. Laux Acquisition Civilian of the Year Award was presented to Mr. Jason Barnidge of the USMC Light / Attack Helicopter Programs Oce (PMA-276). e namesake for this award, Mr. omas Laux served as the H-53 Program Manager, the Program Executive Ocer, Air, ASW, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)), and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Air Programs (DASN Air). Mr. Laux had a major role in the development and execution of several Marine Corps programs (MV-22, H-1, Presidential PMA-276 showed up in force to celebrate with Jason Barnidge and his family!Colonel Scott “Shady” Shadforth – MCAA John Glenn Squadron Commanding OfﬁcerSergeant Major Jake Rozelle – MCAA John Glenn Squadron Sergeant MajorSQUADRON news & views

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22 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgHelicopter and H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters) and was a major supporter of the John Glenn Squadron when the squadron rst stood up. Mr. Jason Barnidge is a graduate of the Louisiana Technical University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. He holds a Masters in Bioengineering from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s in business administration from Florida State University. Mr. Barnidge’s rst role in the H-1 program was in 2007 providing support to the AH-1W Class Desk. Since that rst assignment, Mr. Barnidge has had roles with increasing responsibility in the H-1 program as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leader for a range of products that spanned the airframe and propulsion system to sensors and weapons. And from 2015 to 2019 he served as the CH-53K Avionics IPT Leader. He is currently serving as the H-1 Deputy Capabilities and Combat Relevance (CCR) Level 1 Pillar Lead for the USMC H-1 Light/Attack Program Oce (PMA 276) since May 2021. e Core Function of the H-1 CCR Pillar is to deliver modernization and reliability improvements on cost, schedule, and performance by aligning funding and resources to Program priorities in support of the USMC Warghter and FMS customers. In 2023 Mr. Barnidge led the development and delivery of numerous H-1 capability upgrades including advanced mission computers, munitions, and communication systems. His team laid the foundation for future upgrades including long-range munitions, and structural and electrical power improvements. Under Mr. Barnidge’s leadership and deep technical abilities, the H-1 program developed and delivered modernization and reliability improvements to the AH-1Z/UH-1Y eet. e JJ McCue Flight Test Civilian of the Year Award is named after long-time USN Test Pilot School instructor “JJ” McCue. “JJ” is extraordinarily well known within the ight test community and is one of The Barnidge FamilyColonel Shadforth, Squadron Chaplain Father Kyle Vance (a former MCAA John Glenn Squadron Scholarship Awardee), and Sergeant Major RozelleCaptain Dennis Monagle, USN – Program Manager, PMA-266 and LtCol Irwin

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 23the leading helicopter aerodynamicists in the world. e 2023 award was presented to Mrs. Lindsay C. Underwood, Government Flight Test Director for the Presidential Helicopters Developmental Test Team at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21). Mrs. Underwood is the daughter of Karen and Charles Copperberg and grew up in Niwot, Colorado. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Mrs. Underwood was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in December 2005, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2007. She ew the SH-60B Seahawk and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on the USS Chancellorsville (CG-62) and USS Gridley (DDG-101) in the U.S. 5th and7th Fleet AORs. Following her eet tour, she was selected to attend the United States Navy Test Pilot School and graduated from USNTPS in December 2013. While assigned to HX-21 she served as a Project Ocer and Developmental Test Pilot for the MH-60R/S aircraft. en Lieutenant Commander Underwood separated from the Navy in 2017 and entered government service as the Platform Coordinator and Developmental Test Pilot for the Presidential Helicopters Developmental Test Team.Mrs. Underwood was recognized for her meritorious service while serving as the Government Flight Test Director, VH-92 Patriot Integrated Test Team, Presidential Helicopters Program, Program Executive Ocer, Air, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission (PEO(A)) programs from January to December 2023.Leading the test eort for a Major Acquisition Category (ACAT) – 1C, strategic, no-fail program, Mrs. Underwood eectively supervised a large test team made up of 200 personnel to ensure the successful completion of several high-risk, and major joint test events supporting developmental and operational testing.Colonel Jason Duke and Colonel Robert “Gimp” Martinez, USMC (Ret.)Special thanks to Tess Meizoso who organizes and executes the John Glenn Squadron Annual Awards event, and Steve Meizoso, who organizes and executes the John Glenn Squadron Scholarship program. SQUADRON news & views

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During 2023, Mrs. Underwood expertly supervised the execution of ight and ground test events, facilitating critical software testing, acceptance and modernization of production aircraft, and verication of deciencies. Mrs. Underwood’s leadership aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) during dynamic interface testing and during emergent transportability testing aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 was instrumental in expanding VH-92 overall technical performance and capability, delivering a superior product to the Marines executing the Presidential Support Mission.Mrs. Underwood’s exceptional leadership ability, personal initiative, and unswerving devotion to duty reected great credit upon her and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Mrs. Underwood is married to Donald Underwood of San Antonio, Texas.e John Glenn Squadron’s Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be held on 26 June 2024. e 2024 John Glenn Orbital Classic is scheduled to be held on 20 September 2024.More information about John Glenn Squadron events can be found at our website - Home | John Glenn Squadron | Patuxent River, Maryland | United States (mcaajgs.org), and our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MCAAJGS/If you would like to be placed on distribution for our Quarterly Newsletter, please contact us at: MCAAJohnGlennSquadron@gmail.com.24 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.org

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John Glenn SquadronPax River’s Award-Winning Marine Corps Flight Test Familye John Glenn Squadron has been recognizing Marine Corps Aviation Acquisition Professionals since 2005. is awards program was initially designed to recognize the outstanding performance of individual Marines supporting Marine Aviation programs. In recognition of the signicant contributions Department of the Navy civilians make to these programs, the squadron added two awards in 2020: the omas E. Laux Acquisition Civilian of the Year Award and the JJ McCue Flight Test Civilian of the Year Award.e 2023 JJ McCue award was presented to Mrs. Lindsay C. Underwood, Government Flight Test Director (GFTD) for the Presidential Helicopters Developmental Test Team at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21). In this role, Lindsay is responsible for the successful execution of the ight test programs of the venerable VH-3D, the VH-60N and the helicopter that will soon be routinely executing the Presidential Support mission, the VH-92A. Lindsay brings to this role not only her experience as a Naval Aviator (2,300 ight hours in over 30 dierent type/model/series aircraft), but also the training she received at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (TPS). At TPS, one of the requirements students must complete is a comprehensive test report on an aircraft they y for the rst time as part of this graduation requirement. Lindsay was the recipient of the Empire Test Pilot School Developmental Test (DT)-IIA Award for her report on the Eurocopter Aerospatiale AS-350 Ecureuil helicopter (own in Brazil). Following graduation from USNTPS, Lindsay was assigned as a Project Ocer and Developmental Test Pilot on the MH-60R/S aircraft. In this role, she led the test team in the development and execution of test projects for the MH-60R/S aircraft. As the GFTD for the Presidential Helicopter Program, Lindsay oversaw the Developmental Test – Operational Test Transition of the VH-92A and the execution of the test program as the aircraft achieved Initial Operational Capability in 2021. roughout 2023, Lindsay’s leadership and signicant professional abilities ensured the successful execution of ight testing in this very important program. Her outstanding leadership, judgment and performance in a very high visibility role with signicant responsibility made her richly deserving of the 2023 JJ McCue Flight Test Civilian of the Year Award.e Underwood Family’s contributions to Marine Corps Flight test programs did not begin with the 2023 JJ McCue Flight Test Civilian of the Year Award. In 2015 Lindsay’s husband, then Major Don Underwood was selected as the John Glenn Test Pilot of the Year. Don was recognized for his leadership as the HX-21 AH-1W/Z and UH-1N/Y Department Head and Developmental Test Pilot. In 2015, he led and ew in ight test programs that included swashplate mis-rig testing, Radio Frequency (RF) guided TOW missile project, developmental test of the Intrepid Tiger II Electronic Warfare (EW) pod and numerous other projects that contributed signicantly to the warghting capabilities of the Marine Corps. Don separated from the Marine Corps in 2018. Today Don is serving as the Government Flight Test director (GFTD) for the H-53 Integrated Test Team in HX-21. In this role, he provides oversight of the contractor-led System Demonstration and Development testing of the CH-53K, and the transition to government led Follow-on Test and Evaluation as the aircraft achieved Initial Operational Capability in 2023. Don also serves as an instructor pilot for the CH-53K, the TH-72A and the TH-57C helicopters. He is a graduate of USNTPS Class 143 and was selected for the Commander Willie McCool Award as the top graduate in his class. Like Lindsay, Don was also selected for the Empire Test Pilot School DT-IIA Award for his thesis report on the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm BO-105 multi-purpose helicopter (own in Germany). Congratulations to Lindsay and Don Underwood for their noteworthy professional accomplishments in support of Marine Corps Aviation and the well-deserved recognition they have received in support of Marine Corps acquisition programs!While this is the rst time the John Glenn Squadron has experienced two acquisition award winners from the same family, there are many Marine Corps families who are making similar contributions to programs of great importance to Marine Aviation. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities to support Marine Aviation in programs of great importance to the Marine Corps, information regarding selection for USNTPS can be found in a MARADMIN that will be released early in 2025. Also, information regarding the opportunity to enter the Marine Corps acquisition workforce is promulgated via MARADMIN. If you are an active-duty Marine interested in the opportunities to support Marine Aviation acquisition programs, we encourage you to speak with your monitor. You may also call the Marine Aviation Detachment, Patuxent River (301) 342-1421 for more information on the great opportunities to serve in a role important to Marine Corps Aviation. 2023 JJ McCue Flight Test Civilian of the Year – Mrs. Lindsay Underwood and her husband Don Underwood2015 MCAA John Glenn Test Pilot of the Year Major Donald Underwood and his wife LindsaySQUADRON news & viewsSummer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 25

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26 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgJohn Glenn Squadron2024 Scholarship Awardse John Glenn Squadron Scholarship Program was started in 2007. Since its inception the program has provided $693,500 to 165 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students in Southern Maryland’s tri-county area (St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles County). e Keynote Speaker for our scholarship ceremony was Colonel Russell “Bubba” Strange, Program Manager, PMA-272, Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Oce. Colonel Strange started his Marine Corps career as an Electronic Countermeasures Ocer in the EA-6B Prowler community. His rst assignment out of the Fleet was with PMA-234, Electronic Attack Systems as the Military Deputy Integrated Product Team Lead of the AN/ALQ-231 Intrepid Tiger II. In 2017, Colonel Strange was selected for the 8059 Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and was assigned as PMA-234’s Deputy Program Manager for both Airborne Electronic Attack Products and the EA-6B. From this assignment, Colonel Strange went on to important acquisition roles in PMA-263, Small Tactical UAS program, and the CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter Program. Colonel Strange graduated from e Eisenhower School and Senior Acquisition Course at the National Defense University in June 2021 with a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy. Colonel Strange assumed command of PMA-272 in June 2024. In his comments, Colonel Strange told this year’s scholarship recipients that we considered them the future leaders of the nation. He also highlighted the emerging technologies that will require their leadership and technical abilities to ensure these technologies were properly developed and elded. For the 2024 Academic Year, the John Glenn Squadron awarded $52,000 to 12 highly qualied young adults. is years’ scholarship recipients are:Name High School ScholarshipCarter Brotherton Great Mills High School Annie Glenn Scholarship$5,000Jesse Burks Great Mills High School The Larry Bell Award - Sponsored by Bell Flight$5,000Jonah Chaillou Great Mills High School The Albers Aerospace Award – Sponsored by Albers Aerospace$5,000Harsha Manivannan Leonardtown High School The Team Viper Venom Scholarship$5,000Brady Freundel Henry E. Lackey High School The Pat and Judy Bowling Scholarship$4,000Jackson Urtz Leonardtown High School $4,000Beatrice Koi Henry E. Lackey High School $4,000Avery Thompson Leonardtown High School $4,000Joni Gordon St. Mary’s Ryken High School $4,000Brianna Rourke Chopticon High School $4,000Connor Zarra Leonardtown High School $4,000Lillia Burkes Leonardtown High School $4,000

