The Fighting Eleventh finds its success as a premier military force by acting in a single cohesive effort across all battlefronts. Marine and Navy pilots serve in to assist the fighting battles on the ground, at sea or win dogfights in the air. Every aircraft employed is specifically equipped to serve the mission in the form of offensive air support, assault support, anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, aerial reconnaissance and much more.
The Fighting Eleventh maintains a vast array of deadly armaments and heavy weapons with wings attached to them, capable of any mission. The Aviation Regiment makes up a big quotient of the 11th Marines fighting force. They take on a multitude of jobs, supporting the Infantry and Armored units on the ground, or friendly units in the air. The Aviation Regiment covers a vast array of squadrons operating fixed and rotor-wing aircraft in support of the entirety of the Eleventh Marine Division. From Hueys to F-35s, the 66th has every possible air encounter and mission profile covered.
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close air support (CAS)When the need to engage opposing forces & infrastructure with superior firepower arises or when the enemy is in close proximity to friendly forces in the area is when Close Air Support is utilized. Gun runs, bomb drops and even missile attacks are just a few deadly weapons of the 66th. When the need to engage opposing forces near friendly troops, we in the Military community call this "Danger Close". And the only way to rectify the problem is for air forces to drop a few bombs or engage a strafing run close to friendly positions.
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MEDEVAC & CASEVAC
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Escort & PatrolDetachments of fighter and attack aircraft typically patrol a designated zone for hostile aircraft and ground threats. Squadrons of fighter aircraft are also typically tasked with protecting large support aircraft or ground mobile convoy from spontaneous or possible threats.
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combat supportGeneralized term for any aircraft with fire support, electronic warfare, or imagery capability supporting a main fighting force, and keeps up with their every move and takes missions from Command or the ground forces ETAC.
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Tactical Recovery of Aircraft & Personnel (TRAP)TRAP teams carry out search, rescue and recovery operations of military personnel, civilians, documents, equipment and vehicles that are outside, within or near combat zones. Missions are typically carried out by a task force of medically trained combat personnel, helicopters, ground-attack aircraft, aerial refueling tankers and an airborne command post.
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Rotary-Wing Aircraft Pilots & Crew and "Phantoms"
Helicopter/VTOL pilots & crewmen operate rotorcraft in support of both SOF and regular forces.
The Phantom Squadron commits to special missions and highly-dangerous operations. Mission profiles include but are not limited to:
• Insertion/extraction of conventional forces & special operations forces (SOF) • Close Air Support & attack missions • Intelligence, Observation, Surveillance and Reconnaissance • Search & Rescue |
Fixed-Wing Combat Aircraft Pilots
Attack & fighter aircraft pilots and specialized mission aviators.
Specific to the role of combat aircraft for Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface support & Multi-missions. Mission profiles include but are not limited to:
• Close Air Support & Air-to-Surface missions • Combat Air Patrol & Air-to-Air missions • Intelligence, Observation, Surveillance and Reconnaissance • Electronic Warfare |
Fixed-Wing Support Aircraft Pilots & Crew
Specific to small, medium and large propeller and jet engine support aircraft. Air crew are assigned to crew detail, transportation of personnel to designated locations, and other forms of service support.
Mission profiles include but are not limited to:
• Aerial Refuelling • Multi-mission • Utility • Cargo transportation • Executive staff transport |
Flight & Ground Technicians
Run aircraft pre-launch inspections and aircraft repair, refuel & re-armament. Also work as a fire crew and runway inspector. Members in the role of Flight & Ground Technicians are responsible for helping pilots and aircrews accomplish their mission by aiding in the operational effectiveness of each respective aircraft, ensuring they are prepared to launch at a moment’s notice.
Mission profiles include but are not limited to:
• Aircraft pre-flight inspections • Runway clearance crews • Flight Deck Crewmen • Firecrews • Aircraft taxi |
Flight Crew & Directors
In charge of the launch and recovery of aircraft on the tarmac & carrier. Also in charge of Air Traffic Control and flight authorization protocol. They help pilots win and maintain control of the skies and the battles below it, everything that happens in and around the air space is the responsibility of the Flight Director. They coordinate and direct orders at squadrons, and other senior level units.
Mission profiles include but are not limited to:
• Launch and recovery of aircrafts • Directing air traffic around the launch location • Ensuring safety procedures of all flight crewmen and aircraft during taxi, launch and receiving. |
Special Mission Team
Elite specialists comprised of service members from various branches who operate on the ground alongside SOF and TRAP teams. Whether they are calling in airstrikes, marshalling aircraft, assistance to personnel recovery or collecting mission critical weather data.
Mission profiles include but are not limited to:
• Tactical Air Control • Combat Control • Pararescue • Weather Data |
Tactical Recovery of Aircraft & Personnel Team
Trained combat medical specialists tasked with search, rescue & recovery of military personnel, civilians, equipment and aircraft.
Mission profiles include but are not limited to:
• Combat Search-and-Rescue (CSAR) • Equipment recovery • Quick Reactionary Forces • Reinforcing strategic points |
HMT-925
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VMT-327
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HMA-155
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HSA-118
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VMF-996
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VMA-731
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VMFA-666
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VMR-471
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VHF-178
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