On June 13, James Roger Williams Jr. was posthumously awarded an incredibly high honor: the Congressional Gold Medal. He received this award for being one of the first African American men in the marines. He served for seven years in the 1940s and was one of thousands of men to join the U.S. Marines since its founding in 1775.
Though marines are a maritime branch, accessing shorelines via our oceans, they must utilize more than just ocean faring vessels. In order to properly protect and serve, the U.S. marines must also take to the air, which they could not do without the use of America’s most efficient aircraft.
With 1,277 current aircraft, the fleet of the United States Marines Corp out numbers that of most of the world’s nations. Just seven countries in the world contain more marine aircraft in their units than America. Each of these hundreds of craft plays a vital role in the success of the marines.
Using data from the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, 24/7 Wall St. identified every aircraft in the U.S. Marine Corps. This list is ordered based on the number of craft in active service. Supplemental information regarding the type of aircraft is also included here.
For delivery of lightweight cargo in remote regions, the King Air 200/350 is a great option. Iraq’s air force was the first to use this plane, after which the U.S. Marines began ordering them in July of 2008. Fifteen King Air are currently operating within the Marines. This craft is an affordable option for long distance travel. It is also used for surveillance and attack.
Additionally, the marines employ the MV-22 multi-engine helicopter for the amphibious transportation of troops. This tilt-rotor copter is built for fighting and has been used in special operations across the globe. It also transports equipment and supplies.
Why We Are Covering This
As war carries on in multiple regions of the globe, American eyes turn to our military for protection and reassurance. Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced plans to begin providing aid to Gaza by sea via an offshore pier. Many believe the U.S. should employ the services of the Marines in this endeavor, since similar efforts in Haiti were successful following a disastrous earthquake in 2010.
Here is a look at every aircraft currently in service in the U.S. Marine Corps:
15. 737 (C-40A)
- Type: Transport
- Active: 1
- Aircraft on order: 0
14. Gulfstream IV (C-20G)
- Type: Transport
- Active: 1
- Aircraft on order: 0
13. T-34
- Type: Training aircraft/helicopters
- Active: 2
- Aircraft on order: 0
12. Citation Encore/Sovereign/Ultra
- Type: Transport
- Active: 10
- Aircraft on order: 2
11. F-5F/N
- Type: Training aircraft
- Active: 12
- Aircraft on order: 0
10. TAV-8B
- Type: Training aircraft/helicopters
- Active: 12
- Aircraft on order: 0
9. King Air 200/350 (UC-12F)
- Type: Transport
- Active: 15
- Aircraft on order: 2
8. KC-130J
- Type: Tanker
- Active: 69
- Aircraft on order: 15
7. AV-8B/+
- Type: Combat aircraft
- Active: 87
- Aircraft on order: 0
6. UH-1Y
- Type: Combat helicopter
- Active: 127
- Aircraft on order: 0
5. F-35B/C
- Type: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
- Active: 145
- Aircraft on order: 279
4. CH-53
- Type: Combat helicopter
- Active: 146
- Aircraft on order: 193
3. AH-1Z
- Type: Combat helicopter
- Active: 176
- Aircraft on order: 0
2. F/A-18 A/B/C/D
- Type: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
- Active: 186
- Aircraft on order: 0
1. MV-22
- Type: Combat helicopter
- Active: 288
- Aircraft on order: 33
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