Iwakuni-based Marine Squadrons Conduct AIM-9X Missile Live Fire

September 30, 2022

USINDOPACOM:

MCAS IWAKUNI, Japan — Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12 conducted an AIM-9X missile live fire from the southern coast of Japan to exercise their air-to-air warfare capabilities. Fourth generation F/A-18 Hornets and 5th generation F-35B Lightning II aircraft from the group’s fighter squadrons, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, and VMFA-242 respectively, participated in the exercise. This also marked VMFA-242’s first missile live fire since achieving full operational capability in May 2022.

A series of four AIM-9X missile employments were performed by the 4th and 5th generation fighters against air targets. The exercise was an opportunity to increase weapon proficiency and enhance the squadrons’ already formidable combat readiness in an air-to-air environment.

The ordnance personnel at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and the individual squadrons were essential in safely arming the ordnance onto the aircraft in accordance with Marine Corps ordnance procedures.

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