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Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron VMX-1
VMX-1 insignia
Active28 August 2003 - present
CountryUnited States
BranchUSMC
TypeOperational Test and Evaluation Squadron
RoleOperational test of MV-22B, CH-53K, F-35B, RQ-21B, UH-1Y, AH-1W, AH-1Z, K-MAX, aviation command & control systems, associated equipment, weapons systems, and software.
Part ofHeadquarters, United States Marine Corps, Aviation Branch
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Air Station Yuma and Marine Corps Air Station New River
Mottos"Mihi Cura Futuri"
"Mine is the care of the future"
Tail CodeMV
EngagementsNone
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel John D. Dirk
Ceremonial chiefSgtMaj Larry Buenafe

Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) is a United States Marine Corps operational test squadron consisting of multiple aircraft types. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMX-22 stood up in August 2003 and was redesignated VMX-1 in May 2016. VMX-1 conducts operational test under the authority of the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) and the Director, Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA) depending on the program under test. The squadron uses the callsign Storm for its aircraft.

Mission

[edit]

VMX-1 is an independent test organization which conducts operational testing under the authority of COMOPTEVFOR or MCOTEA and administrative control of the Deputy Commandant for Aviation with the charter to:

  • Conducts Operational Test and Evaluation of U.S. Marine Corps fixed-wing, tiltrotor, and rotary-wing aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and aviation command and control systems under the authority of Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force or Director, Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity
  • Support concept development
  • Assist in creating Marine Aviation tactics, techniques, and procedures through experimentation
  • Support tactical demonstrations
  • Provide operational support as directed by the Deputy Commandant for Aviation

History

[edit]

Flight-testing of the MV-22 Osprey was delayed in the aftermath of the two incidents in 2000 and resumed in May 2002 to address the mechanical issues raised by these accidents. Included in the now on-going testing process is a rigorous, strictly regimented inspection process to verify and validate all of the aircraft’s modifications and clearances. The Integrated Test Team at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Edwards Air Force Base, VMX-22, and the Bell Helicopter facility in Amarillo, Texas, have flown more than 4600 hours in the MV-22.

Since the MV-22 is neither a fixed-wing nor rotary-wing platform, it has a unique designation as a tiltrotor. The aeromechanics, composite structure, maintenance concepts, and concept of deployment are inherently unique and best addressed in a squadron solely focused on tiltrotor operational testing.

On 11 July 2014, Marines from VMX-22 accompanied USS America (LHA-6) on her maiden voyage from Mississippi, en route to her homeport in San Diego, California.

In June 2015, the Command Element and MV-22 component relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma from Marine Corps Air Station New River.

In August 2015, the Light (UH-1Y) Attack (AH-1W, and AH-1Z) component and the Aviation Command and Control component relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Camp Pendleton, CA, respectively.

On 13 May 2016 VMX-22 was re-designated as VMX-1.[1]

In October 2019, the F-35B Testing Detachment stationed on Edwards Air Force Base, California moved to MCAS Yuma, Arizona.

In June 2024, VMX-1 received its first CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter.[2]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]

Photographs

[edit]
  • MV-22Bs of VMX-22 landing on USS Wasp, November 2005
    MV-22Bs of VMX-22 landing on USS Wasp, November 2005
  • An MV-22 of VMX-22 at NAS Pensacola, November 2006
    An MV-22 of VMX-22 at NAS Pensacola, November 2006
  • VMX-1 Logo
    VMX-1 Logo
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

VMX-1

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit responsible for conducting operational testing and evaluation of Marine Corps aircraft, weapons systems, and related technologies to ensure combat readiness and effectiveness. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, the squadron develops tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) while integrating advanced capabilities for modern warfare. Established in 2016, VMX-1 evolved from earlier Marine and test units, including the precursor VMX-22 at New River and Navy squadrons such as , VX-5, and , which historically supported Marine aviation evaluations. The squadron operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter, MV-22B Osprey , AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter, CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter, and the MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial system. VMX-1 plays a pivotal role in Marine aviation modernization, collaborating with units like Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 (MAWTS-1) to test innovations such as the Joint Air Ground Missile (JAGM), F-35B software upgrades (e.g., Block 4), Link-16 datalink integration, and Small Diameter Bomb-II munitions. Activities include manned-unmanned teaming exercises with Navy partners, over-the-horizon heavy-lift operations for the CH-53K, advanced missile testing from the F-35B, participation in the Black Flag exercise (2025), and CH-53K rescue operations, all aimed at preparing the Marine Corps for high-end peer conflicts.

Mission and Role

Primary Responsibilities

Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) serves as the Marine Corps' dedicated unit for conducting operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of aviation platforms and associated systems. OT&E is defined as the independent assessment of a system's operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability in realistic combat environments, often using instrumented aircraft and command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) capabilities to simulate operational conditions. This process ensures that new technologies and tactics are vetted before integration into the Fleet Marine Forces, focusing on their performance under combat-like stresses rather than developmental testing. VMX-1's core responsibilities include developing and disseminating initial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for emerging aviation systems, validating operational concepts in collaboration with units like Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), and conducting integration testing to ensure compatibility with broader Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) elements. The squadron operates under the authority of the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) or the Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA), providing objective evaluations that support the safe and effective introduction of capabilities into operational use. Additionally, VMX-1 facilitates government-sponsored experimentation and tactical demonstrations as directed by the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, often partnering with Department of Defense innovation centers to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies. Beyond aviation-specific evaluations, VMX-1 extends its testing to supporting systems, such as C4I integrations that enhance during joint operations and innovations like aerial logistics connectors for sustainment in austere environments. For instance, the squadron has assessed architectures to verify their resilience in distributed operations and, in May 2025, experimented with CH-53K water transport demonstrations to optimize for expeditionary forces. These efforts underscore VMX-1's role in fostering forward-leaning capabilities that address evolving threats across the MAGTF.

Testing Scope

Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) is responsible for conducting operational testing and evaluation of all U.S. Marine Corps fixed-wing, rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), along with associated ground and support equipment. This comprehensive scope ensures that aviation assets, such as the F-35B fixed-wing aircraft, AH-1Z and UH-1Y rotary-wing platforms, MV-22 tiltrotor, CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter, and MQ-9A Reaper UAS—which VMX-1 received in April 2025—are rigorously assessed for integration within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Ground and support systems are evaluated in tandem to verify seamless operational compatibility across the aviation enterprise. VMX-1's testing emphasizes readiness for high-end conflicts, focusing on integration with forces, assessment of cyber vulnerabilities, and support for expeditionary operations. The squadron collaborates with U.S. , , and allied partners like British and Australian forces to enhance , particularly through digital networks such as Link-16. This includes evaluating cyber-resilient communications and tactics tailored for Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), ensuring aviation systems can operate effectively in contested environments. In alignment with the Marine Corps' initiatives, VMX-1 tests capabilities for distributed operations and multi-domain awareness, verifying that aviation assets enable networked sensing, communication, and lethality across dispersed units. These evaluations support the Corps' vision for agile, littoral-focused forces by integrating into expeditionary frameworks. Unique to VMX-1's mandate are live-fire exercises, such as AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range (AMRAAM) shoots from the F-35B, which validate weapons employment in realistic scenarios. Additionally, the squadron conducts environmental simulations in desert and arid conditions at its , base, assessing system performance under extreme heat, dust, and terrain challenges representative of potential operational theaters. Following its redesignation from VMX-22, this scope has expanded to encompass broader Marine aviation modernization efforts.

History

Formation and Early Operations

The Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test Squadron 22 (VMX-22) was established on August 28, 2003, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina, as a dedicated U.S. Marine Corps unit focused on the operational test and evaluation of the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. This formation centralized testing efforts previously conducted under other units, enabling a structured approach to integrating the Osprey into Marine Corps aviation operations. Early operations for VMX-22 built on the broader MV-22 program, which had resumed on May 29, 2002, following a nearly 18-month grounding imposed after two fatal crashes in April and December 2000 that raised significant safety concerns regarding the aircraft's hydraulic systems and proprotor gearbox. The squadron conducted initial operational evaluations of the MV-22B, accumulating thousands of flight hours in developmental and tactical scenarios by the mid-2010s, including assessments of short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities to validate the aircraft's multi-mission versatility. VMX-22 also initiated evaluations of the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters as part of the , transferred from Navy squadron around 2015, focusing on their shared and with existing Marine rotary-wing assets. Key challenges in VMX-22's early years centered on addressing the 's post-2000 safety issues, such as risks and mechanical reliability, through rigorous ground and flight tests that incorporated software modifications and weight reductions to mitigate crash causes. These efforts were part of a transition from ad hoc testing detachments—initially supported by Marine Helicopter Squadron One ()—to full squadron status, allowing VMX-22 to independently develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for Osprey deployment while overcoming logistical hurdles in a joint test environment.

