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Photo Information

The pilot of an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223 flies above Boca Chica Field, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., March 25, 2015. Marines with VMA-223 traveled to Key West to conduct air-to-air training March 18 – April 12. The squadron conducted the training to refine its ability to provide offensive air support, armed reconnaissance and aerial defense for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Morales

VMA-223 conducts air-to-air training above Florida Keys

14 Apr 2015 | Cpl. U.B. Roberts 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 223 traveled to Key West, Fla. to conduct air-to-air training March 18 through April 12.

The squadron conducted the training to hone their skills to provide offensive air support, armed reconnaissance, and air defense for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

During the training, the Marines trained to build air-to-air flight leadership for potential section and division leaders, according to a pilot with VMA-223.

The training provided the Marines with an opportunity to train realistically with live air-to-air missiles and complete training sorties that are needed for qualifications.

“All Harrier pilots seek to maintain air-to-air proficiency both as a potential mission set and as an exercise to increase overall situational awareness. The air-to-air arena affords the opportunity to make rapid decisions while handling the aircraft at the extreme edge of its operating envelope,” explained the pilot.  


2nd Marine Aircraft Wing