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 27e “Annie Glenn Scholarship” was established in 2017 in recognition of the signicant contributions of Annie Glenn to our nation. is year’s Annie Glenn Scholarship winner was Carter Brotherton from Great Mills High School. Carter will be joining her sister, Cooper, at Johns Hopkins University. Cooper was the 2022 Annie Glenn Scholarship recipient. In 2023, the squadron added two named scholarships. ose scholarships are the Larry Bell Award – sponsored by Bell Flight, which was awarded to Jesse Burks of Great Mills High School. e Albers Aerospace Award is sponsored by Albers Aerospace and was awarded to Jonah Chaillou of Great Mills High School. is year the squadron added another named scholarship award, “e Team Viper Venom Scholarship,” which is sponsored by the Bell Flight led industry team that supports the AH-1Z/UH-Y programs. e recipient of the inaugural Team Viper Venom Scholarship was Harsha Manivanna from Leonardtown High School.In 2020, the squadron added a new named scholarship to honor the memory of Pat and Judy Bowling. e Bowlings’ were part of the initial cadre of active supporters from the local Pax River community who were critical to the establishment of the John Glenn Squadron. ey routinely opened their home to support squadron events and the local Pax River Marine Corps community. In recognition of their signicant contributions to the John Glenn Squadron and our local community, the Squadron established the “Pat and Judy Bowling Community Service Scholarship.” e sponsors of this scholarship are Jim and Brandi Moran. is year’s Bowling Community Service scholarship was awarded to Brady Freundel from Henry E. Lackey High School (Charles County).e squadron is very appreciative of the volunteers and very generous sponsors who make our sponsorship program a reality. Mr. Steve Meizoso Colonel Russell “Bubba” Strange, PMA-272, Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Manager.(L-R) Colonel Duke, Dee Brotherton, Carter Brotherton, Jason Brotheron, Colonel StrangeThe MCAA John Glenn Squadron Scholarship program has been operating for 18 years. In recognition of Annie Glenn’s signiﬁcant contributions to the nation, particularly her advocacy for people with disabilities and communication disorders, we established the “Annie Glenn Scholarship” in 2017. This year’s Annie Glenn Scholarship award went to Carter Brotherton of Great Mills High School.is the Chairman of the Scholarship Foundation, led this year’s selection eorts, and was assisted by Rich Richardson, Colonel Victor Argobright, Tess Meizoso and Jennifer Vanderborght. Most importantly, thank you to our very generous sponsors. Without them, this program would not be possible.e 2024 John Glenn Orbital Classic is the engine that drives our fundraising activity for our scholarship program, and it is scheduled for 19 Sept. 2024, at the Wicomico Shores Golf Course. Please check our website (www.mcaajgs.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MCAAJGS/) for updates. If you would like to be placed on distribution for our quarterly newsletter, please contact us at MCAAJohnGlennSquadron@gmail.com.Finally, we would like to thank all our generous sponsors who make this scholarship program possible!SQUADRON news & views

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28 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.org(L-R) Sergeant Major Jacob Rozelle – Sergeant Major, John Glenn Squadron (JGS), Lieutenant Colonel Joe Kennedy – Executive Ofﬁce, Marine Aviation Detachment Pax River, Brady Freundel, Steve Meizoso (JGS Scholarship Chairman), Steve Girard (JGS XO) .(L-R) Colonel Duke, Jesse Burks, Mike Deslatte – Bell Flight, Colonel Strange(L-R) Colonel Duke, Jonah Chaillou, BGen Rick Uribe, USMC (Ret.) – Albers Aerospace, Colonel Strange(L-R) Colonel Duke, Robert “Gimp” Martinez, Harsha Manivannan, Mike Deslatte, Colonel StrangeJackson Urtz of Leonardtown High School and Colonel Duke(L-R) Colonel Duke, Avery Thompson – Leonardtown High School, Colonel Strange(L-R) Colonel Duke, Joni Gordon – St. Mary’s Ryken High School, Colonel Strange(L-R) Colonel Duke, Connor Zarra – Leonardtown High School, Colonel Strange(L-R) Sergeant Major Jacob Rozelle, Lieutenant Colonel Kennedy, Brianna Rourke – Chopticon High School , Steve Meizoso, Steve Girard(L-R) Colonel Duke, Beatrice Kofﬁ – Henry J. Lackey High School, Colonel StrangeBrady Freundel of Henry E. Lackey High School was selected for the “Pat and Judy Bowling Community Service Scholarship.” The Larry Bell Scholarship Award - Sponsored by Bell Flight was presented to Jesse Burks.The recipient of the Albers Aerospace Scholarship Award was Jonah Chaillou of Great Mills High School. The Team Viper/Venom Scholarship was presented to Harsha Manivannan of Leonardtown High School.

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30 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgJohn Glenn SquadronUSN USMC Acquisition Commandse John Glenn Squadron experienced a dynamic June with three Change of Command Ceremonies. First, the Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Oce (PMA-272) welcomed new leadership when Colonel Russell A. “Bubba” Strange assumed command as program manager from BGen Tamara Campbell during a change of command ceremony on 11 June 2024 at the Rear Admiral William A. Moett Building aboard Naval Air Station, Patuxent River.Recently promoted to BGen Campbell took over PMA-272 in August 2020. e accomplishments of the team she led were signicant and included an Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) Strategy for the Future, the Joint Airborne Mission Survivability (JAMS) initiative, and the PMA-272 Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence concept. BGen Campbell also led the standup of the AN/AAQ-45 Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure (DAIRCM) Program of Record, which will ensure the continuation of the program to deliver critical infrared missile defensive capability to the Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and partner nations. BGen Campbell’s follow-on assignment would be to Marine Corps Systems Command.Colonel Strange started his Marine Corps career as a Naval Flight Ocer in the EA-6B community. His NAVAIR assignments include senior leadership roles in PMA-234, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems, PMA-263, Small Tactical Unmanned Air Systems, and PMA-261, H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Oce. Next, on 13 June 2024, BGen David Walsh relinquished command of Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) to BGen Tamara Campbell. BGen Campbell brings not only her signicant acquisition experience in programs in Naval Aviation, but she also had two prior assignments at MCSC. Lt. Gen. Matthew G. Glavy commented on BGen Walsh’s leadership and accomplishments while in command: “You did it, man. Twenty-ve years in naval aviation, in the Fleet, and at NAVAIR.” Glavy speaking to Walsh. “And what do they do? We make you a general ocer, and we put you in the middle of ground pounder land – right in the middle of the MAGTF. And brother, you have thrived. What you have done to make Force Design a real thing and how you have changed this organization to move as fast as possible really is a testimony to your leadership.” Finally, after turning over Marine Corps Systems Command to BGen Campbell, BGen Walsh assumed command of the Program Executive Oce Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault & Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) on 27 June 2024. He is returning to NAVAIR after two years at MCSC. Prior to his assignment at MCSC, he was the Program Executive Ocer for Land Systems in 2022, and the Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition in 2021. Before these assignments he served Brigadier General Tamara Campbell Relinquishes Command to Colonel Russell “Bubba” Strange. PHOTO CREDIT: NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMANDBGen David Walsh Relinquishes Command of Marine Corps Systems Command to BGen Tamara Campbell. PHOTO CREDIT: MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMANDPEO(A) welcomed BGen Walsh on 27 June 2024 as the new Program Executive Ofﬁcer. From left to right: Rear Adm. Timothy Heely, USN (ret.), Vice Adm. Francis Morley, Mr. Gary Kurtz, BGen David Walsh, and Lt. Israel Alvarado. PHOTO CREDIT: NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMANDNAVAIR PEO(A) as the Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Program Manager (PMA-276). Walsh is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.

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32 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgMike Yunck SquadronUpdatesWe supported the MAG-39 Golf Tournament. See page 34 for more.We supported a MAG-39 PME and Book signing on February 23 at MCAS Camp Pendleton. Pictures to follow. Col Eric "Ferris" Buer presented his best selling book, "Ghosts of Baghdad" and made a presentation about the combat operations in OIF I. PME attended by CG 3dMAW, MajGen Mike "Meat" Borgshulte, Col Jerome "Hank" Hester (C.O. MAG-39), Col David "Spanky" Moore (C.O. MCAS Camp Pendleton), about 100 MAG-39 aviators and about a dozen Mike Yunck Squadron members.On March 3, we had several members attend the Celebration of Life for Colonel Kenneth "Kid" Gardiner, USMC Retired. 10 Nov. 2023, celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday at the Red Rooster in Oceanside. A 40+ year MAG-39 tradition. About 40 Mike Yunck Squadron members attended. 13 Nov. 2023 LtGen Terry "Guts" Robling and I attended the November 10 Foundation Marine Corps Birthday celebration at the Lyon's Air Museum, representing MCAA, the Mike Yunck Squadron, and the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. Nov. 2023, supported a MAG-39 squadron return from UDP/MEU deployments by assisting in the purchase of new fresh linen for the enlisted barracks. is has been a long standing tradition for the Mike Yunck Squadron for years.Nov. 2023 represented the MCAA at the Enlisted Aircrew Winging Ceremony at HMLAT-303. MCAA provided the Enlisted Aircrew Wings for the next 10 classes and Col Steve "Woodman" Heywood and I presented the wings to the Squadron C.O. to be presented to each of the 10 new UH-1Y Crew Chiefs. The Mike Yunck Squadron PME and book signing The Celebration of Life for Col “Kid” Gardiner

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34 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgMike Yunck SquadronMAG-39 Golf Tournament On 18 June 2024, the MCAA Mike Yunck Squadron supported the Annual MAG-39 Golf Tournament at Camp Pendleton’s Marine Memorial Golf Course. e Tournament was begun decades ago at MAG-39 and, for one reason or another, was disestablished for several years. Beginning in 2005, the Tournament was reborn and has continued since that time, with only minor interruptions due to OPTEMPO.As a result of months of planning, this year, under the astute leadership of Colonel “Hank” Hester, Commanding Ocer, MAG-39, the Tournament was well attended and featured approximately 80 participants, 75% of whom were enlisted Marine aircraft technicians and 25% Marine ocers from the Group. Mrs. Kelly Rupp, from MCAA, represented MCAA HQ at the Tournament and provided “Swag” for the Tournament participants that included golf balls, “Remove Before Flight” red golf towels, “Swag” bags, travel coee mugs, ball markers, and tees. e MCAA Mike Yunck Squadron provided nancial support for the tournament as well, as part of the continuing support for MAG-39 and MCAS Camp Pendleton. Historically, that support includes providing bed linens for enlisted Marine aircraft technicians assigned to squadrons returning from UDP deployments and detachments returning from MEU(SOC) deployments to their barracks aboard the base, PME opportunities such as formal command presentations, book signings, hosting VIP visitors, providing Enlisted Aircrew Wings for the next year to HMLAT-303 in support of each “winging” ceremony, and providing recognition plaques for MAG-39 Marines who were selected to represent the Group to 3d MAW in each applicable category of the MCAA Annual Award Ceremony. e eorts of MCAA and the Mike Yunck Squadron are designed to increase awareness of MCAA among the active-duty force, both ocer and enlisted, provide an opportunity to recruit new members to MCAA, and support the units in the accomplishment of their training initiatives. Additionally, through the use of social media, the Mike Yunck Squadron keeps over 260 subscribers informed of upcoming events to integrate “old” Marines with the current generation of Marines, continue the heritage and legacy of Marine Aviation, and retain existing MCAA Members through continuous and eective communication.e various squadrons, assigned to MAG-39, set up tables at many of the holes, providing refreshing drinks, food, and squadron “swag” for a nominal cost to help support their respective Marine Corps Birthday Ball Funds and contribute to the fun that was had by all. e Sta at Marine Memorial Golf Club provided superb support to the Tournament as well providing the fantastic venue and lunch for the participants and donating several “gifts” for the top groups of golfers and golf lessons for the worst team.Colonel Patrick “Paddy” Gough, USMC (retired)X.O. MCAA Mike Yunck Squadron

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 35SQUADRON news & viewsNighthawk SquadronVH-3D 159358 Display As the VH-92A eet replaces the VH-3D in presidential service at Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), VH-3D bureau number 159358 has been de-militarized, refurbished and is on permanent loan to the George H.W. Bush Library & Museum at Texas A & M in College Station, Texas. “358”, as it was always referred to by members of HMX-1, is displayed in a dedicated pavilion along with the locomotive 4141.Recently, several former members of HMX-1, and current members of the MCAA Nighthawk Squadron, traveled to the Bush Library to assist with the opening of the 358 display. Former HMX-1/ MCAA Nighthawk members were on hand to speak with museum goers about the history of HMX-1, the VH-3D and specically, the aircraft on display, 159358. Delivered to HMX-1 in 1976, 358 served every president since Gerald Ford. e helicopter had approximately 12,000 ight hours when it was taken out of service and refurbished for display. On 12 June, during the 41@100 event commemorating what would have been George H. W. Bush’s 100th birthday, 358 was unveiled at the pavilion.Among its many notable presidential ights, shortly after 9/11, 358 ew President George W. Bush to Yankee Stadium in New York City, on October 30, 2001, where the President threw out the rst pitch of the third game of the 2001 World Series, marking an important moment in the country’s history shortly after the events of 9/11. In addition to the 358 display, a life size mannequin of a Marine One Crew Chief is also on display as well as video commemorating the VH-3D and its contributions to presidential helicopter transportation.For further information on the George H. W. Bush Library & Museum, see: https://www.bush41.org/.159358 at Saint Mer Eglise, Normandy 27 May 2002PHOTO CREDIT STEVE TAYLORPHOTO CREDIT NAVAIRPHOTO CREDIT NAVAIR PHOTO CREDIT STEVE TAYLORPHOTO CREDIT STEVE TAYLOR

