San Diego, California. (March 4, 2025): A rare sight appeared above the skies of San Diego as Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation as a team. In this photo by Lance Corporal Jennifer Sanchez, seven aircraft conduct this historic flight as part of Project Legacy 2025. The exercise gave Marine pilots a chance to practice flying in tight formations together as a unit. The flight included three FA-18C/D Hornets, three F-35 Lightning IIs, and one KC-130J Super Hercules transport plane.
MAG-11, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, is currently composed of two F-35C squadrons, one F-35B squadron, and two F/A-18C squadrons. The unit has a long and storied history in Marine Corps aviation. In the early stages of World War II, MAG-11 shipped off to the Pacific where two of its squadrons took part in the bloody Battle for Guadalcanal. The unit helped relieve the famous “Cactus Air Force” that was desperately fending off Japanese counterattacks. America’s victory in this battle is considered a major turning point in the war.
During the Korean War, MAG-11 flew combat missions from Atsugi, Japan, against North Korean and Chinese forces and later deployed to Taiwan in support of the Nationalist Chinese. In Vietnam, MAG-11 deployed to Da Nang Air Base where they conducted close air support; defense intercepts, and reconnaissance missions for Marines on the ground. These missions were carried out by pilots flying the F-8 Crusader, the F-4 Phantom II, the A-6 Intruder, and the A-4 Skyhawk.
In the Persian Gulf War, the unit flew strikes deep into Iraq to prepare the battlefield for Marine Ground Forces. During the conflict, MAG-11 pilots flew over 7,500 combat sorties and 16,400 hours without loss of life or aircraft. The group repeated this performance in the War on Terror flying missions in support of Marine, Army, and British ground forces. The group flew over 4,000 combat sorties, again without loss of life or aircraft.
MAG-11 continues to be one of the most heralded air units in the Marine Corps.