Redesignation and Modern Developments

On May 13, 2016, Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) was redesignated as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) , expanding its mandate from a tiltrotor-specific focus to comprehensive operational testing and evaluation across Marine Corps platforms. This shift aligned with the Marine Corps' need for a centralized squadron to assess emerging systems under realistic conditions, reporting directly to the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force. Subsequent developments underscored VMX-1's growing role in integrating advanced aircraft. In 2019, the squadron's F-35B Lightning II detachment permanently relocated from , , to MCAS Yuma, consolidating testing efforts and enhancing coordination with other Marine aviation assets at the station. The arrival of the first CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter on June 7, 2024, marked a milestone in evaluating this next-generation platform, enabling VMX-1 to assess its capabilities in expeditionary environments for the first time at Yuma. Additionally, VMX-1 integrated the RQ-21B Blackjack unmanned aerial system into its testing portfolio, focusing on its tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions within Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. In the 2020s, VMX-1 adapted to evolving Marine Corps priorities by emphasizing unmanned systems testing and preparations for peer adversary threats from nations such as and , incorporating contested environments into evaluations to ensure readiness for high-end conflicts. These efforts reflect ongoing structural evolution, exemplified by the June 21, 2024, from Col. Edmund B. Hipp to Col. Charles W. Del Pizzo, followed by a subsequent change to Col. John D. Dirk in late 2024. As of 2025, VMX-1 has incorporated the MQ-9A Reaper into its testing, conducted a CH-53K rescue of a stranded in the desert on March 19, 2025, and supported water transport operations in May 2025, aligning with the squadron's lines of effort for warfighting capability and technological overmatch outlined in the 2025 Marine .

Organization and Basing

Unit Structure and Personnel

VMX-1 is commanded by a , with an holding the rank of , a chief operational test director at the rank of major, and a as the senior enlisted advisor. The squadron's structure includes functional departments such as an organic Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) element and a Science and Technology Department, which further divides into specialized divisions focused on capability integration, tactics development, and evaluation support. The unit comprises approximately 370 personnel based at , , following the consolidation of all major detachments by mid-2024. This mix includes active-duty and sailors serving as pilots, test engineers, maintainers, and data analysts, supplemented by about 40 contractors for roles in assault support, , and , as well as a small number of civilian experts, such as an assistant operational test director. Personnel undergo specialized training for operational test and evaluation (OT&E), with pilots typically on their second fleet tour possessing 500 to over 1,000 flight hours and qualifications from elite programs like the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course or TOPGUN. Additional OT&E requirements emphasize weapons systems evaluation, simulation modeling, and tactical certification through collaboration with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 (MAWTS-1), ensuring proficiency in developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for emerging aviation capabilities. Support elements within VMX-1 include dedicated safety teams focused on risk mitigation during testing and logistics detachments that manage supply chains and to maintain operational integrity, with new facilities under construction at Yuma to accommodate expanded activities. These components ensure seamless coordination across test events, drawing on the squadron's distributed basing to allocate personnel effectively between primary and detachment sites.

Bases and Facilities

Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) is primarily based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) , where it relocated in 2016 following its redesignation from VMX-22. This location provides an ideal desert environment for operational testing, leveraging the arid conditions to simulate realistic expeditionary scenarios for Marine Corps systems. The station supports approximately 370 personnel dedicated to VMX-1's testing mission, with all major detachments consolidated at Yuma by mid-2024. Key infrastructure at MCAS Yuma includes the P-612 VMX-1 Maintenance Hangar, a 79,000-square-foot facility equipped with a 10,000-square-foot shop and 6,500-square-foot administration area, enhanced by a 300 kW for sustainable operations. Following the relocation of the F-35B testing detachment from in late 2020, the base underwent adaptations to integrate short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, including expanded support for joint strike fighter maintenance and evaluation. These upgrades facilitate comprehensive testing of F-35B systems in a controlled, high-temperature setting. VMX-1 utilizes adjacent ranges for dynamic evaluations, such as the Barry M. Goldwater Range and , which offer expansive live-fire areas for weapons integration and tactical maneuvers. For instance, the squadron conducts live-fire exercises with platforms like the AH-1Z Viper and F-35B Lightning II over designated impact zones within the Yuma Training Range Complex. This infrastructure enables realistic assessments of aviation performance in desert terrains, emphasizing endurance and environmental resilience without reliance on distant sites.