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36 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.org2023-24 Marine Corps Aviation Association Honorary Scholarship Recipients & AlumnaArina Garcia Sam Houston State UniversityMajor: Marketing/Marketing ManagementClass of 2024 (expected graduation: May 2024)Daughter of Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Garcia USMC (Ret.)Arina is a marketing major at Sam Houston State University, on track to graduate this Spring. Born and mostly raised in Okinawa, Japan, heavily influenced Arina’s academic and career goals. After moving to Texas, she began noticing significant dierences between Japanese and American media, consumerism, and advertisement, sparking her growing interest in marketing and product design. Without the weight of financial burden on her shoulders, Arina has been able to make the most of her college experience during her senior year thanks to the support she’s received from the MCAA and the MCSF. Post-graduation, she hopes to move to Houston and continue working with the corporate side of Home Depot, eventually expanding her marketing career to her home island of Okinawa.Trinity McHellenUniversity of North TexasMajor: Music Theory and CompositionClass of 2024 (expected graduation: May 2024)Daughter of Master Sergeant Isiah McHellen USMC (Ret.)Trinity is a senior at the University of North Texas and a second-year recipient of the MCAA Honorary Scholarship and she is pursuing a higher education because of her passion for music and wanting to inspire others. Majoring in music with a focus in music composition, Trinity is also learning to be a jazz and Latin drummer so that she can perform in an orchestra and big band after she graduates. Supporting Trinity has been instrumental to her college career, allowing her to gain invaluable knowledge and hone her skills to thrive and succeed in her goal of becoming a media composer. She hopes her experiences in college will be an asset to her portfolio and plans to bring her talents to work for the film or video game industry.Vanessa WrightMajor: Registered Nursing/Registered NurseNorthern Oklahoma CollegeClass of 2024 (expected graduation: May 2024)Daughter of Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Wright USMC (Ret.)Vanessa obtained her associate degree early last year and with the support of the MCAA and MCSF, is now in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She attributes her upbringing as a military brat along with her father’s influence and support for her inclination to help people and her decision to pursue higher education. Vanessa hopes to continue to obtain her master’s after graduation and aspires to begin her nursing career in the ER or pediatrics. The Marine Corps Aviation Association Honorary Scholarship has opened doors to more opportunities that will help further her education and future goals. Vanessa is honored to be a child of a Marine and recipient of this scholarship so that she can attend her dream school and pursue her dream career. Logan Lawson (MCAA alumna) Daughter of veteran Corporal Cal Lawson USMCLast May, Logan graduated from Christopher Newport University with a degree in Math and Biology. Logan accredits her fierce perseverance in her studies and the challenges she’s endured to her strong work ethic instilled by her father. She maintains that without the years of support provided to her by the Scholarship Foundation and MCAA, her academic career would have been much more stressful and less fulfilling. Logan currently resides near Lynchburg and has been working with OrthoVirginia as a medical scribe since August 2023. During her time at OrthoVirginia, she will be shadowing several dierent medical departments as she plans to return to school to continue her research while pursuing a master’s degree.

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38 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgis year’s attendance in Dallas broke all previous records with over 1,000 attendees from all corners and operational specialties of Marine Aviation, to include Japan. e three days were packed with events for both former and retired aviators, along with the over 400 active duty and reserve Marines in attendance. e focus for the week, other than catching up with old friends, was all about how our requirements and acquisition processes must change to meet today’s looming international threats, through the MAROS.For the past 12 years, e MCAA Symposium has hosted the MAROS, to allow greater collaboration between those driving Marine Aviation requirements and the industry partners that deliver capabilities. e advantage of such an early engagement cannot be overstated regarding our ability to get capabilities to the warghters as quickly as possible. Providing a forum such as the MCAA Symposium where Marine decision makers to interact with industry has resulted in measurable benets to our Marine Corps. We were proud to do so again, this year, and love the interaction between “old Marines” and the uniformed crowd!Tuesday, 20 Maye week started with a “wake ‘em up” video (posted at the end of the article) and then a welcome from both MCAA’s Commander, retired LtGen “Whaler” Walsh, and the Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA), LtGen “Gilla” Gering, both setting the tone for the week by oering not only the events of the coming few days, but also insights as to the future of Marine Aviation. Questions centered around the health and readiness of our aviation forces. LtGen Gering’s message centered around the reality that most programs providing modern capability are maturing past initial operational capability and closing in on being fully operationally capable. Tuesday also saw the initial organizing around the MAROS. As the individual Operational Advisory Groups (OAGs) nalized their lists of needs for their specic capability. Meanwhile, other attendees participated in a JFK walking tour (the Hyatt is just a few blocks from Dealey Plaza, the site of the Kennedy assassination), visited the Dallas Arboretum, or wandered through the record number of industry displays that highlighted current and future aviation capabilities. Before starting into the welcoming activities, we took a moment to remember and memorialize those The Dallas RundownThe Hyatt Regency in Dallas was again the venue for the 2024 MCAA Symposium and Marine Aviation Readiness and Operations Summit (MAROS) in mid-May of this year. The Symposium is an annual 3-day event that has been an MCAA cornerstone event dating back to the creation of the Association in 1972. Our roots date back much further, to 1919, when the members of the First Marine Aviation Force gathered to trade stories and memories from the First World War. For 2024 we certainly felt welcome at the Hyatt. It was our third year at the venue and we expect to be there in 2025 and 2026. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, left, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and Lt. Gen. Robert S. Walsh (Ret.), right, National Commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association, walk down the aisle during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps attended to present the Marine Aviators who received the 2023 awards. The MCAA is a non-proﬁt organization that recognizes the professional excellence in Marine Aviation, educates the public on its history and heritage, and annually awards 28 Marine Corps Aviation Awards. The award categories are highly competitive, indicating exceptional leadership and dedication to mission accomplishment.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDS

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 39U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea (Ret.), a member of the Board of Directors for the Marine Corps Aviation Association, gives the opening remarks during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, attended to present the Marine Aviators who received the 2023 awards. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSof us who have passed on in the past 12 months at our Memorial service. e Memorial video is posted at the end of the article. e service is our way of remembering those who have gone before us and thanking them for their energies, contributions, and comradeship. As always, we wound down the evening with the Welcome Aboard reception—with live country music, courtesy of Mr. Byron Haney--and the Ready Room bar, which was relocated away from the crowded suites of the past and into a prime location on the main oor. No arrests were recorded and noise complaints were minimal! If you have not heard of Byron Haney, neither did we. But he was entertaining, especially when accompanied by our own Mrs. Debbie Martin, who does a great rendition of Patsy Cline favorites. It doesn’t get any better than this! Wednesday, 21 MayFor many, Wednesday morning brought a round of golf at the Bear Creek Golf Club. e intel was that it was a lot of fun and quite competitive. Quoting our Golf Pro, “Troll” Klassa: Our thanks to the 81 registrants/78 participants (3 went down in the chocks), which is a 10 year high! Congratulations to the winning foursome: Curt Ames, Chris Seymour, Campbell Turner, and Denis Oliverio, who came in at 14 under, edging out the second-place nishers via tie breaker. Second place team (at 14 under) was Randy Ware, Tom Pendergrass, Logan Scheeler, and Paul Lee. Rounding out the top 3 was the team from MAG 41 at 12 under, Mike Brennan, Nathan Sidwell, Adam Best, and John Test, our rst Active Duty/Reserve Team “on the podium.” Next year, expect a new level of competition with the advent of the “MCAA Cup,” and will be a “winner-takes-all” format that will recognize an Active Duty Winning Team, Industry winning Team, and overall Winner, complete with a Trophy to keep for a year; bragging rights included. e U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert. S. Walsh (Ret.), National Commander for the Marine Corps Aviation Association, gives the opening remarks during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, present the colors during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDS

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40 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgcurrent odds-on favorite appears to be 2nd MAW. Our goal is to grow this event by 25% next year. Mark your calendars for 7 May 2025 at Bear Creek, Dallas. For the rest of us, the day was hardly mundane. Early risers were treated to a Yoga session in the exhibit hall (sounds painful), opportunities to nd places like Cindi’s, an authentic New York Deli, or sleeping in for those on the “late watch.” e golfers returned in time to re-engage with the OAGs, as they prepared their out-briefs, and the Executive Marine Air Board (MAB), another key part of the MAROS process. By late afternoon, the Wing Commanding Generals provided everyone with updates on their respective activities and outlooks on the future. Wednesday night is when we really start to move our focus to our award winners, through our Award winner briengs and receptions for them and their families, hosted by both LtGens Walsh and Gering. Again, we had awardees from all corners of the Marine Aviation envelope and many proud family members in attendance. From their reception they then joined the annual FOD Walk/Flight Jacket Happy Hour, which went well beyond its planned scheduled time, and ended gradually as we all migrated gradually to the Ready Room. Thursday, 22 MayBy ursday, the focus was largely on our annual award winners and future leaders. roughout the day, our award winners were treated to a number of events where they could hear senior leaders from both Industry and the Marine Corps to provide their views on how the Marine Corps needs to be better prepared for the future. Our VIP breakfast was well attended by senior industry and Marine leaders, although we received some complaints about the early start times…noted. e three highlights of the workday were led o by the Industry/Marine Senior Leadership panel, where six acquisition U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, present the colors during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea (Ret.), a member of the Board of Directors for the Marine Corps Aviation Association, announces the award winners during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSWelcome Video Memorial Video Banquet Video Scan to watch videos

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 41U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Christopher A. Stamps, center left, receives the 2023 Aviation Maintenance Marine of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Aviation Maintenance Marine of the Year Award was established in honor of GySgt. Willie D. Sproule, a leader in the ﬁeld of aviation maintenance who served with distinction for more than 30 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an enlisted Marine serving in a maintenance billet. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathan A. Barr, center left, receives the 2023 Aviation Ground Marine of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Aviation Ground Marine of the Year Award was established in honor of Lt. Col. Jack W. Demmond, who served Marine Corps Aviation with versatility and distinction for more than 29 years, for the most outstanding contribution by a ground Marine serving with Marine Aviation. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan C. Hart, center, receives the 2023 Avionics Marine of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Avionics Marine of the Year Award established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Paul G. Vess, a leader in the ﬁeld of avionics, who served with distinction for over 30 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an electronics technician. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Maj. Matthew C. Weber, center, receives the 2023 Marine Aviation Ground Ofﬁcer of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Aviation Ground Ofﬁcer of the Year Award was established in honor of Lt. Col. Earle Hattaway, the ﬁrst recipient of the Marine Aviation Ground Ofﬁcer of the Year Award, for the most outstanding contribution to Marine Aviation by an aviation ground ofﬁcer. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Spencer G. Neitzke, center left, receives the 2023 Aviation Ordinance Marine of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Ordnance Marine of the Year Award was established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Gaines B. Gilbert, a leader in the ﬁeld of aviation ordnance who served with distinction for 39 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an aviation ordnance technician. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Taylor C. Coughlin, center, receives the 2023 Enlisted Marine Aircrewman of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Enlisted Marine Aircrewman of the Year Award was established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Danny L. Radish, who served in Marine Aviation with distinction and heroism for over 23 years, for the most outstanding contribution by a Marine enlisted aircrewman. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSleaders (three Marines General Ocers, three Industry leads) talked to our acquisition process and what needs to happen to better prepare us for rising global threats. BGen “Angus” Walsh, as the speaker at the well-attended sponsored lunch, continued the conversation by highlighting what is currently being done within the Systems Command as Marine Aviation looks forward. Capping o the afternoon, the Assistant Commandant spoke broadly to attendees about how he sees the next few years and what has to be done to support the Marine Corps’ Force Design. e highlight of each MCAA Symposium is, of course, the Awards Dinner and Banquet. is year’s event did not disappoint, as we recognized the 28 individuals and combat units that the Deputy Commandant had chosen for excellence in performance. Retired BGen “Baja” Killea hosted the Banquet of over 400 guests and kept us entertained with his best ho-down persona and now apparently traditional (he’s done this for two years, running) gaudy formal attire (think: Wayne Newton goes country). As you may have seen in our recently published Journal magazine, MCAA honors 16 individual Marines and 12 Marine Squadrons and Battalions for superb performance over the last year, two of which stand out above the rest: e Commandant’s trophy for superior performance by a Marine Squadron/Battalion and the Alfred Cunningham Award for most outstanding contribution to Marine Aviation by a Marine Aviator. MCAA was proud again this year to host and facilitate the event where the Deputy Commandant for Aviation awards those Marines and units that he personally selected for each award.Overall, the Symposium was hugely successful and bodes well for a better event next year, the week of 11 May 2025. We hope to see you there, and would hate to have you miss the camaraderie and the latest updates on Marine Corps Aviation. Mark your calendar12-15 May 2025!

