The Marine Corps celebrated 100 years of marine aviation with a sunset aerial pass-in-review over the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. “From one generation to the next, marine pilots pass down their legendary fighting spirit,” said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, honoring aviators at the May 16 observance. “For nearly 100 years, marine aviation has demonstrated the adaptability, agility, and unique ethos that come with the title “marine,'” underscored Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos. The treetop fly-past of every aircraft type in current service illustrated the aviators’ enduring dictum: “If you are not getting mud on your windshield, you’re flying too high,” said Panetta. A clattering hoard of helicopters—a CH-53, CH-46, AH-1W, and UH-1N—closely trailed by a KC-130J tanker and V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, led a tight formation of jets, including an AV-8, EA-6B, and two F/A-18s, saluting the first flight of marine aviator 1st Lt. Alfred Cunningham on May 22, 1912. (AFPS report by SSgt. Amaani Lyle)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.