Aircraft and Equipment

Manned Aircraft Inventory

VMX-1's manned aircraft inventory as of 2025 consists of fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms optimized for operational test and evaluation of Marine Corps aviation systems in joint and expeditionary environments. These aircraft enable comprehensive assessments of tactics, integration, and performance under realistic conditions. The squadron operates the F-35B Lightning II, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) dedicated to joint strike testing, including beyond-visual-range engagements with the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). This platform supports evaluations of software updates, weapons employment, and coordination with rotary-wing assets. The MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft forms the core of assault support evaluations, focusing on troop transport, aerial refueling, and interoperability in distributed operations. VMX-1 has conducted extensive flight testing with the Osprey, accumulating thousands of hours to validate its role in Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) maneuvers. Heavy-lift capabilities are provided by the CH-53K King Stallion, which joined VMX-1's full-time inventory at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma in June 2024 following a detachment at MCAS New River. The helicopter undergoes logistics testing, including external load validations up to 36,000 pounds, air-to-air refueling, and transport of oversized cargo like F-35 airframes. Light attack and utility helicopters in the inventory include the UH-1Y Venom for forward air control and the AH-1Z Viper for attack missions, both integrated for close air support testing with platforms like the F-35B and MV-22B. These H-1 series aircraft evaluate joint air-to-ground munitions, such as the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), and digital interoperability via Link-16 networks. The legacy AH-1W , once used for similar roles, was retired in 2020 in favor of the upgraded AH-1Z. VMX-1 supports its testing mission through in-house maintenance and modification expertise, enabling rapid integration of test configurations such as pods, weapons, and for data collection. Dedicated facilities at MCAS Yuma, including a new 79,000-square-foot , facilitate these upgrades and sustainment for the squadron's diverse fleet.

Unmanned and Support Systems

VMX-1 maintains a focused inventory of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support operational testing of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities as well as autonomous solutions. The RQ-21 Blackjack, a small tactical UAS developed by , serves as a key asset for evaluating battlefield ISR in Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) environments. This hand-launched, rail-recovered platform provides real-time video and sensor data over a 50-nautical-mile range, enabling VMX-1 to assess its integration into tactical operations for units like battalions. In April 2025, VMX-1 received its first MQ-9A Reaper, a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system from , with the squadron operating two aircraft as of November 2025 for testing ISR, strike capabilities, and adaptations for Pacific theater operations in contested environments. Complementing the RQ-21, the squadron employs the unmanned helicopter for testing autonomous cargo resupply missions. Acquired by the U.S. Marine Corps in 2011 and delivered to VMX-1 at in 2016, the K-MAX system includes two air vehicles capable of lifting up to 6,000 pounds externally, with upgrades incorporating the K-MAX Titan configuration and Near Earth Autonomy's sensor-based software for enhanced navigation in GPS-denied settings. These capabilities allow VMX-1 to evaluate unmanned vertical lift for delivering supplies to remote or contested forward positions, reducing reliance on vulnerable ground convoys. Support systems form the backbone of VMX-1's UAS evaluations, facilitating seamless integration with manned aviation assets. Ground control stations (GCS) enable operators to monitor and direct UAS flights, as demonstrated in joint exercises where VMX-1 personnel used GCS to coordinate UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters with unmanned platforms for strike missions. networks, including multi-function advanced s, transmit sensor feeds and command signals between UAS, manned aircraft, and command centers, supporting real-time across distributed forces. Additionally, simulation tools replicate complex flight scenarios, allowing VMX-1 to test UAS-manned teaming in virtual environments before live operations, thereby accelerating development cycles for MAGTF . VMX-1's testing emphasizes UAS autonomy in contested environments, where systems must operate amid electronic warfare threats and degraded communications. The squadron assesses swarm operations by simulating coordinated UAS formations for distributed ISR and strike, drawing on K-MAX upgrades to validate for obstacle avoidance and mission replanning. Logistics evaluations prioritize unmanned resupply, with the K-MAX undergoing flight tests since 2021 to demonstrate payload delivery in austere terrains, such as over-water or mountainous routes, to sustain expeditionary forces without exposing personnel. Emerging technologies under VMX-1 review include AI-driven architectures to enable dynamic UAS tasking without constant human input. These evaluations leverage data links for machine learning-based decision-making, enhancing responsiveness in high-threat scenarios. The squadron also examines counter-UAS defenses, testing detection and neutralization methods to protect MAGTF assets from adversarial drones, aligning with broader Marine Corps priorities for resilient aviation ecosystems.