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42 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgU.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jack A. Cleary, center, receives the 2023 Marine Flight Student of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Flight Student of the Year Award was established in honor of Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen Jr., the ﬁrst African American Marine Corps general ofﬁcer and Marine Aviator, to recognize superior performance of a Marine ﬂight student.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Capt. William J. Bursaw, center, receives the 2023 Marine Naval Flight Ofﬁcer of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Naval Flight Ofﬁcer of the Year Award was established in honor of Lt Robert Guy Robinson, a Medal of Honor recipient in World War I and a pioneer of the Naval Flight Ofﬁcer specialty, for the most outstanding contribution by a Marine naval ﬂight ofﬁcer.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Luis A. Morales Jr., center, receives the 2023 Marine Aviation Non-Commissioned Ofﬁcer Leadership Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Aviation NCO Leadership Award was established in honor of Lt. Col. James E. Nicholson, “The Father of the MCAA,” who served with distinction as a member of the First Aeronautic Company in World War I, for the most signiﬁcant leadership by an NCO in Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Tovar, center, receives the 2023 Command and Control Marine of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Command and Control Marine of the Year Award was established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth A. Innis for the most outstanding contribution by an enlisted Marine in the air command and control ﬁeld.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Dylan A. Theberge, center, receives the 2023 Aviation Supply Marine of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Aviation Supply Marine of the Year Award was established in honor of Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth W. Southcomb, a leader in the ﬁeld of aviation supply who served with distinction for 30 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an aviation supply Marine.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Leigh G. Irwin, center, receives the 2023 Acquisition Excellence in Marine Aviation Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Acquisition Excellence in Marine Aviation Award was established in honor of Lt. Gen. Mike Hough, who served as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation and Director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program, to recognize superior achievement and excellence by a Marine assigned to the acquisition ﬁeld.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert S. Walsh (Ret.), left, National Commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association, congratulates Capt. William J. Bursaw, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin V. Cao, center, receives the 2023 Marine Air Command and Control Ofﬁcer of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Air Command and Control Ofﬁcer of the Year Award was established in honor of Col. Robert F. Gibson, a pioneer in the concept of integrated air control group detachments supporting Marine Aviation around the globe, for the most outstanding contribution to Marine Aviation by an ofﬁcer serving in a Marine command and control unit.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Maj. Shane R. Gentry, center, receives the 2023 Marine Aviator of the Year Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Aviator of the Year was established in honor of Lt. Col. Alfred A. Cunningham, the ﬁrst Marine Aviator, by the First Marine Aviation Veterans’ Association for the most outstanding contribution to Marine Aviation by a Marine Aviator.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDS

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Tim Murphy, center, receives the 2023 Marine Aviation Safety Award on behalf of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Aviation Safety was established in honor of 1st Lt. Joseph Ross, who perished while ﬂying during a drill at Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois, for the Marine Aviation unit compiling the best safety record during the past year.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nicholas Cruz, center left, and Sgt. Maj. Manuel Martinez Ortiz, center right, receive the 2023 Marine Aviation Command and Control Unit of the Year Award on behalf of Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Marine Air Command and Control Unit of the Year Award was established in honor of Maj. Gen. Edward S. Fris, a pioneer in the development of the Marine Corps aviation command and control, for the most outstanding air command and control squadron in Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Joel Croskey, center left, and Sgt. Maj. JR Chavez, center right, receive the 2023 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) of the Year Award on behalf of HMLA-169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The HMLA of the Year Award was established in honor of Capt. John P. Giguere who was killed in action during a pilot rescue mission in Grenada, for the most outstanding light attack helicopter squadron.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kristofer Skidmore, center left, and Sgt. Colby Bourn, center right, receive the 2023 Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year Award on behalf MWSS-372, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The MWSS of the Year Award was established in honor of Col. James E. Hatch, designer of the Marine Wing Support Group and its subordinate squadrons, for the most outstanding wing support squadron who enhances support to aviation by furnishing transportation, engineering and communication essentials.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Matthew G. Glavy, center, receives the 2023 Silver Hawk Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Silver Hawk Award was established to honor the active duty Marine Aviator or Marine naval ﬂight ofﬁcer holding the earliest designation date.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Alexander Mellman, center, and Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer 2 Mohommed Hossain, center right, receive the 2023 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) of the Year Award on behalf of VMFA-242, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The VMFA of the Year Award was established in honor of Capt. Robert M. Hanson, a Medal of Honor recipient and Ace who shot down 25 enemy aircraft before being killed in action, for the most outstanding ﬁghter attack squadron in Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marines receive the 2023 Marine Unmanned Aircraft Squadron (VMU) of the Year Award on behalf of VMU-1, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The VMU of the Year Award was established in honor of Lt. Gen. John I. Hudson to recognize superior achievement by a VMU.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Bryant, center left, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Clinton J. Duclos, center, receives the 2023 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) of the Year Award on behalf of VMM-162, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The VMM of the Year Award was established in honor of Lt. Gen. Fred McCorkle, whose leadership and dedication contributed to the success of the V-22 program, for the most outstanding tiltrotor squadron in Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Rian Spillane, center left, and Lt. Col. Jonathan Bryant, center right, receive the 2023 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) of the Year Award on behalf of HMH-462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The HMH of the Year Award was established in honor of Gen. Keith B. McCutcheon, a pioneer helicopter pilot and a visionary in the development of Marine Corps aviation doctrine, for the most outstanding heavy helicopter squadron in Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSSummer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 43

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44 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgU.S. Marine Corps Maj. Corey Walker, center left, and Lance Cpl. Adriel Corke, center right, receive the 2023 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron of the Year Award on behalf of MALS-36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The MALS of the Year Award was established in honor of Col. Donald E. Davis, who designed the Marine aviation logistics support program, for the highest degree of leadership, logistic expertise, innovation, and superior accomplishments in support of Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSThe 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Award winners pose for a photo with U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Lt. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, Deputy Commandant of Aviation, and Lt. Gen. Robert S. Walsh (Ret.), National Commander of Marine Corps Aviation Association, during the 51st Annual MCAA Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, attended to present the Marine Aviators who received the 2023 awards. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul A. Truog, center, receives the 2023 Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) of the Year Award on behalf of VMA-231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The VMA of the Year Award was established in honor of Maj. Gen. Lawson H. M. Sanderson, a pioneer in the development of dive-bombing and close air support in Marine Aviation, for the most outstanding attack squadron in Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Col. Brad Hipp, center, receives the 2023 Commandant’s Aviation Trophy for Superior Performance in Marine Aviation Award on behalf of Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Superior Performance in Marine Aviation Award was established to recognize superior performance and accomplishment of all assigned tasks by a Marine squadron. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jacob Davis, center left, and Sgt. Amanda Castillo, center right, receives the 2023 Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron (VMGR) of the Year Award on behalf of VMGR-352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The VMGR of the Year Award was established in honor of Maj. Henry Wildfang, who served with distinction and heroism as a transport pilot, for most outstanding aerial refueler transport squadron in Marine Aviation.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Capt. Scott A. MacDonald, center, receives the 2023 Exceptional Achievement in Marine Aviation Award during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024. The Exceptional Achievement in Marine Aviation Award was established in honor of Gunnery Sgt. James Maguire, the ﬁrst enlisted Marine ordered to aviation duty and served with Alfred A. Cunningham, for the most signiﬁcant contribution to Marine Aviation by an individual or squadron, not otherwise recognized. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDSU.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, left, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, congratulates Maj. Matthew C. Weber during the 51st Annual Marine Corps Aviation Awards Symposium in Dallas, 23 May 2024.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DANIEL CHILDS

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46 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgMarine Aviation Readiness and Operations Summit (MAROS)The MAROS allows subject matter experts to meet and have a professional exchange of information on topics essential to Marine Aviation to include readiness, aviation programs, warfighting lessons learned, professional development, and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Daniel Childs)U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks during the MAROS in Dallas, 23 May 2024.U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, Deputy Commandant of Aviation, hosts the MAROS in Dallas, 22 May 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert S. Walsh (Ret.), left, National Commander of the Marine Corps Aviation Association, introduces Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, right, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, during the MAROS in Dallas, 23 May 2024. From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen Eric E. Austin, Commanding General of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Maj. Gen. William H. Swan, Commanding General of 2nd MAW, Maj. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, Commanding General of 3rd MAW, and Maj. Gen. John F. Kelliher, Commanding General of 4th MAW, answer questions during the MAROS in Dallas, 22 May 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, middle right, Deputy Commandant of Aviation, asks Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, a question during the MAROS in Dallas, 23 May 2024. U.S. Marines attend the MAROS in Dallas, 22 May 2024.

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50 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgFlying Leatherneck Aviation Museum ProgressCOLONEL PATRICK “PADDY” GOUGH, USMC (RETIRED)VICE CHAIRMAN, FLHF/FLAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER, MCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORSMEDIA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORSThere can be no doubt that the new Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum (FLAM) will become a reality in early 2026, with the grand opening of the only museum in the country devoted solely to the preservation of the heritage of Marine Corps Aviation.e mission of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation (FLHF) is to help strengthen America by preserving the aviation history of the U.S. Marine Corps, honoring the service of its people, and inspiring in all generations an appreciation of America’s freedoms and values. Marine Corp Air Station (MCAS) El Toro was established in 1942, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and became a mission-critical base on the West Coast. e original FLHF was established in 1989 at MCAS El Toro in Orange County, California, and took responsibility for the historic aircraft collection along with non aircraft artifacts and memorabilia to preserve the heritage of the air station and Marine Corps Aviation in Orange County. e El Toro Historical Center and Command Museum opened in June 1991 in a squadron aviation building at MCAS El Toro.When the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process closed MCAS El Toro in 1999, a group of retired Marines from San Diego County, led by Major Generals Bob Butcher and Frank Long, formed the FLHF and moved the historical aircraft and artifacts to MCAS Miramar. e name of the museum was changed to the Flying Leatherneck “ At the core of our endeavor is a dedication to educational outreach, particularly targeting youth. Our museum serves as a dynamic educational platform, offering a spectrum of experiences designed to augment the learning of local school children. By engaging with our exhibits and participating in tailored programs, students will delve into immersive, hands-on learning experiences that supplement their classroom education.”LTGEN TERRY “GUTS” ROHLING USMC (RETIRED), FLHF/FLAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 51COLONEL PATRICK “PADDY” GOUGH, USMC (RETIRED)VICE CHAIRMAN, FLHF/FLAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER, MCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORSMEDIA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORSAviation Museum (FLAM), which the FLHF oversaw. In March 2021, the leadership of MCAS Miramar announced that the Air Station could no longer host FLAM on the air station property. e FLHF immediately began a campaign to move the museum to a new location.During that process, in April 2021, the City of Irvine, in Orange County, California, oered to host the FLAM at the location of the former MCAS El Toro, now known as e Great Park in Irvine. Brigadier General Michael “El Jefe” Aguilar, CEO and President of the FLAM and the Board of Directors of the FLHF began the process of undertaking the elaborate relocation of the FLAM aircraft and non-aircraft artifacts from MCAS Miramar to e Great Park. In 2022, LtGen Terry “Guts” Robling assumed the Chairmanship of the FLHF Board of Directors and organized it to maximize functionality and assumed responsibility for the planning, development, contract negotiations, and construction of the new FLAM in Irvine.e City of Irvine is dened by its diverse culture and its talented citizens. FLAM will be an integral part of e Great Park Cultural Terrance a campus comprising a wide variety of museums and cultural amenities envisioned to bring diverse ideas, cultures, and artistic expression to enrich Irvine and the region.History, technology, innovation, arts, music, and dance will be displayed in a walkable green environment that can host both indoor and outdoor festivals and events, connecting e Great Park with surrounding neighborhoods, the county, the region, and the state. Close to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, e Great Park is easily accessible through the highway system, arterial roads, and public transportation and will be within walking distance of the Irvine Train Station, which is served by Amtrak and Metrolink services.A signicant component of FLAM’s new development is state-of-the-art

