VMFA-542 and VMGR-252 demonstrated aviation-delivered ground refueling during a distributed aviation operation to showcase expeditionary advanced-base operations using host-nation support. The training event marked the first U.S. F-35 landing in Sweden at Kallax Air Base. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under challenging arctic conditions while providing U.S. Marines unique opportunities to train alongside NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa) - U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuel an F-35B Lightning II jet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd MAW, using aviation-delivered ground refueling during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Lulea, Sweden, March 13, 2024. VMFA-542 and VMGR-252 demonstrated aviation-delivered ground refueling during a distributed aviation operation to showcase expeditionary advanced-base operations using host-nation support. The training event marked the first U.S. F-35 landing in Sweden at Kallax Air Base. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under challenging arctic conditions while providing U.S. Marines unique opportunities to train alongside NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Duncan Stoner) - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to land in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 25, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Duncan Stoner)

VMFA-542 pilots conducted routine flight operations to maintain proficiency and achieve training objectives in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing missions. The F-35B Lightning II is designed to meet an advanced threat while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Akeel Austin) - Two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 taxi at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Dec. 28, 2023. VMFA-542 pilots conducted routine flight operations to maintain proficiency and achieve training objectives in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing missions. The F-35B Lightning II is designed to meet an advanced threat while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Akeel Austin)

This graphic illustration was created in Adobe Photoshop Oct. 16, 2023, to recognize the accomplishments of 2nd Lt. Robert Kiffs. (U.S. Marine Corps layout and design by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith) - This graphic illustration was created in Adobe Photoshop Oct. 16, 2023, to recognize the accomplishments of 2nd Lt. Robert Kiffs. (U.S. Marine Corps layout and design by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Alrushdawi, an Orlando, Florida and Bagdad, Iraq native, joined the Marine Corps after being inspired by the work his father did as an interpreter alongside U.S. forces in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. MWSS 273 is a subordinate command of 2d MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Akeel Austin) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hasanein Alrushdawi a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), looks on at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Aug. 17, 2023. Alrushdawi, an Orlando, Florida and Bagdad, Iraq native, joined the Marine Corps after being inspired by the work his father did as an interpreter alongside U.S. forces in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. MWSS 273 is a subordinate command of 2d MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Warrant Officer Akeel Austin)

Fowle was selected for the Commandant’s Retention Program and reenlisted in the Marine Corps to give back to his Marines. MALS-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Cortez) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jarid Fowle, an aviation precision-measurement equipment technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 14, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 26, 2023. Fowle was selected for the Commandant’s Retention Program and reenlisted in the Marine Corps to give back to his Marines. MALS-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Cortez)

Gilmore discussed why he thinks Marines should reenlist and get the most out of their Marine Corps experience. MALS-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps still image extracted from video by Cpl. Christian Cortez) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jacob Gilmore, an aviation-logistics information management systems specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 14, speaks during an interview at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 15, 2023. Gilmore discussed why he thinks Marines should reenlist and get the most out of their Marine Corps experience. MALS-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps still image extracted from video by Cpl. Christian Cortez)

VMFA-542 received its first F-35B Lightning II jets and is the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron. The arrival of the aircraft marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Cherry Point, continuing 2nd MAW’s operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft to the F-35. VMFA-542 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith) - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 launches an F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 31, 2023. VMFA-542 received its first F-35B Lightning II jets and is the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron. The arrival of the aircraft marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Cherry Point, continuing 2nd MAW’s operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft to the F-35. VMFA-542 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose Arispe and Cpl. John Graham, both unmanned aerial vehicle avionics technicians with VMU-2, were awarded certificates of commendation for their actions in response to a vehicle crash while off duty. VMU-2 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Thomas Smith, the sergeant major of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 2, reads an award citation at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 22, 2023. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose Arispe and Cpl. John Graham, both unmanned aerial vehicle avionics technicians with VMU-2, were awarded certificates of commendation for their actions in response to a vehicle crash while off duty. VMU-2 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elias E. Pimentel III)