
In an impressive display of cross-branch military integration and readiness, the U.S. Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA), based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, recently took part in Checkered Flag 24-2—one of the Department of Defense’s largest air-to-air exercises held at Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Florida.

This squadron, equipped with F-35C Lightning II fighters, joined forces with various aircraft from different branches, refining their wartime operational mission readiness.

Maj. Timothy Potter, a pilot training officer with VMFA-311, highlighted the rarity and significance of such an exercise. “The opportunity of training with aircraft ranging from F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lighting IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15E Strike Eagles and EA-18G Growlers allows us to learn the pros and cons of each aircraft and teaches us how we can work together to fight the next fight,” he said.

The importance of Checkered Flag extends beyond pilot training; it offers a unique chance for the teams of Marines maintaining and launching the aircraft to develop their capabilities and confidence in multi-platform interoperability.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Cofield, a maintenance control chief with VMFA-311, expressed the value of such experiences, saying, “It tests our logistics, our supply chain, and our ability to operate in a stressful environment to make the mission happen.”

Checkered Flag 24-2 coincided with Weapons System Evaluation Program East 24.08, the Air Force’s joint program to test air-to-air and air-to-ground live-fire weapons employment for combat aviators.

The dual exercise setting not only conserves resources but also provides a multipurpose training battlefield for diverse U.S. military aircraft and support personnel.

Potter explained the significance for all squadron members, stating, “In the Marine Corps, we don’t often get the opportunity to experience large-force exercises like this, but out here, we’re getting qualifications, exposure, and experience on multiple fronts for everyone in the squadron.”

The skills, experiences, and lessons learned from these integrated operations are invaluable assets that VMFA-311 will take back to their home station, further enhancing their ability to provide combat-ready expeditionary aviation forces capable of rapid worldwide deployment.

Tyndall AFB, with its storied history and evolution as a military installation, has become an essential site for training and readiness.

From its origins in 1941 as a gunnery range to its current status as the home of the F-35 mission, Tyndall has consistently served as a hub for air power and innovation.

Despite suffering nearly 100% damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018, the base has been reimagined as the Installation of the Future—aiming for greater sustainability, resilience, and integration of SMART technology.

As VMFA-311 and other squadrons like VMFA-251, which participated in the Weapons Systems Evaluation Program at Tyndall, continue to hone their skills against a variety of aircraft and ordnance, the interconnectedness of military forces becomes increasingly evident.

This joint training is a testament to the United States’ commitment to maintaining superior air power and readiness in an ever-changing landscape of global threats.

Through exercises like Checkered Flag and the Weapons Systems Evaluation Program, Tyndall AFB remains at the forefront of preparing combat aviators for the demands of modern warfare, securing its place as a pivotal site in the defense infrastructure.
Relevant articles:
– VMFA-311 demonstrates joint operations in CKF 24-2, Tyndall Air Force Base (.mil)
– Introduction, tyndallifs.com
– Home, 138th Fighter Wing (.mil)
– Thunderbolts storm Tyndall AFB, Marines.mil