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educational programs. To reinforce curriculum integration eorts, FLAM will craft comprehensive, curriculum-aligned materials spanning history, leadership, patriotism, citizenship, and aviation science tailored for kindergarten through high school students.Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students at local colleges and universities will have myriad research, educational, apprenticeship, internship, and employment opportunities through FLAM. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) provides the foundation ofFLAM’s educational experience(s). It is designed to motivate and empower the next generations of visitors to FLAM to pursue their dreams through a broad spectrum of educational options to which they may not otherwise gain exposure. FLAM’s docent-led experiences will allow visitors to interact with knowledgeable docents who will guide them through the interactive experiences, exploring digital archives and oral histories and engaging in discussions that leverage cutting-edge technologies. e extensive restoration programs for the over 40 historical aircraft currently maintained by FLAM encourage the next generation of aviation enthusiasts to pursue vocational skills while gaining educational credit and experience for subsequent employment. ese vocational education opportunities are coordinated between FLAM and local educational institutions.e Seven Functions of Marine Corps Aviation will be highlighted in the diverse exhibits throughout FLAM.ey will include not only aircraft and their mission sets but also all elements of aviation support, from command and control through logistics, supply, maintenance, weapons, and tactical and operational integration while concentrating equally on the people who have made the concept of Marine Corps Aviation relevant since its inception and will continue to remain highly relevant well into the future.e cultural, societal, and economic impact of the Marine Corps in Orange County, the western region of the United States, and the nation as a whole cannot be understated.FLAM will provide a means by which the general public can understand the comprehensive impact the military, particularly the Marine Corps, has played in the development of American society throughout our history. As such, there is potential for organizations, communities, groups, schools, military units, etc., to avail themselves of the FLAM facilities to host symposiums, conferences, eld trips, gatherings, ceremonies, etc., to enrich their experiences through FLAM’s extensive community support outreach initiatives.KEY MilestonesIn May 2021, FLAM launched an aggressive fundraising campaign to accumulate $5 million within the first calendar year. The goal was achieved in nine months. A strategic fundraising campaign has been developed to sustain those initial donations through sound investment opportunities, while FLAM remains a good steward of all donated funds. The campaign will expand through engagement with private donors, foundational donors, industry donors, local, state, and federal grants, annual recurring budget line items, and one-time appropriations.• Siteline Productions, Inc. has been contracted to serve as the overall facility and exhibit design rm tasked with determining the maximized layout of FLAM and developing exhibit displays that capture the historical and educational signicance of the renderings.• e majority of the aircraft and non-aircraft artifacts were the custodial property of the National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) in Quantico, Virginia. In May 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the NMMC, FLAM, and the U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM) was fully executed, transferring the aircraft and non-aircraft artifacts to FLAM.• Prior to October 2022, FLHF and FLAM maintained two Boards of Directors, the majority of whose members were identical. To establish clear, ecient, and eective organizational Board responsibilities, avoid unnecessary duplication of eort, and prohibit seams within the organizational structure, these two Boards were consolidated into one Board of Directors under the Chairmanship of LtGen Terry “Guts” Robling. e FLHF/FLAM Board of Directors now controls the strategic 52 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.org

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eorts for everything associated with designing, building, opening, and operating the Museum.• e fundraising eorts have garnered rather signicant cash and in-kind donations, such as the $1M donation from Quilter Sound Systems and the El Toro Oral History Project, an in-kind donation by the Center for Oral and Public History (COPH) at California State University Fullerton valued at $2.SM. e Oral History Project captures interviews with over 500 former service members and their families, as well as civilian employees who operated from, lived at, or provided support services at MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin/Santa Ana throughout the years. Each interview has been videotaped, and a written transcript has been compiled to capture the essence of such a historical treasure. A searchable database is being developed to assist students, historians, family members, and the general public in better understanding the lives of those who called MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin/Santa Ana home.• Clarkson University selected FLAM as the source of research for Student Experiential Capstone Projects going forward.• In February 2023, the City of Irvine approved the interim facility plan.• In April 2023, the City of Irvine announced that FLAM will be integral to the Cultural Terrance West campus within e Great Park complex.• e City of Irvine approved using Hangar 297 as an interim storage and restoration facility to house the aircraft and non-aircraft artifacts until the new FLAM is constructed. Hangar 297 is the former VMGR-352 hangar at the former MCAS El Toro. In December 2023, repairs and securitization of the hangar were completed before the movement of any aircraft and equipment could have taken place.• Shortly after that, the City of Irvine provided FLAM with a $20M grant to begin developing the museum in earnest.• e Land of the Free Foundation has designated FLAM as an Awardee.• U.S. Senator Alex Padilla included FLAM in the initial Federal Budget request for $2M for FY 2025.• FLAM Board of Directors has been coordinating eorts with California State Senators Limberg and Newman to receive as much as $2.SM in budget line-item funding as part of the annual budget process.• In 2023, FLHF/FLAM merged with the November 10th Foundation and hosted the annual Marine Corps Birthday Celebration.• FedEx Founder and CEO and Vietnam Marine veteran Fred Smith personally donated $1M to FLAM.• In December 2023, Ponsford Aircraft Restorations began minor repairs and initial aircraft restoration at MCAS Miramar. Aircraft disassembly commenced to facilitate the aircraft’s movement from MCAS Miramar to Hangar 297 at e Great Park in Irvine.• During February 2024, FedEx donated seventeen (17) trucks to move all non-aircraft memorabilia and artifacts from MCAS Miramar to Hangar 297 (the temporary storage and restoration facility) at e Great Park.• In March 2024, the Pre-construction Agreement for the new FLAM facility was signed with the General Contractor.• FLAM contracted with Swinerton to move all historical aircraft from MCAS Miramar and MCAS Camp Pendleton to Hangar 297 beginning in March 2024. To date, thirty-two (32) of the forty-one (41) aircraft in the collection have journeyed from San Diego to Hangar 297. e remaining nine (9) aircraft will be transported beginning in July 2024 and completed by the end of August 2024.• In April 2024, all non-aircraft artifacts and memorabilia (i.e., vehicles, support equipment, shelving, etc.) completed transportation from MCAS Miramar to Hangar 297.• As of May 2024, FLAM accepted custody of and transported the newest addition to the historical aircraft collection, the AH-1W, from MCAS Camp Pendleton to Hangar 297.• Full restoration services and capabilities transferred from MCAS Miramar to Hangar 297 in May 2024. Preservation and conservation of the historical aircraft is underway in Hangar 297 and will continue throughout 2025.• Non-aircraft artifacts inventory and cataloging have begun and will continue indenitely.• e formal groundbreaking ceremony for FLAM at the approved Cultural Terrace West site occurred in May 2024. It was attended by ocials from the City of Irvine City Council, Orange County, California State, the FLAM CEO, and several FLHF/FLAM Board of Directors members.• In May 2024, the City of Irvine approved the Pre-development and Lease Agreements.• As of June 2024, Snyder Langston Company has been chosen as the FLAM design-and-build contractor, and Ware Malcom has been selected as the architect.• Architectural and Design eorts continue, and the completed plan design will be submitted to the City of Irvine in late August 2024.• In June 2024, FLAM hosted the Ron Simon Foundation Scholars for a Historical Education Event.• FLAM Headquarters in Miramar permanently shut down and moved to Hangar 297.• To date, FLAM has raised $26M, which will allow the release of funds for the construction of the new FLAM.• July 2024, the Ron Simon Foundation donates $8M to FLAM for the naming rights to the Main Exhibit Hall.• e Capital Fundraising Campaign has targeted an additional donation amount of $30M. e solicitation process remains ongoing.• Site preparation of the Cultural Terrance is underway by the City of Irvine. e expected completion date is January 2025, when the certied pad is turned over to FLAM and the general contractor.• e actual construction of the new FLAM will begin in January/February 2025.Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 53

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54 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgMuch work remains to be completed before the new FLAM opens on schedule, but the new museum is here to stay. It will become a world-class, state-of-the-art facility focused uniquely on preserving the heritage of Marine Corps Aviation and the Marine Corps as a whole. Should anyone desire to assist in the process, please consider participating by contacting MCAA and/or FLAM representatives.Should anyone desire to assist in the process, please consider participating by contacting MCAA and/or FLAM representatives.e FLAM/FLHF Board of Directors, in close coordination with the MCAA Board of Directors, has been working diligently to establish a formalized relationship between MCAA and FLAM, given that the mission statements of each organization are virtually identical in meaning and purpose and the eorts are entirely complimentary. As of November 2023, the MCAA Board of Directors unanimously approved a $100,000 donation to FLAM and is considering making that an annually recurring donation for ten (10) years. Such a donation is not guaranteed and will be reviewed annually by the MCAA Board of Directors to balance among the other competing priorities of MCAA and its strategic goals as well as the nancial capacity to sustain philanthropic donations. Additionally, the scope and scale of the relationship between MCAA and FLAM are being actively discussed, and numerous permutations are being considered. A continuing relationship between FLAM and MCAA is mutually benecial.It will be long-standing, allowing each organization to successfully achieve their respective and collective visions for the future of honoring the heritage of Marine Corps Aviation and those who served.

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Final Marine Harrier pilots finish training, set to join last squadronZAMONE PEREZFROM THE MARINE CORPS TIMES Capt. Joshua Corbett and Capt. Sven Jorgensen completed the training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. e nal ight assessment — conducted by the AV-8B Harrier II Fleet Replacement Detachment, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing — was a low-altitude, close-training sortie, according to the statement.“e signicance of the last replacement pilot training ight in the Harrier community is that it is the beginning of the end for us as a community,” Corbett said in the statement. “e Harrier, more than many aircraft than I have come across, elicits an emotional response. ... All good things have to come to an end, and it’s our turn soon, but not yet.”Both pilots will report to Marine Attack Squadron 223, also known as “the Bulldogs.” e Harrier squadron will be the last of its kind in the Marine Corps and is slated to continue operations through September 2026, according to the statement.e Marine Corps will transition away from the vertical/short takeo and landing tactical attack aircraft and the F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft as it moves to the F-35 Lightning II by the end of scal year 2030, Marine Corps Times previously reported. Some Harrier and Hornet squadrons have already been deactivated as part of these moves.e AV-8B Harrier II rst arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, in 1983. Harrier pilots have supported numerous operations across the globe, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force in the former Yugoslavia, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to the statement.“It is exciting to see our last two students graduate from the FRD and hit the eet,” said Lt. Col. Nathaniel Smith, the commanding ocer of Marine Attack Squadron 223. “Our team of pilots, maintainers, and supporting sta have done outstanding work in supporting both the FRD and VMA missions here.”The final two AV-8B Harrier II pilots finished training on Friday, receiving the last 7509 military occupational specialty designation reserved for qualified pilots of the aircraft, according to a statement from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 55

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56 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgRooted in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1998, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement of 2014 between the U.S. and the Philippines, the two allied nations remain committed to working together to advance regional security and stability, and enhance collective military readiness. After the successful execution of exercises Balikatan 24 and Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum (ACDC), the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) continued in their role as the command element for “I MEF Forward,” with Brig. General Robert Brodie, commanding general of I MEF Forward, and elements of Marine Air Group (MAG) 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), joined the aircraft and exercise control eort at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines. U.S. forces featured joint participation from the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, as well as U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor aircraft from the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing. U.S. Marine Corps forces included the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) in Luzon, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group Marine Aviation Support Activity 2024The U.S.-Philippine team reached new heights STORY BY 1ST LT. JOHN FISCHER, 1 MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, Philippines – Elements of the I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF) concluded the three weeks of the latest iteration of Marine Aviation Support Activity bilateral training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on June 21, 2024. Training encompassed air, sea, and land domains from Palawan to Batan, rehearsing emerging aviation concepts across the Philippine archipelago.

