U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve

Cpl. Nicholas Whisenhunt, an engineer equipment operator with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, launches an RQ-11B Raven during a field exercise at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 11, 2020. The FEX provides the Marines and Sailors the opportunity to stay proficient with their equipment and refine their tactical skill sets. SPMAGTF-SC is poised to conduct crisis response, general engineering training and theater security cooperations alongside partner nation militaries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Whisenhunt is a native of Keizer, Oregon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andy O. Martinez)

Lockheed Martin delivers the first KC-130J Super Hercules tanker assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 (VMGR-452), the Marine Forces Reserve squadron, May 28, 2020, at Stewart Air National Guared Base, Newburgh, New York (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Lane/Released). A U.S. Marine Corps crew ferried the aircraft from Lockheed Martin's facility in Marietta, GA to NY.

FORT BENNING, GA – This year’s Command and General Staff Officer Course U.S. Officer top award goes to USMC Major Ismael Lara. Lara, one of two Marines in the course of 57 students from 11 countries, was recognized during a ceremony on May 20, 2020, at Marshall Auditorium. A product of the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Program, Lara was presented the WHINSEC U.S. Distinguished Honor Graduate and the General Marshall Leadership awards, a WHINSEC Saber, the Peruvian Army Academic Excellence, the Institutional Medal of the Secretary of the National Defense of México(SEDENA), and WHINSEC “Junta” Military Medals. He also attained a Support Operations Officer (SPO) Certification.

New Jersey-based leathernecks with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, recently conducted the final flight of their AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter inventory. The Marines are currently in the process of transitioning to the AH-1Z Viper helicopter, which has been called "integral to the Marine Corps’ focus on amphibious operations and flexibility in different environments." (Photo illustrations courtesy of Marine Aircraft Group-49)

New Jersey-based leathernecks with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, recently conducted the final flight of their AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter inventory. The Marines are currently in the process of transitioning to the AH-1Z Viper helicopter, which has been called "integral to the Marine Corps’ focus on amphibious operations and flexibility in different environments." (Photo illustrations courtesy of Marine Aircraft Group-49)

Three Marines with 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW) have been recognized by the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) for their outstanding work in the Marine Corps aviation field. Sgt. Cameron D. Colucci (VMM-764), Sgt. Sean Mahoney (VMFA-112) and Gunnery Sgt. Tricia Harrell (MACS-24) have been chosen as MCAA’s Enlisted Aircrewman of the Year, Avionics Marine of the Year, and Command/Control Marine of the Year, respectively. “These Marines truly exemplify Marine Forces Reserve’s commitment to unwavering excellence and professionalism,” said Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, commander, Marine Forces Reserve. “4th MAW continues to set the standard for aviation excellence across the Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy. Thanks in part to the extraordinary work of these Marines, 4th MAW is always ready to go, fight and win whenever called.” Among his other accomplishments recognized for the Enlisted Aircrewman of the Year award, Colucci was specifically cited for his unparalleled training expertise in helping three squadrons prepare for shipboard and overseas deployments. Mahoney’s extraordinary work ethic exemplified by his ability to detect and repair a recurring defect on an F/A-18 aircraft, then use that as an opportunity to train avionics Marines on the intricacies of flight data interpretation contributed to his selection as Avionics Marine of the Year. Harrell’s exceptional planning and training skills ensured the Marine Air Traffic Control Detachment was fully operational in less than 48 hours and ensured successful certification of the formation prior to deployment earned her the Command/Control Marine of the Year honor. The MCAA recognizes professional excellence in Marine aviation through education, activities, media, events and its renowned awards program. MCAA has the largest aviation-based award program in the country. Headquartered in Quantico, Va., MCAA continues the mission of its founding fathers to link the past, present and fu