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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. — The commitment, innovation, and technical excellence that define 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing were on display as Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, the commanding general of 3rd MAW, presented awards to Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 5, 2025.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Wellons awarded three impact Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to Sgt. Manuel Dirciosanchez, Cpl. Kolden Renn, and Cpl. Ethan Clayburn. Each Marine was recognized for exceptional skill, initiative, and problem-solving in support of 3rd MAW’s mission to generate combat-ready aircraft and sustain operational readiness across the fleet.
Known as the “Devilfish,” MALS-11 provides comprehensive maintenance, supply, and aviation logistics support to the fighter and attack squadrons of MAG-11. The Marines of MALS-11 are integral to 3rd MAW’s mission, ensuring aircraft remain mission-ready while carrying forward a legacy of excellence that continues to define Marine aviation support.
Sgt. Dirciosanchez distinguished himself as a mobile facility technician whose rapid deployment of three mobile facilities and two debriefing facilities enabled operational readiness within 24 hours. Operating without technical manuals or sustainment support, he diagnosed and repaired a ventilation and cooling system critical to mission success, exemplifying the self-reliance that has long characterized Marine aviation maintainers.
Working alongside him, Cpl. Renn demonstrated the same standard of excellence. With limited notice, he coordinated personnel and equipment to ensure the timely assembly and deployment of MALS-11’s mobile facilities. His expertise as a forklift operator ensured safe loading operations, reflecting the teamwork and precision essential to expeditionary logistics.
Cpl. Clayburn, serving as a structures mechanic, was recognized for his quick action and craftsmanship when a Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 KC-130J experienced a seized jack that left the aircraft suspended above the deck. Acting without hesitation, he worked to fabricate custom aluminum load distribution plates late into the evening, enabling the safe recovery of the aircraft the next day.
Together, these Marines embody the spirit of the “Devilfish:” skilled, disciplined, and unrelenting in the face of challenge. Their actions reflect the essence of 3rd MAW’s warfighting culture: Marines who refuse to quit, who solve problems under pressure, and who keep the aircraft flying so the mission never stops.
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 19:06 |
| Story ID: | 550675 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Three for Three: ‘Devilfish’ Marines honored for innovation and readiness, by 1LT Brandon Daniels, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