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 5738, 3rd MAW at Clark Air Base and Laoag, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214 and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, both from 3rd MAW, and nally 1st Air Naval Gunre Liaison Company, I MEF Information Group in Palawan and Ilocos Norte, training alongside their Philippine counterparts through realistic and collaborative exchanges.MASA 24 continued the successes of ACDC and began the nal series of summertime bilateral training opportunities in the Philippines. Where ACDC stressed the maritime coastal defense capabilities of the Philippine and U.S. Marine teams, MASA pushed the envelope in aviation-related support and defense capabilities in austere and forward-deployed environments. Specically, Philippine and U.S. forces partnered for a variety of subject matter expertise exchanges (SMEE) across dierent military activities, including integrated air missile defense, communication, martial arts, close air support, explosive ordnance disposal, engineering operations, health services, and more.“MASA is basically designed to enhance capabilities, develop interoperability, and enhance cooperation, whereby the primary focus is the use of aviation assets to support Marine-Air-Ground operations,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo T. Racadio, exercise director for MASA 24 and Deputy Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. Brodie added another perspective to this point, explaining, “MASA is a magnicent opportunity for us to bring our aviation assets to provide mobility, reconnaissance, and the ability to get into areas that we normally can’t see into.”To the north of the I MEF Forward command element in the Angeles area of Zambales, U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371 trained with Airmen from the Philippine Air Force to provide Forward Arming and Refueling for aircraft involved in the exercise. ese mobile FARPs provide key logistical support for aircraft in remote environments with little infrastructure required, eectively enabling combined U.S.-Philippine forces to support aircraft in previously inaccessible locations. In addition to FARP operations, Philippine Airmen and MWSS 371 personnel conducted bilateral engineering operations to improve the ability of Philippine military forces to build airelds, refueling points, and other infrastructure to support combined Philippine-U.S. military operations.In Manila, Philippine Navy Corpsmen and U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Air Group 13 and I MEF Forward continued exchanges on best medical practices, tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), and Valkyrie whole fresh blood transfusions to train U.S.-Philippine forces on how to best U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert B. Brodie, the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), center, speaks with Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arturo G. Rojas, right, the commandant of the PMC, at the closing ceremony of Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines, 21 June 2024. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. KAYLA HALLORANU.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), and Philippine Marines pose for a photo during the littoral live-ﬁre exercise for Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 at San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The LLFX showcased the integrated command and control capabilities of the U.S. and Philippine armed forces in a territorial defense scenario featuring a coordinated bilateral surface and maritime strike. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. CHRISTIAN TOFTEROO

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58 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgprovide treatment and care for injured personnel in high-stress and conict-based scenarios. Both teams conducted real blood transfusions on U.S. Marines to demonstrate key tactical casualty care procedures and provide realistic training. To enhance the realism of the training even further, U.S. and Philippine Marines ran TCCC relays where timed tactical medical care for simulated casualties was performed. e practical application portion was supplemented throughout MASA 24 with classroom-based instruction from both sides.While training blazed through the Philippine nights, both U.S. and Philippine militaries paused to share in personal, cultural, and social exchanges. One such occasion included a rst-ever U.S.-Philippine women’s leadership symposium, where accomplished military enlisted women and ocers from both countries shared their personal experiences in the military and their keys to success in their occupations. e symposium served as a pivotal platform for exchanging ideas, best practices, and strategies to enhance female leadership roles in the military. During many of the exchanges, both sides shared food and drink, including traditional Philippine “Boodle Fights” to celebrate the conclusion of many training events within the exercise.“e relationships are the critical part. What we’ve talked about is that it is more than a partnership, but it’s a friendship, and friendships come with common understanding. ey come with respect. e more we operate together, the more we learn from each other, the more we can focus on our common goals,” said Brodie.As the premier event for MASA 24, planning for a littoral live-re exercise (LLFX) served as the backdrop to all training. e LLFX tested the combined U.S.-Philippine capability to synchronize multiple aviation and ground-based assets to conduct controlled strikes in Philippine territorial waters to simulate a coastal defense scenario against A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lighting II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives fuel from a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, MAG 11, 3rd MAW, for a littoral live-ﬁre exercise off the coast of Zambales, Philippines, during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24, 15 June 2024. The LLFX showcased the integrated command and control capabilities of the U.S. and Philippine armed forces in a territorial defense scenario featuring a coordinated bilateral surface and maritime strike. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTOan adversary. From the Philippine and U.S. exercise directors giving the nal approval for the release of live munitions, to the aviation maintenance and ordnance personnel preparing aircraft on the ground, the success of the littoral live-re exercise required meticulous bilateral planning and attention to detail at all echelons of command. Food packs were distributed to local shermen to ensure their quality of life was maintained as areas normally shed were closed to facilitate training. Notices to Mariners and Airmen (NOTAMs) were issued to all vessels and aircraft to close o each impact area from the public, and Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force personnel enforced “no-entry zones” prior to and during the LLFX. In total, three 105mm Howitzer artillery pieces from the 4th Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps, and four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with VMFA 214 used live ordnance during the event on targets crafted by local Philippine contractors and made to simulate vessels. e F-35Bs struck their targets with precision, landing all seven, 500-pound GBU-32 laser-guided bombs on ocean targets three nautical miles o the coast of Zambales. e entire operation was supported by Philippine unmanned aerial reconnaissance assets, providing critical visual information to the commanders controlling the exercise. e LLFX demonstrated that no matter the distance, personnel, or terrain involved, U.S. and Philippine forces can produce accurate and lethal eects.“I’ve been in the Marine Corps for 30 years; this is the very rst exercise that I have ever participated in where I’ve been able to stand alongside my partner and have a conversation about how we’re going to bring our forces to bear to conduct, in this particular case, strikes at sea and in the maritime domain,” said Brodie.In the north, the 3rd MLR conducted various SMEE exchanges and Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) to train Philippine and U.S. Marines in simulated “island-hopping” operations, seizing and securing key terrain to allow friendly forces to ow in. MASA showcases a whole Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) concept, with joint support from the U.S. Army and Air Force, and combined support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, providing maximum combat power to any clime and place. In conjunction with military training and accomplishments, the 3rd MLR regularly gave back to the community, participating in events with local schools and local residents. One such occasion included a bilateral static display, where Marines from the 3rd Littoral Combat Team and 4th MDBE set up Marine equipment and vehicles for the community to explore. is oered a chance for local Philippine citizens in Luzon to engage with U.S.-Philippine

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 59forces and gain a glimpse into their world, creating a shared connection and common understanding.“Fostering the support of the community is very important. In our [Philippine] constitution, it says the armed forces must protect our people,” Racadio commented when asked about the community aspect of the exercise. Racadio further emphasized, “e importance for our people [Philippine citizens] to understand what we are doing. ey need to know that what we are doing in this exercise is for their protection; it is for the protection of the Philippines.”rough the elaborate execution of a live-re maritime strike to the personal exchanges between each U.S. and Philippine service member, Marine Aviation Support Activity 2024 exemplied the enduring partnership and collaboration between the United States Marine Corps and the Philippine Marine Corps. By enhancing interoperability and rening joint operational capabilities, the exercise underscored both nations’ commitment to regional stability and security. e successful execution of MASA 2024 not only strengthened military readiness but also fostered deeper mutual respect and understanding, paving the way for future cooperative endeavors in the Indo-Pacic region.“For over 70 years, our alliance has held rm, and we both have things to oer. When we bring both those things together, quite frankly, it’s unstoppable. It is founded in our focus on freedom,” said Brodie. Racadio echoed the same sentiment, saying, “What we’re doing right now is connected to our shared goals in order for us to maintain the stability of the region. We really need to help each other because we have shared values, we have shared culture, and we are determined in our commitment to make this region a stable one.”A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxies a runway in preparation for take-off during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 at Clark Air Base, Luzon, Philippines, 8 June 2024. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. NIKOLAS MASCROFTA U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, ofﬂoads shipping supplies from a CH-53E Super Stallion at Laoag International Airport, Philippines, June 16, 2024. VMM-165 provided air transportation to streamline the mail delivery process for Marines and Sailors with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division currently deployed in the Philippines. The mail operation was part of Marine Aviation Support Activity 24, an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing aviation concepts. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. JACQUELINE C. PARSONS

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 61Most importantly, Marine Aviation must be able to deliver the lethality coecient to the MAGTF, Joint Force maritime component command, and the broader Joint Force when called upon. To deliver the necessary lethality, Marine Aviation endeavors to lead-turn the acquisition of capabilities and advanced technologies through a ree-Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) plan, starting in scal year 2026. We will useForce Design 2030and force modernization guidance as the strategic waypoint to address current challenges while setting conditions to compete in the next decade. In collaboration and coordination with the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Oce of Net Assessment and the Marine Corps Warghting Lab’s Futures branch, Marine Aviation will continue to contribute to the strategic design eort by forecasting challenges out to 2040 and establishing a plan that allows Marine Aviation to outpace our adversaries.Marine Aviation’s Project EAGLE is that plan. Project EAGLE’s embedded three-FYDP plan is the strategic lift vector of Marine Aviation to 2040. e objective is to achieve a framework that enables the Marine Corps to adjust the current Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Assessments process to meet the correct future operational requirements. e approach seeks capabilities and technological innovations that exceed a single FYDP to provide informed predictability and exibility. e unconstrained planning of future FYDPs provides opportunities to invest in the current FYDP in the procurement of future technology to match the changing environment and ensure Marine Aviation remains an integral member of the Joint Force.Fundamentally, war is both timeless and ever-changing. As Marine Aviation adapts and evolves to the changing character of conict, we shall remain true to our identity and honor all the hard aviation lessons learned over the years. erefore, Project EAGLE is guided by the following priorities:• Support the MAGTF in force modernization eorts via the functions of Marine Aviation.• Ensure detailed collaboration and interoperability with the Joint Force maritime component command.• Support broader joint and coalition force eorts of interoperability and interchangeability.Project EAGLE has three phases. ese phases are specically designed to support CMC 38’s initial force design guidance and CMC 39’s force modernization vision. In addition, Project EAGLE phases are intended to provide more analytical rigor to the Marine Corps’ budget planning and programming. ese phases also provide an opportunity to communicate a clear and steadfast vision of Marine Aviation to the Department of Navy, Oce of the Secretary of Defense, Congress, and industry.Project EAGLE placemat. (Image provided by author.)

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62 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgPhase I: Framework Developmentis phase began in the summer of 2022 and will continue to be rened throughout all phases. e following were areas of focus during Phase I:• Initial research and orientation of historical demographic, environmental, economic, and technological developments, and the impacts of these variables on the current environment.• Understanding the future operating environment and emerging trends.• Development and research of potential concepts and functions.• Initial development of lines of eort (LOEs), roadmaps, and key milestones out to 2040.Phase II: New CMC 39 Guidanceis phase began in the fall of 2023 and will continue to be rened throughout Phase III. e objective of this phase is to rene the vision and LOEs developed during Phase I and implement appropriate CMC 39 guidance at the beginning of scal year 2024. is phase will also include the publishing of theAviation Plan(AVPLAN) in December of 2024. e AVPLAN has been a vital tool to communicate the Deputy Commandant for Aviation’s vision and direction to multiple audiences. is annual message will again transmit DC Aviation’s rudder steers and altitude changes to maintain alignment and focus on Marine Aviation’s core responsibility of supporting the MAGTF.Phase III: Executionis phase will begin in the summer of 2025 and will continue through 2040. Phase III will incorporate actions from Phase I and II and will introduce FYDP 41–45’s vision for planning.Project EAGLE Has Five Lines of Eort (LOE)LOE 1: ConceptsMarine Aviation is looking at the viability of two new concepts: distributed aviation operations (DAO) and decision-centric aviation operations (DCAO) 2040. ese concepts are nested with and support expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO), Stand-in Forces, and broader Joint Force operating concepts. ese aviation concepts, which will be tested and developed via the Marine Corps’ Concept Generation and Development Process, will drive aviation strategy, doctrine, and acquisition planning.• DAO. As part ofForce Design 2030and force modernization, Marine Aviation must further its capabilities for operating in austere and distributed littoral environments as an essential element of the Stand-in Force, and in support of EABO. Included in this functional concept is the need to review the traditional functions of Marine Aviation.• DCAO 2040. e central idea of DCAO is to accelerate the decision cycle of the ACE to machine-level speeds using cutting-edge and emerging technologies. e intent is to enable the rapid composition and decomposition of a more distributed force achieving the benets of mass while minimizing the risks associated with concentration. Current studies are underway to assess the full requirements and ecacy of DCAO 2040. However, DAO is the rst step towards DCAO 2040.LOE 2: Functions of Marine AviationMarine Corps Warghting Publication 3-20,Aviation Operations, directs planners to consider aviation functions when conducting aviation planning and not the means available (i.e., weapons systems or platforms). e role of the Marine Aviation functions is to provide a framework for planners in planning aviation operations, but this requires having relevant aviation functions.e existing six functions of Marine Aviation (oensive air support, anti-air warfare, assault support, aerialreconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles) were critical to the Marine Corps’ success in conducting expeditionary land and amphibious operations. However, based on the changing global environment and technological developments, a modernized Marine Aviation functional framework is necessary for planners to approach today and tomorrow’s maritime campaigns. Current studies are underway to assess the ecacy of expanding the functions of Marine Aviation to better support joint and coalition forces in a maritime campaign.LOE 3: Digital Data-Centric CultureTo maintain a competitive advantage in future conicts and meet the current mission requirements, Marine Aviation will embrace a digital data-centric culture, equip the ACE with cutting-edge articial intelligence (AI) tools and knowledge, and enhance the Marine Corps’

