List of United States Marine Corps aviation support units

Summary

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

Active edit

Marine Wing Headquarters Squadrons edit

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 Air Control Group (MACG).

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

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons edit

The Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) provides direct support of intermediate aircraft maintenance, avionics, 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 1 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   Immortals 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 1 February 1943 MAG-31, 2nd MAW MCAS Beaufort, SC
MALS-36   Bladerunner 2 June 1952 MAG-36, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MALS-39   Hellhounds 1 March 1942 MAG-39, 3rd MAW MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA
MALS-41   Wranglers 1 January 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 edit

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[1] MACG-38, 3rd MAW MCAS Yuma, AZ
MACS-2   Eyes of the MAGTF 1 April 1944[2] MACG-28, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MACS-4   Vice Squad 5 May 1944[3] 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 edit

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 controlling aircraft.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MASS-1   Atlantic Nomads 25 June 1943[4] MACG-28, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point, NC
MASS-2   Pacific Vagabonds 1 January 1943 [5] 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 edit

 
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). As part of Force Design 2030, all of the active duty MTACS have been decommissioned with their functionality moved to the Marine Air Control Group headquarters.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
MTACS-48   1 September 1967 MACG-48, 4th MAW NS Great Lakes, IL

Marine Wing Communications Squadrons edit

 
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   Warriors From The Ground Up 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

Littoral Anti-Air Battalions edit

The Marine Corps activated its first Littoral Anti-Air Battalion (LAAB) on 11 February 2022. LAABs are designed to provide ground based air defense, early warning, tactical air control, and Forward arming and refuelling points in support of Marine Corps littoral operations.[6]

Battalion Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
3rd LAAB   20 July 1937 3d MLR, 3d MARDIV Marine Corps Base Hawaii
12th LAAB Activates in FY24 12th MLR, 3d MARDIV Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler

Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions edit

 
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.

Battalion Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Senior Command Station
1st LAAD Bn   Death From Below 20 June 1982 MACG-18, 1st MAW MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI
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 edit

The MWSS provides all essential aviation ground support to the MAG to operate an airfield. This support includes: (1) airfield services (aviation terminal operations, airfield expeditionary systems/ air field lighting, and aircraft crash rescue and firefighting/ emergency services), 2) communications (less air traffic control services), (3) motor transport, (4) engineer services (construction, maintenance, and utilities), 4) bulk fuel delivery and containment, (5) aircraft refueling, (6) non-aviation (i.e., "ground") supply, (7) non-aviation equipment maintenance, (8) local security, (9) food service, and (10) medical services (provided by U.S. Navy personnel).

 
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 16 April 1979 MAG-12, 1st MAW MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
MWSS-172   Firebirds 16 June 1986 MAG-36, 1st MAW MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
MWSS-174   Gryphons 1988 MAG-24, 1st MAW MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
MWSS-271   Workhorse of the Wing 6 June 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 13 June 1986 MAG-31, 2nd MAW MCAS Beaufort, SC
MWSS-371   Sand Sharks 2 June 1986 MAG-13, 3rd MAW MCAS Yuma, AZ
MWSS-372   Diamondbacks 1 July 1977 MAG-39, 3rd MAW MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA
MWSS-373   Ace Support 1 April 1967 MAG-11, 3rd MAW MCAS Miramar, CA
MWSS-471   Red Wolves MAG-41, 4th MAW Minneapolis, MN
MWSS-472   AGS-Dragons 1 October 1988 MAG-49, 4th MAW NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA
MWSS-473   Gargoyle 1 July 1963 MAG-41, 4th MAW MCAS Miramar, CA

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadrons edit

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 course, 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   Guardians
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni   Torii
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma   Magic

Combat Logistics Companies edit

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.

Decommissioned edit

Squadrons/Detachments are listed by their last designation.

GCI & Early Warning Detachments (1941-1943) edit

 
VMF(N)-531 GCI Detachment's SCR-527 on Stirling Island in early 1944
Detachment Name Date Began Date ended
Marine Detachment, Air Warning Service, Philippines (1941-42) November 1941 8 April 1942[7]
Marine Corps Early Warning Detachment, Guadalcanal (1942-43) June 1942 February 1943[8]
VMF(N)-531 GCI Detachment (Vella Levella / Stirling Island) 16 November 1942 3 September 1944[9]

Air Warning Squadrons edit

The Marine Corps' air warning squadrons were established during World War II and were tasked with providing early warning of enemy aircraft and ground control intercept against enemy aircraft during the initial phases of any amphibious landing. The first AWS was commissioned in September 1943 with a total of 19 being stood up during the war. On 1 August 1946 all remaining AWS were redesignated as Marine Ground Control Intercept Squadrons.

