List of United States Marine Corps aviation support units

This is a list of United States Marine Corps aviation support squadrons and other units, sorted by type.

Active

Marine Wing Headquarters Squadrons

The Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) provides administrative and supply support for a Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters (MAW HQ). The MAW HQ is a separate organization that directs and coordinates the operations of the MAW. The MAW HQ contains the wing commander (commanding general) and assistant wing commander, their personal staffs (aides-de-camp, drivers, etc.), and the chief of staff, the general staff divisions (G-1 through G-6), and the special staff departments (public affairs officer, wing inspector, staff judge advocate, wing medical officer, and wing chaplain). The wing commander fights the MAW from his operational command post located in the Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) maintained by the Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron (MTACS).

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MWHS-1 America’s Finest 7 July 1941 1st MAW Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan
MWHS-2 The Deuce
Snake Eyes 		31 December 1955 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MWHS-3 10 November 1942 3rd MAW MCAS Miramar, CA
MWHS-4 4th MAW New Orleans, LA

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons

The Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) provides direct support of intermediate aircraft maintenance, aviation supply, and aviation ordnance to the aircraft squadrons of a Marine Aircraft Group. A MALS is capable of supporting multiple types of aircraft, as well as providing detachments for the aviation combat elements of a MEB or MEU.

Marines repair weapons systems
Marine repairs avionics
Marine repairs propellers
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MALS-11 Devilfish December, 1921 MAG-11, 3rd MAW MCAS Miramar, CA
MALS-12 Marauders 1 March 1942 MAG-12, 1st MAW MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
MALS-13 Black Widows 1 March 1942 MAG-13, 3rd MAW MCAS Yuma, AZ
MALS-14 Dragons 30 September 1988 MAG-14, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MALS-16 Forerunners 1 March 1952 MAG-16, 3rd MAW MCAS Miramar, CA
MALS-24 Warriors 1 March 1942 MAG-24, 1st MAW MCAF Kaneohe Bay, HI
MALS-26 Patriots 16 June 1952 MAG-26, 2nd MAW MCAS New River, NC
MALS-29 Wolverines 1 May 1972 MAG-29, 2nd MAW MCAS New River, NC
MALS-31 Stingers February 1, 1943 MAG-31, 2nd MAW MCAS Beaufort, SC
MALS-36 Bladerunner June 1952 MAG-36, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MALS-39 Hellhounds March 1, 1942 MAG-39, 3rd MAW MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA
MALS-40 Smokin Aces MAG-40, 2nd MAW MCAS New River
MALS-41 Wranglers January 1, 1943 MAG-41, 4th MAW NASJRB Fort Worth, TX
MALS-42 War Hammers 18 June 1992 MAG-42, 4th MAW NAS Atlanta, GA
MALS-49 Magicians 1 July 1969 MAG-49, 4th MAW Stewart ANGB, NY

Marine Air Control Squadrons

MACS are responsible for air traffic control and operate the Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC), which directs antiair warfare (to include ground-based anti-aircraft weapons), early warning & intercept control, air surveillance, radar control, and airspace management.

Air Traffic Controller at work
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MACS-1 Falconers 1 September 1943 MACG-38, 3rd MAW MCAS Yuma, AZ
MACS-2 Eyes of the MAGTF 1 April 1944 MACG-28, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MACS-4 5 May 1944 MACG-18, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MACS-24 Earthquake 15 October 1949 MACG-48, 4th MAW Virginia Beach, VA
Marines maintain information networking

Marine Air Support Squadrons

MASSs provide the Direct Air Support Center (DASC) which controls and coordinates those tactical aircraft operations directly supporting ground forces. They are responsible for the processing of immediate requests (e.g. Close Air Support, CASEVAC, and Assault Support), integrate and deconflict indirect fire support (e.g., artillery and mortars) with aviation assets, manage terminal control assets, and procedurally control aircraft.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MASS-1 Chieftain 25 June 1943 MACG-28, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MASS-2 Wild Deuce 1 January 1943 MACG-18, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MASS-3 Blacklist 3 August 1950 MACG-38, 3rd MAW MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA
MASS-6 Lighthouse 15 May 1947 MACG-48, 4th MAW MCAS Miramar, CA

Marine Tactical Air Command Squadrons

Marine interfaces the Global Command and Control System.