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 63Structural forces, emerging dynamics, and advanced threats require a new and evolving Marine Corps operating concepts out to 2040. (Photo provided by author.)asymmetric warghting capability leveraging AI and other emerging technologies. Marine Aviation is dedicated to creating a digital data-centric culture where AI agents serve as a force multiplier and a teammate in the ready room, on the ight line, in the eld with our enablers, and in the cockpit. When fully integrated into aviation operations, AI agents will enable the seamless and rapid move from in, on, and out of the loop against our adversaries.Becoming a data-centric and data-enabled organization will enhance Marine Aviation’s culture, risk management, eciency, eectiveness, and decision making. Such a change requires leadership at all levels, trust in data, and investment in infrastructure, personnel, and training. Developing a digital data-centric culture within Marine Aviation will be challenging at rst, but it is a key component to supporting force modernization eorts, DAO, and DCAO 2040 concepts.LOE 4: Three-Future Years Defense ProgramLOE 4 will address the specic priorities and allocation of resources and funding across the next three FYDPs to support the future vision of Marine Aviation encapsulated in Project EAGLE.LOE 5: Roadmapse following proposed roadmaps for Project EAGLE involve multiple key stakeholders within HQMC and will require detailed collaboration and coordination across the enterprise for implementation.• Vertical Takeo and Landing Development Portfolio.• MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary Development Portfolio.• Aviation Command and Control and Ground Support.• Aviation Sustainment 2040.• Infrastructure Roadmap 2040.• Ranges Roadmap 2040.• Live/Virtual/Constructive Roadmap 2040.• Aircrew Recruitment and Retention Roadmap.Bottom LineStructural force changes, emerging technologies, and advanced threats require new and evolving Marine Aviation operating concepts to deliver the lethality coecient when required. First, DAO, DCAO 2040, and decision centric concepts provide pathways into ghting in future operating environments. Second, the review of the six functions of Marine Aviation is essential to supporting EABO, joint operating concepts, andForce Design 2030. ird, transformational capabilities such as AI, ML, and the cultivation of a digital data-centric culture will equip Marines with digital tools and knowledge to enhance their warghting capabilities within the ready room, on the ight line, in the eld with our enablers, and in the cockpit. Project EAGLE reorients Marine Aviation’s lift vector and is the next waypoint in the Commandant’s vision for force modernization to ensure the Nation’s 911 force remains agile, dynamic, and ready.LtCol Robillard is currently assigned as the Lead Aviation Strategy and Plans Ocer for Headquarters, Marine Corps Department of Aviation.Notes1. Oce of the Director of National Intelligence,Global Trends 2040–A More Contested World, (Washington, DC: 2021)

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64 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgTAPSsome gave allLieutenant Colonel Ralph K. Park Lieutenant Colonel Ralph K. Park, United States Marine Corps (Retired) ofWestminster, Maryland(formerlyPensacola, Florida) died on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Dove House in Westminster. Lieutenant Colonel Park was born in Colorado and grew up in several states of the Southwest. He was a graduate of Durango High School in Colorado and of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He entered active duty in the Marine Corps in 1956 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1958. While serving as an instructor at Naval Air Base Pensacola, he married Elizabeth Ades. Their family now includes: daughter, Patricia A. Linville; granddaughter, Julie Anne Mora, her husband Michael Mora, and her son Alex Mora; and granddaughter Rebecca Linville, all of Westminster. He was predeceased by his son in law Joseph E. Linville. While on active duty, LtCol Park served ﬁve years in Marine Ofﬁcer recruiting activities: two years as the Marine Selection Ofﬁcer in Jacksonville, Florida and three years in what was then known as the Ofﬁcer Procurement Section at Headquarters, Marine Corps. He completed that tour as Head of the Section, having initiated several signiﬁcant innovations in the Marine Ofﬁcers Programs, including the Aviation options for the Platoon Leaders Class Program, and the PLC Civilians Pilot Training Program. LtCol Park was Commanding Ofﬁcer of two Marine Squadrons: Marine Air Base Squadron 32 at MCAS Beaufort, SC, and Marine Attack Squadron 311 during one of that squadron’s numerous tours in the Western Paciﬁc. He proudly served as a Marine attack pilot during the Vietnam War. While on active duty, LtCol Park earned a graduate degree in Education from the George Washington University and another in Safety from the University of Southern California. Just prior to his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1982, he served an extended tour at the Naval Safety Center where he was responsible for a comprehensive revision of the Naval Aviation Safety Program. The revision resulted in the signiﬁcant saving of aircraft and lives, and was cited by the Navy and Marine Corps authorities as “a beneﬁt to Naval Aviation for years to come.” After his retirement from the Marine Corps, LtCol Park worked as a civilian contract ground school instructor and ﬂight simulator instructor in the Naval Air Training Command, and as a part time charter/ambulance pilot and ﬂight instructor for Pensacola Aviation Center. For six consecutive years, he was elected to the staff of the local Marine Corps Aviation Association Squadron, including a term as Squadron Commander. From 1993 through 2006, he served as FAA Aviation Safety Counselor, producing and participating in FAA Aviation Safety Seminars, and serving as a guest speaker for aviation organizations and military safety standdowns. In 1995, he was selected as the ﬁrst national FAA Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year. Since 2007, he has served in the FAA general aviation program as a “FAASTeam” Lead Representative. In 2007, the FAA recognized his 50 continuous years as an active pilot by awarding him the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award. In 1997, LtCol Park initiated actions that resulted in the formation of the Pensacola Area Flight Watch, an organization supporting General Aviation interests in the area. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapters 485 and the EAA Ultralight Chapter 105, and a local poker group, to whom he leaves a well-worn set of poker chips. He diagnosed himself as an alcoholic in 1978, and completely defeated the disease during the remainder of his life. LtCol Park often stated he was a “God-fearing man, but not a church-going man,” and he requested that religious memorial services not be conducted in his memory. William “Bill” Boese Memorial Mass for William “Bill” Boese, age 79, of Milford was held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. William John Boese, son of Burdette ”Buzz” William and Helen Mary (Trainer) Boese, was born in El Paso, Texas, on August 3, 1944, where his father was stationed with the Army.The family returned to Webb, Iowa, upon “Buzz” fulﬁlling his tour of duty. Bill grew up helping his grandpa on the county road grader and his dad at the Champlin gas station. Bill loved baseball and played catcher from elementary through high school. Bill graduated from Webb High School in 1962 with a baseball scholarship to South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, S.D. During his freshman year at SDSU, Bill decided he’d rather be a United States Marine. He quit college, enlisted, and was stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego.During his time at MCRD, Bill was recognized as a leader and was encouraged to apply for appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Prep School, Bainbridge, MD, where upon completion, he received an appointment to the 1965 USNA plebe class. He graduated from USNA in 1969 thus pinning on the single silver bar of a United States Marine Corps (USMC) Second Lieutenant. Bill proceeded to the Basic School, Quantico, Va. With him, beginning a 26-year military career, was his wife, Ramona Finch Boese of Spencer, Iowa.Bill’s accomplishments at the Basic School qualiﬁed him for ﬂight training, his future military career. The Vietnam War was going on and Bill’s pilot training began with the Air Force (space available), receiving Air Force wings. Marines ﬂy with the Navy. To earn Navy wings, they moved to Cherry Point, N.C., there earning those wings. Through his career, Bill ﬂew the A-4 Skyhawk and the AV-8B Harrier. LtCol. William J. Boese retired from the Marine Corps in 1989, moved to Milford, Iowa, and began a cow/calf operation on his farm west of Milford.Bill was active with the American Legion Post #384, served as a Dickinson County Supervisor, and was active with his church. Surrounded by his family, Bill passed on April 10, 2024. Preceding Bill in death were his parents, Burdette and Helen. Left to remember and honor him are his wife, Ramona; daughter,

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 65Sarah Boese Crowder, and her husband, Josh, and their children: Hanah, Jakob, and Elaina; son, John, and his son, Max; sister, Marilyn Boese Douglas and her husband, Greg. Bill has many relatives and friends who will talk about his storytelling and golﬁng skills.“He has slipped the surly bonds of Earth and touched the face of God…” High Flight by John GillespieMajor General Dennis T. “Jersey” Krupp Major General Dennis T. “Jersey” Krupp, USMC, Retired, made his last take off inNorfolk, Va.with his wife Pattyanne and daughter Jersey Ann by his side after a valiant three plus-year battle with cancer. Jersey was born on 14 July 1947 inJersey City, N.J.and attended Dickerson High School, receiving multiple college scholarships for swimming and track. He attended Jersey City University in 1965 and enlisted in the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC), which led to a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon college graduation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics on 3 June 1969. He and Pattyanne Dante, his life long love and high school sweetheart, were married 8 June 1969. Jersey proudly served our country for over 33 years, accepting a commission into the Marine Corps and received his Navy Wings in December 1970. Upon his retirement in 2002 from the Marine Corps Jersey had achieved the rank of Major General, USMC, having ﬂown a total of over 5,540 ﬂight hours in F-4’s, F-18’s, A-4’s, AV-8’s as well as Helicopters to include the MV-22 Osprey. Jersey served in Vietnam ﬂying F-4 Phantoms in 1973, upon returning and after a short stint in the USMC reserves moved on to Beaufort, S.C. serving as the Aircraft Maintenance Ofﬁcer in preparation for an overseas deployment to Japan with VMFA-312. After returning from Japan, Jersey moved on to Yuma, Ariz. ﬂying with the newly formed Marine Weapons and Tactics Squadron training Marine Fighter Pilots. During this time Jersey was selected as the United States Marine Corps Pilot of the Year for 1979 by the Association of Naval Aviation. Following his time as an instructor in Yuma, Jersey transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet in Lemoore, CA and was assigned to be the Executive Ofﬁcer (XO) of VMFA-323 for the Mediterranean deployment aboard the USS Coral Sea which was involved in the April, 1986 air strikes against Libya. After returning to El Toro, Ca. Jersey took over as Commanding Ofﬁcer of the F/A-18 squadron serving for another two years in that capacity before moving to Washington D.C. While in Washington Jersey was selected for the National War College, attending from June 1989 until June 1990. Duty as Chief of Staff for the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in New Orleans for Colonel Krupp followed, in April 1992 Colonel Krupp assumed command of Marine Air Group -12 in Iwakuni, Japan for two years. Jersey was selected for Brigadier General in January 1995 and served for a time as Commanding General of 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Okinawa, Japan. Leaving Japan Brig General Krupp returned to the East Coast and was assigned to the Pentagon working for the Chief Of Naval Operations until in June, 2000, Major General Krupp assumed command of 2D Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point, N.C. until his retirement from active duty in September 2002. Thus ended an exemplary Military career which took Jersey and Pattyanne from the far reaches of the Paciﬁc and coast to coast in the US. His personal Military awards include: Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior

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66 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgService Medal, Legion of Merit with 2 Gold Stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Numeral “2”, 2 Navy Commendation Medal, NATO Medal. Following his Military service Jersey worked for Northrop Grumman as Program Manager for Tactical Training Ranges before becoming the Chief Operating Ofﬁcer of TRAX International based in Las Vegas, NV. In 2011 Jersey founded Diverse Technology Korps, served as President, providing Tactical Training Range support for military use throughout the US. Jersey is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Pattyanne, and daughter Jersey Ann who he cherished dearly. He will always be remembered by friends and service mates for his dedication, integrity and willingness to take on new challenges. He will be missed. MajGen Dennis T Krupp, USMC (Ret) will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, 24 September 2024 at 1100. Following the Memorial Services a Celebration of Life will be held at Patton Hall, Ft Myer.Robert G. “Bob” LarsonJune 17, 1945 - June 13, 2024 Raised in Levittown, NY; Lt. Col. Larson joined the Marine Corps in 1967 attending Boot Camp in San Diego, CA. Later during his time at Basic School in Quantico, VA, he met the love of his life, Maggie, whom he married in 1969.In 1970 he was designated a Naval Aviator after completing ﬂight training with the USAF and Navy. Initially stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, Lt. Col. (AKA “Legs Larson”) was assigned to squadron VMA (AW) - 332, ﬂying the A-6 Intruder. Upon completion of combat training, he was reassigned to Nam Fong, Thailand where he ﬂew 58 combat missions, all but three being at night. The A-6 that Lt. Col. Larson ﬂew is now housed at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center.Following his combat service, he was assigned to HQMC in Washington, DC. While serving as Project Manager for real property maintenance (air stations), Lt. Col. Larson earned a BSBA from the University of Maryland. From there he attended Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia. His next assignment returned him to his original squadron in Cherry Point, where in 1979, his squadron was deployed to Iwakuni, Japan.Upon returning in 1980, he served as the Staff Secretary to the Commanding Ofﬁcer of 2nd MAW at Cherry Point. He was then assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in Virginia where he served as Installations and Logistics Ofﬁce for USMC air stations and later as Aide to the Director of Manpower. During this time Lt. Col. Larson earned an MA from Central Michigan University.His ﬁnal assignment returned him to Cherry Point where he served as a Commanding Ofﬁcer. He retired from the Marine Corps in January 1990.During Lt. Col. Larson’s illustrious career, he received numerous commendations including two Meritorious Service Medals, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal.Following his service, he and Maggie moved to Cary, NC. His life of service continued, volunteering in long-term care and veteran support. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on a second professional career as a Human Resource Consultant.Bob’s many accomplishments extended to his hobbies. An avid golfer, bridge and poker player, it was his culinary talents that were probably most appreciated by his many friends and family.Bob will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Columbia Garden Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and genuine interest in others. Both professionally and personally, Bob showed by example how to live a courageous life. We salute you, Colonel.Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret Larson; son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. and Meredith Larson and granddaughters, Judith and Sydney Larson.

