SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 — U.S. Marines and Sailors are preparing to demonstrate the full power of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force during the MCAS Miramar Air Show Sept. 26-28, 2025. The MAGTF Demo — one of the air show’s signature events — will bring together fighter jets, tiltrotors, attack and utility helicopters, heavy-lift aircraft, reconnaissance and infantry Marines, and logistical support in a fast-paced combat demonstration.
The event is designed to show the public how Marines integrate air, ground, and logistics forces into a cohesive fighting team, and will have the largest display of firepower in the air show’s history. You will be able to feel the heat and fire from your seats during the “wall of fire” pyrotechnic display, so have your cameras out and ready to capture the action.
Although the roar of jets and bursts of fire often capture the audience’s attention, the purpose of the demonstration is teamwork. “The MAGTF Demo isn’t just an air show performance — it’s a window into how your Marines fight as a team,” said Maj. Gen. James Wellons, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “Every maneuver the audience will see reflects the speed, flexibility, and lethality the nation expects from its expeditionary force in readiness.”
The MAGTF Demo executes in three phases. Phase one begins when all 18 Marine Corps aircraft launch within eight minutes of each other in a display of unmatched military synchronization. The aircraft include four F/A-18 Hornets and two F-35 Lightning IIs to provide close air support and strike capabilities; two CH-53E Super Stallions for heavy-lift capacity; four AH-1Z Vipers to deliver firepower and overwatch; two UH-1Y Venoms and three MV-22B Ospreys for rapid troop transport; and one KC-130J Super Hercules for troop and payload delivery.
Phase two includes aircraft and supporting elements that will synchronize close-air support, reconnaissance, and troop-insert operations to shape the objective area for follow-on ground movement. Initial shaping fires begin with F/A-18s and F-35s conducting passes to mark targets and conduct precision strikes to suppress enemy positions. Vipers then assume attack and overwatch positions while Venoms fast-rope reconnaissance Marines onto the objective.
Reconnaissance Marines and infantry Marines with 1st Marine Division will bring realism to the demonstration. “When we hit the ground during the demo, the public will see how Marines move under the protection of aircraft overhead and alongside other units,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Filipovich, a recon team leader with 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division. “That teamwork is the essence of the MAGTF, and the demo gives us a chance to show it in action.”
Behind the scenes, logistical support Marines will ensure the mission plays out seamlessly. Fuel, communications, and sustainment support will be managed by Marines from the logistics combat element to keep the mission running. While the crowd may focus on the aircraft overhead or Marines maneuvering on the ground, the sustainment element is what enables the mission to succeed.
A 9-Line immediate call for fire will follow to provide close air support to Marines on the ground. The F/A-18s and F-35s will reengage for another pass, supported by additional Viper and Venom attack and overwatch. Meanwhile, CH-53Es will execute heavy lift to deliver a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and M777 howitzer.
The demonstration provides an opportunity to highlight Marine aviation’s role in supporting Marines on the ground. “The Cobra [AH-1Z Viper] is about fire support — keeping Marines on the ground protected and giving them the confidence to maneuver under fire,” said Capt. Andrew Kim, the Viper division lead for the MAGTF Demo. “Every time we roll in for a gun run, it shows how close air support directly shapes the battlefield for Marines below.”
Next, ground reconnaissance Marines will insert an Ultra Light Tactical Vehicle via C-130, and infantry teams will secure the landing zone via Ospreys. “The Osprey’s role in the demo highlights our ability to move Marines rapidly across the battlespace,” said Capt. Andrew Eisenhauer, the lead Osprey planner for the MAGTF Demo. “Audiences will see how quickly we can insert Marines into the fight — that versatility is what gives the MAGTF its reach.” The ground combat element will then execute a high-speed mechanized maneuver and pass in review — a crowd favorite, as it allows the audience to get up close and personal with the Marines.
To close phase two, F/A-18s will simulate final suppression of the objective. The sequence demonstrates the MAGTF’s integrated kill chain: targeting, shaping fires, insertion, sustainment and follow-on maneuver — all synchronized to emphasize teamwork between aviation, ground and logistics forces. Phase three marks the final show of force as air show participants watch all MAGTF Demo aircraft fly over for pass in review.
From roaring afterburners to Marines maneuvering on the field, the MAGTF Demo is designed to give spectators a first-hand look at how the Marine Corps fights. “This demonstration shows the community how Marines integrate across the air, ground, and logistics domains,” said Maj. Gen. James Wellons. “It’s a reminder that your Marines are ready to respond anytime, anywhere.”
For more information on America’s Air Show, visit https://miramarairshow.com.
Story by Capt. Evan Common
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing