U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Ryan S. Rideout, from Indiana, commanding general, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, provides guidance to leaders from across 2nd MAW during the January 2026 Senior Leaders Conference at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. The January 2026 SLC brought together 2nd MAW O-6 and O-5 commanders, station commanders, their senior enlisted leaders, and 2nd MAW staff to enhance their understanding of key topics impacting 2nd MAW and improve mission effectiveness at each level of command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Akeel Austin)
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing conduct the squadron's first flight after reactivation at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan. 6, 2026. VMM-264’s reactivation adds an additional MV-22B Osprey squadron to 2nd MAW and II Marine Expeditionary Force and reflects incremental adjustments in Force Design to meet the operational demands of the service. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Mya Seymour)
“Primarily, the mission is to develop an aircrew” said Maj. Connor “Axe” Robertson, a Michigan native and a CH-53K King Stallion pilot instructor with HMHT-302. “The ideal goal is to send a proficient crew member that is able and ready to be a co-pilot [or crew chief] in the fleet.”
HMHT-302's core mission is to teach the fundamentals of assault support heavy lift. The HMHT-302 training cadre ensures students are focused on Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization procedures, a vital line of effort necessary to reinforce a culture of safety and readiness into the trainees. Students also train in basic flight maneuvers utilizing the CH-53K's modernized fly-by-wire systems, which enhances aircraft...