 
Radar vans from Air Warning Squadron 8 on Aguni Shima during the Battle of Okinawa.
Squadron Name Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
Air Warning Squadron 2 1 September 1943[10] 15 February 1946
Air Warning Squadron 3 12 October 1943[11] 15 October 1945
Air Warning Squadron 4 12 October 1943[12] 31 October 1945
Air Warning Squadron 6 1 January 1944[13] 28 February 1946
Air Warning Squadron 8 1 March 1944[14] 12 March 1946
Air Warning Squadron 9 1 April 1944[15] 8 December 1945
Air Warning Squadron 14 1 June 1944[3] 30 November 1945[16]

Assault Air Warning Squadrons edit

 
Squadron photo of AWS(AT)-5 taken at MCAD Miramar in March 1944.

Assault Air Warning Squadrons were United States Marine Corps aviation command and control units formed during World War II to provide early warning, aerial surveillance, and ground controlled interception during the early phases of an amphibious landing. These squadrons were supposed to be fielded lightweight radars and control center gear in order to operate for a limited duration at the beginning of any operation until larger air warning squadrons came ashore. They were originally formed as Air Warning Squadron (Air Transportable) however their deisgnators changed in July/August 1944 due to the inability to field an air transportable radar. Four of these squadrons were commissioned during the war with one, AWS(AT)-5, taking part in the Battle of Saipan. All four squadrons were decommissioned in November 1944.

Squadron Name Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
Assault Air Warning Squadron 5 1 December 1943[17] 10 November 1944[17]
Assault Air Warning Squadron 10 1 January 1944[18] 10 November 1944[17]
Assault Air Warning Squadron 15 1 February 1944.[19] 10 November 1944[3]
Assault Air Warning Squadron 20 1 March 1944[20] 10 November 1944[3]

Aircraft Engineering Squadrons edit

Aircraft Engineering Squadrons were responsible for training aircraft maintenance and service personnel. The squadrons were originally formed during World War II and were in existence into the early 1950s.[21]

Squadron Name Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 11
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 12
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 13
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 21
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 22
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 23
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 24
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 31 1 April 1942
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 41
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 42 12 May 1942
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 43 7 July 1942
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 44 5 August 1943 31 May 1946 [22]
Aircraft Engineering Squadron 45 5 August 1943

Landing Force Air Support Control Units edit

Squadron Name Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
Landing Force Air Support Control Unit 1 November 1944 10 September 1945[23]
Landing Force Air Support Control Unit 2 January 1945 11 September 1945[24]
Landing Force Air Support Control Unit 3 January 1945 6 March 1946[25]
Landing Force Air Support Control Unit 4 February 1945 19 November 1945[25]

Light Anti-Aircraft Missile battalions edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
1st Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion   Goldenhawks 20 July 1937 11 July 1997
2d Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion   Blackhawks 1 August 1960 1 September 1994
4th Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion 1 December 1961 1 October 1997
5th Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion 1 July 1966 31 January 1969[26]

Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
4th Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion   1 October 1972 March 2005

Marine Air Base Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
Marine Air Base Squadron 11 1 December 1951
Marine Air Base Squadron 12 1 December 1951[27]
Marine Air Base Squadron 13   1 August 1942 June 1986
Marine Air Base Squadron 14 1 December 1951
Marine Air Base Squadron 15 1 December 1951 1 October 1988
Marine Air Base Squadron 16 1 March 1952
Marine Air Base Squadron 17 1 July 1953
Marine Air Base Squadron 24 1 March 1942 [28]
Marine Air Base Squadron 26 16 June 1952 [29] 5 June 1986[30]
Marine Air Base Squadron 27 1 July 1953 31 March 1967[31]
Marine Air Base Squadron 29
Marine Air Base Squadron 31 17 March 1952 13 June 1986[32]
Marine Air Base Squadron 32 8 May 1952 6 June 1986
Marine Air Base Squadron 33 1 December 1951 6 June 1986
Marine Air Base Squadron 35 1 July 1953
Marine Air Base Squadron 36 2 June 1952 6 June 1986
Marine Air Base Squadron 42
Marine Air Base Squadron 43 1 May 1967[33]
Marine Air Base Squadron 46 1 September 1962[34] 1 October 1988 re-designated MWSS-472
Marine Air Base Squadron 49
Marine Air Base Squadron 56 31 January 1967 15 July 1972[35]

Headquarters & Maintenance Squadrons & Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
H&MS-15 15 February 1954 1 October 1988[36]
H&MS-17
H&MS-20
H&MS-25 1 June 1951 31 January 1956[37]
H&MS-27
H&MS-30 20 January 1966[38] 31 March 1972[39]
MALS-32 1 February 1943 1993
H&MS-33 1 February 1943 15 December 1970[40]
H&MS-35 19 June 1959[41]
H&MS-37 1 July 1953
MALS-40
MALS-46   2009
H&MS-56 31 January 1967 15 July 1971[42]

Marine Aircraft and Maintenance Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
MAMS-27 31 March 1967[43]
MAMS-37 1 April 1967[44]

Marine Air Control Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
MACS-3   1 May 1944[3] 1 July 1970[45]
MACS-5   1 June 1944[3] 11 June 1993
MACS-6   Watch Dogs 10 August 1944[3] 9 December 1998
MACS-7   The Guiding Hand 1 February 1944.[46][17] 30 September 1998
MACS-8   1 September 1944[3] 15 June 1971[47]
MACS-9   31 May 1952 30 June 1971[48]
MACS-15 (NAS Atlanta, GA)   1 November 1946[49]
MACS-16 (NAS Minneapolis, MN) 1 December 1946 31 August 1962[50]
MACS-17 (NASJRB Willow Grove, PA)   1 February 1947 31 December 1973
MACS-18 (NAS Los Alamitos, CA) 1 February 1946 30 June 1962[50]
MACS-19 (NAS Groose Ile, MI) 1 April 1947 31 August 1962[51]
MACS-20 (NASJRB Dallas, TX) 16 May 1947 14 March 1969[52][53]
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 June 1947 3 April 1967[54]
MACS-23 (Aurora, CO)   16 October 1949 16 September 2012
MACS-25 (NAS Columbus, OH) 31 August 1962[55]

Marine Air Support Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
MASS-4   1 July 1962 28 February 1989
MASS-5   1 August 1966 28 November 1969[56]