MTACS provide the ACE commander with command and control functions necessary for the aviation mission. They establish a Tactical Air Command Center (TACC), which is the operational command post for the Marine Aircraft Wing, from which the Wing Commander and his battle staff command the tactical air battle, including tactical air support provided to ground forces (directed from the DASC in the MASS) and tactical air defense (directed by the TAOC in the MACS).

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MTACS-18 1 September 1967 MACG-18, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MTACS-28 Olympians 1 October 1947 MACG-28, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MTACS-38 Fire Chickens 1 September 1967 MACG-38, 3rd MAW MCAS Miramar, CA
MTACS-48 1 September 1967 MACG-48, 4th MAW NS Great Lakes, IL

Marine Wing Communications Squadrons

Marine adjusts antenna for AN/TRC-170

MWCSs provide all communication assets for the ACE, including radio, satellite, wire, and data technology.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MWCS-18 1 September 1967 MACG-18, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MWCS-28 Spartans 1 September 1967 MACG-28, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MWCS-38 Red Lightning 1 September 1967 MACG-38, 3rd MAW MCAS Miramar, CA
MWCS-48 Roar of the Corps 10 April 1952 MACG-48, 4th MAW NS Great Lakes, IL

Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions

LAAD Marines fire a FIM-92 Stinger

LAAD Battalions are responsible for close air defense protection of assets within the area of operation, with a secondary mission of local ground security for ACE elements. They are armed with surface to air weapons, as well as early warning and detection equipment. Currently, LAAD battalions are equipped with the FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable surface-to-air missile, and the M2 .50 cal machinegun. The M1097 Avenger missile-equipped HMMWV has been retired by Marine forces.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
2nd LAAD Bn Death from Below 26 February 1969 MACG-28, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
3rd LAAD Bn Feel the Sting 20 June 1982 MACG-38, 3rd MAW MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA

Marine Wing Support Squadrons

The MWSS provides all essential aviation ground support to the MAG. This support includes: (1) airfield operations and (2) communications (less air traffic control services), (3) motor transport, engineer services (including (4) bulk fuel and (5) aircraft refueling), (6) non-aviation supply and (7) equipment maintenance, (8) local security, (9) medical services, and (10) food services.

Marines refuel an AH-1W helicopter
Marines perform a vertical replenishment
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MWSS-171 America’s Squadron April 16, 1979 MAG-12, 1st MAW MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
MWSS-172 Firebirds 16 June 1986 MAG-36, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MWSS-271 Workhorse of the Wing June 6, 1986 MAG-14, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MWSS-272 Untouchables 26 February 1969 MAG-26, 2nd MAW MCAS New River, NC
MWSS-273 Sweathogs June 13, 1986 MAG-31, 2nd MAW MCAS Beaufort, SC
MWSS-274 Ironmen June 2, 1986 MAG-29, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MWSS-371 Sand Sharks June 2, 1986 MAG-13, 3rd MAW MCAS Yuma, AZ
MWSS-372 Diamondbacks July 1, 1977 MAG-39, 3rd MAW MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA
MWSS-373 Ace Support April 1, 1967 MAG-11, 3rd MAW MCAS Miramar, CA
MWSS-374 Rhinos April 1, 1999 MAG-16, 3rd MAW MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, CA
MWSS-471 MAG-41, 4th MAW Minneapolis, MN
MWSS-472 AGS-Dragons MAG-49, 4th MAW NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA
MWSS-473 Gargoyle MAG-41, 4th MAW MCAS Miramar, CA