Notable Operations and Achievements

Key Testing Milestones

Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), formerly designated VMX-22, played a pivotal role in resolving (VRS) issues with the during operational testing in the early . Through rigorous flight evaluations, squadron aircrews defined and avoided the VRS , enabling safe execution of all planned missions without entering the hazardous condition, which had contributed to prior accidents. This breakthrough enhanced the tiltrotor's descent and maneuverability profiles, paving the way for its integration into Marine Corps operations. In 2007, VMX-22 validated the MV-22B's initial operational capability (IOC), confirming its readiness for deployment after extensive testing of tactics, high-altitude performance, and logistics support in diverse environments. The squadron's efforts accumulated thousands of flight hours, reducing risks and informing fleet-wide adoption of the platform's unique capabilities. VMX-22 certified the common cockpit integration for the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom in 2010 following Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), which assessed the shared digital , multifunction displays, and 85% parts commonality across the . This milestone streamlined pilot training and maintenance, enabling seamless interoperability in and utility missions. By 2015, VMX-22 completed initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) for the F-35B Lightning II, culminating in the Marine Corps' declaration of IOC with 10 aircraft ready for worldwide deployment. The squadron's assessments validated short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) operations, , and integration with Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, accumulating critical flight hours in shipboard and austere settings to mitigate deployment risks. In 2024, VMX-1 initiated fleet-level flight testing of the CH-53K King Stallion at , including its first operational refueling while transporting an F-35C airframe, building on prior IOT&E that logged 451 flight hours across 114 sorties in varied terrains. These efforts emphasized heavy-lift reliability for expeditionary logistics, further de-risking the platform ahead of full-rate production. VMX-1's testing milestones have significantly shaped Marine Corps doctrine, particularly in STOVL operations within complex environments, by refining tactics for distributed maritime operations and urban-integrated assaults through collaboration with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. Across platforms, the squadron has logged over 1,000 combined flight hours in key evaluations, prioritizing risk reduction and doctrinal evolution for high-threat scenarios.

Recent Exercises and Innovations

In 2024 and 2025, VMX-1 participated in several key operational test exercises to evaluate emerging aviation capabilities in contested environments. During Black Flag at , , in May 2025, the squadron conducted maintenance and flight operations with F-35B Lightning II aircraft over a two-week period, focusing on multi-domain scenarios to assess the suitability of new tactics and technologies. Similarly, in Gray Flag 2024 at , , in September 2024, VMX-1 integrated its test assets into joint service activities, emphasizing interoperability and rapid deployment procedures. These exercises built on VMX-1's involvement in Steel Knight 24, a December 2024 iteration of the Marine Corps' large-scale exercise, where two F-35Bs from the squadron operated from to simulate Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) in the Pacific, including short takeoff and vertical landing on austere sites and coordination with U.S. C-17s for . VMX-1's innovations in 2024-2025 centered on advancing Distributed Aviation Operations (DAO) and Decision-Centric Aviation Operations (DCAO) under Project Eagle, integrating and to support Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), EABO, and Forces (SIF). The squadron led operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for F-35B upgrades, including Technical Refresh 2 (TR-2) and TR-3 software, Block 4 enhancements, and AIM-120 missile integration, ensuring enhanced and weapons delivery in realistic combat settings. For rotary-wing and unmanned systems, VMX-1 reintegrated its CH-53K King Stallion detachment in June 2024 and initiated testing for MQ-9A Reaper Increment II, incorporating electronic warfare payloads projected for full operational capability by FY30, to bolster heavy-lift and ISR capabilities in expeditionary scenarios. Collaborations with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 (MAWTS-1), the Air Dominance Test and Evaluation (ADT&E) office, and Department of Defense innovation centers enabled and refinement of these technologies, with VMX-1 executing multiple detachments from to validate joint interoperability. At the MCAS Yuma Airshow in 2025, the squadron demonstrated these advancements through static displays and flight demos of F-35B and MV-22B assets, highlighting STOVL proficiency and data-centric operations. In February 2025, a VMX-1 CH-53K crew rescued a stranded in the desert during a training flight, highlighting the platform's utility in operations.

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