Marine Air Traffic Control Units edit

Squadron Name Locations Insignia Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned Notes
MATCU-60 MCAS New River (1952)
MCAAF Edenton (1952–53)
NAS Atsugi(1953-1976)
MCAS Iwakuni (1976-1978)
1 January 1952 1 October 1978 Commissioned 1 January 1952 as MATCU-7 under MGCIS-7. Redesignated as MATCU-31 under MAG-31 on 1 April 1952. Redesignated as MATCU-11 under MAG-11 on 2 August 1953. Redesignated again as MATCU-60 on 8 February 1954.[57]
MATCU-61 MCAS Cherry Point (1953–76) 11 September 1953 23 April 1976 Commissioned 8 September 1953 as MATCU-14 under MABS-14. Redesignated as MATCU-61 on 1 October 1953.[58]
MATCU-62 MCAS Santa Ana (1951–52)
MCAS El Toro (1952-55)
MCAS Kaneohe Bay (1955–66)
South Vietnam (1966-70)
MCAS Iwakuni (1970–72)
RTAB Nam Phong (1972-73)
MCAS Iwakuni (1972–78)
23 August 1951 1 October 1978 Commissioned 23 August 1951 as MATCU-4 under MGCIS-4. Redesignated as MATCU-15 under MAG-15 on 1 April 1952. Redesignated again as MATCU-62 on 10 February 1954.
MATCU-63 MCAS Cherry Point (1953-1957)
MCAS Beaufort (1957- 1976)
8 September 1953 23 April 1976 Commissioned 8 September 1953 as MATCU-24 under MAG-24. Redesignated as MATCU-63 on 30 September 1953.
MATCU-64 MCAS Miami (1953-1958)
MCAS New River (1958-1976)
8 September 1953[59] 23 April 1976 Commissioned 8 September 1953 at MATCU-32 under MABS-32. Redesignated to MATCU-64 on 1 October 1953.
MATCU-65 Korea (1954–56)
MCAS Mojave (1956–58)
MCAS Yuma (1958–76)
7 February 1954 27 April 1976 MATCU-65 inherited personnel and equipment from GCA Unit 41M and MATCU-33 but did not assume either unit's lineage.
MATCU-66 MCAS El Toro (1947–50)
Korean War (1950)
Itami AFB (1951–53)
NAS Atsugi (1953-62)
RTAB Udorn (1962)
NAS Atsugi (1962–65)
MCAS Iwakuni (1965–66)
MCAF Futenma (1966-78)
Det A - Quang Tri (1968)
6 March 1947 1 October 1978 GCA Unit 37M was designated as such on 6 March 1947 and became operational at MCAS EL Toro on 10 March 1947. The first of its kind in the Marine Corps. The unit was redesignated as MATCU-66 on 1 January 1955.[60]
MATCU-67 MCAS Futenma (1959 - 1965)
Chu Lai (1965–70)
MCAS Santa Ana (1970–76)
15 December 1959[61] 27 April 1976
MATCU-68 MCAS El Toro (Unk - 1965)
South Vietnam (1965-1971)
MCAS Futenma (1971-1972)
MCAF Quantico (1972–76)
23 April 1976
MATCU-69 MCAS Beaufort 23 April 1976
MATCU-70 MCAS El Toro (1965–66)
MCAS Kaneohe Bay (1966–78)
1 June 1965 1 October 1978
MATCU-71 NAS Twin Cities (1962 - 1967)
NAS Memphis (1967 - 1977)
MCAS El Toro (1977 - 1980)
1962[62] 31 May 1980 MATCU-71 was formed in 1962 when Marine Air Control Squadron 16 was decommissioned at NAS Twin Cities.
MATCU-72 NAS Alameda 1 September 1962 31 May 1980
MATCU-73 Naval Air Station South Weymouth
Naval Air Station New York
Naval Air Station Willow Grove (1967-1980)
1 June 1950[63] 31 May 1980
MATCU-74 MCAS Tustin 15 January 1968 27 April 1976
MATCU-75 Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton 31 December 1968 27 April 1976
MATCU-76 Naval Air Station South Weymouth 1 May 1967[64]
MATCU-77 Marine Corps Air Station El Toro 30 June 1969[65] 30 September 1971[66]
MATCU-78 Marine Corps Air Station New River
Marine Corps Air Station Quantico
30 June 1969[67] 15 January 1972[68]

Marine Air Traffic Control Squadrons edit

The Marine Air Traffic Control Squadrons (MATCS) were formed through the consolidation of regionally aligned Marine Air Traffic Control Units, underneath each Marine Air Wing. The first MATCS was commissioned in 1976 with the last one commissioning in the reserves in 1980. The MATCS provided all-weather, air traffic control services at expeditionary airfields and remote area landing sites in support of Fleet Marine Force operations as part of the Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS).

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
MATCS-18   1 October 1978[69] 30 September 1994
MATCS-28 Intrepid Sentinels 23 April 1976 22 July 1994
MATCS-38   27 April 1976[70] 30 September 1994
MATCS-48 1 June 1980 30 September 1994 Det A decommissioned on 6 June 1992,[71] Det B became MACS-24 Det A, Det C became MACS-24 Det B

Marine Tactical Air Control Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
MTACS-18   TACC of Excellence 1 September 1967[72] 9 June 2021[73]
MTACS-28   Olympians 1 October 1947 18 November 2022[74]
MTACS-38   Fire Chickens 1 September 1967[72] 19 November 2021[75]

Marine Wing Support Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
MWSS-173   Gryphons 4 March 1993
MWSS-274   Ironmen 2 June 1986 21 May 2021
MWSS-374   Rhinos 1 April 1999 31 March 2022[76]

Wing Equipment Repair Squadrons edit

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Commissioned Date Decommissioned
WERS-17 1 July 1953 MABS-17 was redesignated as WERS-17 on 1 September 1966[77]
WERS-27
WERS-37 1 July 1953 MABS-37 was redesignated as WERS-37 on 1 April 1967[78]
WERS-47 1 May 1967[79]