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadrons

A H&HS usually consists of the headquarters group (the station commanding general/commanding officer and staff), the squadron headquarters (commanding officer and staff), public affairs and journalism, facilities planning & maintenance, billeting and family housing offices, station motor pool, air traffic control, meteorology, fuels, ordnance, other aviation support, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Provost Marshal section, station Judge Advocate's Office, station Chaplain, Navy medical facility, and Marine Corps Community Service, which usually hosts services such as a Marine Corps Exchamge (MCX) (i.e., post exchange), commissary, gas station, barber shop, dry cleaner, library, theater, golf couse, bowling center, fitness, recreation, hobby, craft and auto repair center(s), swimming pool, officer, SNCO, NCO clubs, family services, Single Marine Program, and other personal services vendors.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Swamp Foxes
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton Stampede
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Magic

Combat Logistics Companies

Combat Logistics Companies, while subordinate to a Marine Logistics Group provide intermediate ground logistics support to aviation units, to include supply and maintenance beyond organic capabilities. All Marine air stations not in proximity to a Marine Logistics Group have a tenant company.

Inactive

Squadrons are listed by their last designation.

Air Warning Squadrons

Squadron Name Date Activated Date Deactivated
Air Warning Squadron 2 1 September 1943 15 February 1946
Air Warning Squadron 3 12 October 1943 15 October 1945
Air Warning Squadron 4 12 October 1943 31 October 1945
Air Warning Squadron 6 1 January 1944 28 February 1946
Air Warning Squadron 8 1 March 1944 12 March 1946
Air Warning Squadron 9 1 April 1944 9 December 1945
Air Warning Squadron 14 1 June 1944 30 November 1945

Assault Air Warning Squadrons

Squadron Name Date Activated Date Deactivated
Assault Air Warning Squadron 5 01 December 1943 10 November 1944
Assault Air Warning Squadron 10 01 January 1944 10 November 1944
Assault Air Warning Squadron 20 01 March 1944 10 November 1944

Light Anti-Aircraft Missile battalions

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Activated Date Deactivated
1st Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion Goldenhawks 20 July 1937 11 July 1997
2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion Blackhawks 1 August 1960 1 September 1994
3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion Terriers 19 December 1938 30 September 1994
4th Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion 1 December 1961 February 1998
5th Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion 1 July 1966 31 January 1969

Low altitude air defense battalion

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Deactivated
1st Stinger Battery Death from Below 28 September 2007
4th Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion March 2005

Maintenance units

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Deactivated
MALS-32
MALS-46
Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 30
Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 40
Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 56

Marine Air Control Squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Activated Date Deactivated
MACS-3 1 May 1944 1 July 1970
MACS-5 1 June 1944 11 June 1993
MACS-6 Watch Dogs 10 August 1944 9 December 1998
MACS-7 The Guiding Hand 1 February 1944 30 September 1998
MACS-8 1 September 1944 15 June 1971
MACS-9 31 May 1952 1 July 1971
MACS-15 (NAS Atlanta, GA) 1 February 1944
MACS-16 (NAS Minneapolis, MN)
MACS-17 (NASJRB Willow Grove, PA) 1 February 1947 31 December 1973
MACS-18 (NAS Los Alamitos, CA)
MACS-19 (NAS Groose Ile, MI)
MACS-20 (NASJRB Dallas, TX)
MACS-21 (NAS South Weymouth, MA) 15 May 1947 1 April 1967 MASS-6 carries the lineage of MACS-21
MACS-22 (NAS Glenview, IL) 30 Jun 1947
MACS-23 (Aurora, CO) 16 October 1949 16 September 2012
MACS-25 (NAS Columbus, OH)
MACS-26 (NAS New York, NY)

Marine Air Support Squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Activated Date Deactivated
MASS-4 01 July 1962 28 February 1989
MASS-5 1 August 1966 28 November 1969

Marine Air Traffic Control Squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Activated Date Deactivated
MATCS-18 1 October 1978 30 September 1994
MATCS-28 Intrepid Sentinels 23 April 1976 22 July 1994
MATCS-38 27 April 1976 30 September 1994
MATCS-48 1 June 1980 30 September 1994

Marine Wing Support Squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Deactivated
MWSS-173 Gryphons
MWSS-174 Centurions

See also

References

    This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/22/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.