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 69SQUADRONcontactsARIZONAYuma, Tom Miller SquadronCO - Col Chad Vaughnchad.vaughn@usmc.milXO - Col Billy McMillin, USMC (Ret)928-580-3131colusmcret@hotmail.comCALIFORNIACamp Pendleton, Mike Yunck SquadronCO - Col Jerome “Hank” Hester (also C.O. MAG-39)760-725-3900XO Col Patrick “Paddy” Gough (Retired)760-522-9500Poseidonconsulting1@gmail.com San Diego, Marion Carl SquadronCO - Vacant TBD XO - Col Greg Goodman, USMC (Ret)858-361-9437gregory.l.goodman2@boeing.comPOC - Col Earl Wederbrook, USMC (Ret)858-577-1211earl@earlwederbrook.com COLORADORocky Mountain ChapterCO - Col Gary Kling, USMC (Ret)850-377-4703gakling18@gmail.comFLORIDAPensacola, Roy S. Geiger SquadronCO - Vacant XO - Col Joe Richards, USMC (Ret)850-516-2550jprichard46@gmail.comOrlando, John F. Bolt SquadronLtCol Tim Hill, USMC (Ret)407-356-7190timhillforida@gmail.comXO - Col Rick Packard, USMC (Ret)407-463-6479rick.packard@msm.metreaaero.comGEORGIAAtlanta, HenryT. Elrod SquadronCO - MSgt JohnNewport, USMC (Ret)mclwoodstock@hotmail.comXO - Drea Garciadreagarcia6@gmail.comHAWAIIKaneohe Bay, Bruce Matheson SquadronCO - VacantMARYLANDPax River, John Glenn SquadronWebsite -mcaajgs.org CO - Colonel Jason Dukejason.t.duke.mil@us.navy.milXO -Steve Girard SteveGirard@teklaresearch.comMASSACHUSETTS BostonCO - Col Joe Mahoney, USMC (Ret)617-786-0832jhmahoney@verizon.net POC - GySgt John Margie, USMC (Ret)508-690-1682jomargie@comcast.netMISSISSIPPIJeremiah O’Keefe SquadronCO - Richard “Vinny” Caputorichard.caputo@gov2x.comNORTH CAROLINACherry Point, A. A. Cunningham SquadronCO - LtCol Anthony Ciseroanthony.cesaro@usmc.mil New River, Keith McCutcheon SquadronCO - Col Garth “Slimmer” Burnettgarth.burnett@usmc.milOKINAWAMCAS Futenma, Joe Foss SquadronCO - Col Brett Allison XO - Col Phil VanEtten, USMC (Ret)sumobuff@hotmail.comSOUTH CAROLINABeaufort, The Great Santini Squadronthegreatsantinisquadron@gmail.comCO - LtCol Neil “BB” Brubeckthegreatsantinisquadron@gmail.comXO - Maj John “Simple” Simpson, USMC (Ret)(843) 812-7197jwsimple333@gmail.comTEXASDallas/Ft. Worth, Bob Galer SquadronVacant Corpus Christi, John Smith SquadronCO - Col James Ford, IIIjames.c.ford2.mil@us.navy.milXO - VacantVIRGINIAQuantico- Nighthawk Squadron CO- Col Kevin Wild, USMC (Ret)E-mail: khw7562@gmail.comNorfolk, Darden-Schilt SquadronCO - Vacant XO - Damien MarshDamienmarsh@ﬂymarines.usWASHINGTON STATESeattle, Richard C. Mangrum SquadronLtCol Art Crowe, USMC (Ret)425-284-1455mangrumsquadron@gmail.comWASHINGTON, D.C.Washington, D.C. Bolden-Capital SquadronCO - Col Brian “Metro” Grantbrian.grant@usmc.milAT-LARGE SQUADRONSDevastate Charlie, Marine Air C2 SquadronCO - Col David Joseforskydavid.joseforsky@usmc.mil XO - Col Rey Masinsin, USMC (Ret)813-810-3271Rey.Masinsin@gd-ms.com POC - Col Curt Ames, USMC (Ret)540-295-5959Curtis.Ames@ngc.com Rocket Gibson531 Gray Ghosts SquadronCO - Richard Elliottghostlore531@yahoo.com XO - Michael Freseschorse@verizon.netwebsite: 531grayghostsquadron.orgDonald E. Davis, Marine Aviation LogisticsCO - Kevin “Klutch” McCutcheonkevinmccutcheon76@gmail.com POC - Col Kevin McCutcheon, USMC (Ret)828-443-1560kevinmccutcheon76@gmail.com John R. Dailey SquadronWebsite-mcara.usCO - Dave “Doc” Schwartz415-377-0274cpidave90@gmail.com XO - Jim Brubaker407-325-4518burbakerjr@earthlink.netRobert “Guy” Robinson SquadronCO - MSgt Kevin Bonner, USMC (Ret)808-551-7701jkbonner@sbcglobal.net

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NEWmembersCapt Cody Anderson Jimmy Ballinger Capt Daniel Bober LtCol Mark Bock Cpl Lee Booth Dave Bruce Capt William Bursaw Donald Cahoon Capt Kevin Cao LtCol Keenan Chirhart Col Robert Clinton Maj Tyler Davenport Maj Gretchen Day Maj Earl Gerlach Col Gary Graham, Sr.Gary Graham, Jr.Matthew Harrah LtCol Ryan Hart Capt Mike Hill LtCol Timothy Hogan Sgt David Jensen LtCol Nathaniel Lauterbach Col David Leppelmeier LtCol Joseph Madren Col Frank Makoski MGySgt Jacques Mason Welcome New MembersRead & InitialThe 531 Gray Ghost Squadron Annual Reunion 10-14 Sept. 2024 at MCAS Miramar San Diego, Calif. All former members of the Active Duty 531 Grey Ghost Squadron, their family, friends, and other guests are invited. Events planes are a trip to the Wild Safari Park, USS Midway tour, MCRD Graduation Ceremony, BBQ Luncheon, and our Reunion Banquet Dinner. For more information, go to https://531grayghostsquadron.org/upcoming-reunion If you have any questions, contact our Reunion Coordinator, Roy “Puma” Pearson at F18Puma@san.rr.com Mark your calendars for our 2025 Reunion: September in Key West.Mark your calendarsMCAA Symposium and MAROSDallas, Texas 12-15 May 202570 | Yellow Sheet | www.ymcaa.orgCol Tony Nerad Col Derek Oliver LtCol David Payne Maj Hans Peeders Robert Pellerin LtCol Norman Pridgen MGySgt Larry Provost IICol Jim Quinn Col Joseph Riley Maj Bryen Roder Peter Schmidt Capt Davis Schwartz LtCol David Smith LtCol Dennis Sorrell Cpl Paul Starck Capt Barton Starkey CWO-3 Doug Steward LtCol Steven Suetos John Survilla 2ndLt Lukasz Szczygielski Maj Andrew Taulbee BGen Dan Taylor Maj Jordan Tripp Greg Wright

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Summer 2024 | Yellow Sheet | 7133.5 hours and 3,600 statute miles; beginning from Long Island, N.Y., and landing in Paris, France. Lindbergh, the ‘Lone Eagle’, is a legacy member of e Distinguished Flying Cross Society. e Distinguished Flying Cross Society itself (DFCS) was founded in 1994, as a 501(c) (19) nonprot organization, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., and is made up of those men and women who were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and their relatives. e Society currently has more than 6,000 members and was founded on the fraternity and fellowship among military iers. It seeks to preserve the rich heritage and historical narratives of those who are recipients of the DFC and to educate the general public, especially the youth of America, on the values of courage, patriotism and character; those very characteristics upon which America was founded. By doing so, it elevates the awareness of the award itself and demonstrates to the public that The DFC has been awarded to pilots and air crew in all ve of our services (United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard). Recipients represent a diversity of backgrounds, ethnicity, rank and gender whose aerial achievements were chronicled from the chaos of combat, to epic rescues, out to the very edges of space. e Distinguished Flying Cross medal was established by an Act of Congress on 2 July 1926, to recognize the heroism of World War I pilots. However, the rst Distinguished Flying Cross citations were presented to civilian Pan American Flight crews on 2 May 1927, by President Calvin Coolidge, for their ve ship, 22,000 mile ight. President Coolidge presented the rst Distinguished Flying Cross medal, on 11 June 1927, to then Captain Charles A. Lindbergh of the Army Air Corps Reserve, for his solo ight of a very small cross section of ordinary Americans can and have accomplished extraordinary things under extremely dicult conditions while in ight. e Character Development Program (CDP), produced by the Medal of Honor Foundation as an educational outreach, has recently been recognized by the DFCS as an extremely worthy cause and eorts are underway to lend the support of our membership toward that eort. An active scholarship program exists for the descendents of DFCS members. If you are a DFC recipient and would like to see the historical narrative of your award preserved to serve as an inspiration for future generations, go to the DFCS website at (www.dfcsociety.org) for information and requirements for joining our ranks. Families of a deceased DFC recipient are also encouraged to enroll their loved one posthumously and become an Associate member. For additional information, call our toll-free number at 1- 866-332-6332.The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is our nation’s highest award for aerial achievement. As a valor decoration, it ranks fourth in order of precedence, and is awarded to recipients for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial ﬂight. Call to Action All DFC Marines!

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Although first chartered in 1972, the genesis of the organization dates back to World War I with the First Marine Aviation Force Veterans. As a result, sharing the legacy and heritage of Marine aviation and bringing aviation Marines, both active duty and retired together is at the core of our mission.MCAA promotes and recognizes professional excellence in Marine aviation, supports the fraternal bond of its membership, preserves Marine aviation heritage, and safeguards the future of Marine aviation through awards programs, events and publications.MCAA currently has 53 corporate members. A large part of our membership comes from the aerospace industry. Through our corporate membership and generous donations, we support numerous awards, scholarship programs and the Semper Fi fund. MCAA also supports aviation memorials and aircraft museum restorations. Join TodayMembership is Open to Military and Civilians703.630.1903 | www.flymcaa.orgThe Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) is a nonprofit 501(c)19 Veteran’s Organization.715 Broadway Street, Quantico, VA 22134www.ymcaa.orgA Celebration of the MACCS | Operation Eastern Exit | War on a Shoestringe Magazine of Marine AviationSummer 2023www.ymcaa.orgOperation Deny Flight | Happy Birthday Marines! | 80th Anniversary of the Black Sheep Squadrone Magazine of Marine AviationFall 2023www.ymcaa.orgMCAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award | Marine Aviation in Operation Allied ForceTwenty-Three Crosses: The Air Battle Over Midway Island e Magazine of Marine AviationWinter 2024JournalJournalwww.ymcaa.orgHonoring Excellence in Marine Aviation2024Marine Corps Aviation AssociationThe 2024 Aviation Awards | Marine Aircraft Wing Updates | MCAA Scholarship WinnersPHOTO BY TED CARLSON/FOTODYNAMICS.COM