Citations edit

  1. ^ 3d MAW General Order 17-1943 - Commissioning AWS-1
  2. ^ 3d MAW General Order 11-1944 - Commissioning VMF-521, VMF-522, AWS-9 & AWS-11
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Rottman 2002, pp. 450.
  4. ^ 3d MAW General Order 11-1943 Commissioning HqSq, 1st MAWG on 1 July 1943
  5. ^ "Lineage and Honors of MASS-2" (PDF). Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  6. ^ Liston, Isaac (11 February 2022). "U.S. Marines activate new Littoral Anti-Air Battalion". DVIDS. United States Department of Defense. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  7. ^ Miller, J. Michael (1997). "From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in Defense of the Philippines" (PDF). Marine Corps Historical Center. pp. 16–18. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  8. ^ Simmons & Smith 1995, pp. 150–153.
  9. ^ Quilter & Chapin 2001, pp. 1–20.
  10. ^ 3d MAW General Order 20-1943 - Commissioning AWS-2
  11. ^ 3d MAW General Order 24-1943 - Commissioning AWS-3
  12. ^ 3d MAW General Order 29-1943 - Commissioning AWS-4
  13. ^ 3d MAW General Order 36-1943 - Commissioning MAG-53, VMSB-344, AWS-6 & AWS(AT)-10
  14. ^ 3d MAW General Order 6-1944 - Commissioning AWS-8 & AWS(AT)-20
  15. ^ 3d MAW General Order 11-1944 - Commissioning VMF-521, VMF-522, AWS-9 & AWS-11
  16. ^ 9th MAW General Order 57-1945 - Decommissioning AWS-14
  17. ^ a b c d Rottman 2002, pp. 449.
  18. ^ 3dMAW General Order 20-1943 - Commissioning AWS(AT)-10
  19. ^ 3d MAW General Order 1-1944 Commissioning AWS-7 & AWS(AT)-15 on 1 February 1944
  20. ^ 3d MAW General Order 6-1944 - Commissioning AWS-8 & AWS(AT)-20
  21. ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 454.
  22. ^ "Disband AES-44 to Station HqSq" (PDF). United States Marine Corps. 5 June 1946. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  23. ^ Headquarters, Marine Air Support Control Units order to disband LFASCU-1 & 2
  24. ^ Headquarters, Marine Air Support Control Units order to disband LFASCU-1 & 2
  25. ^ a b Rottman 2002, pp. 451.
  26. ^ 5th LAAM Battalion Deactivated in Formal Ceremony – 7 February 1969 – Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Cactus Comet
  27. ^ "MABS-12 Historical Diary, 1-31 December 1951" (PDF). www.koreanwar2.org. 29 February 1952. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  28. ^ Marine Aircraft Group 24 Annual. Marine Aircraft Group 24. 1972. p. 115.
  29. ^ MABS-26 Lineage & Honors dtd 30 September 1983 provided by the Marine Corps History Division
  30. ^ "MWSS-272 History". Marines.mil. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  31. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Rolls - 1967" (PDF). NARA. United States Marine Corps. p. 20. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  32. ^ "Change of Colors". The Beaufort Gazette. Beaufort, South Carolina. 17 June 1986. p. 6.
  33. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Rolls - 1967" (PDF). NARA. United States Marine Corps. p. 34. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  34. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Rolls - 1962" (PDF). NARA. United States Marine Corps. p. 54. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  35. ^ "USMC Status of Forces July-September 1971" (PDF). www.usmcu.edu. United States Marine Corps. 28 July 1971. p. 104. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  36. ^ "MALS-12 History". Marines.mil. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  37. ^ "Index for 1957 United States Marine Corps Bound Diaries". National Archives Catalog. United States Marine Corps. p. 9. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  38. ^ Fails 1978, pp. 146.
  39. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Roll Index - 1972". United States National Archives. United States Marine Corps. p. 19. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  40. ^ "USMC Status of Forces January-March 1971" (PDF). www.usmcu.edu. United States Marine Corps. 17 March 1971. p. 303. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  41. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Rolls - 1959" (PDF). NARA. United States Marine Corps. p. 14. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  42. ^ "USMC Status of Forces July-September 1971" (PDF). www.usmcu.edu. United States Marine Corps. 28 July 1971. p. 104. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  43. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Rolls - 1967" (PDF). NARA. United States Marine Corps. p. 20. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  44. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Rolls - 1967" (PDF). NARA. United States Marine Corps. p. 25. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  45. ^ "MACS-3 is Deactivated, Gets New Designation". MCAS El Toro Flight Jacket. MCAS El Toro. 3 July 1970. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  46. ^ 3d MAW General Order 1-1944 Commissioning AWS-7 & AWS(AT)-15 on 1 February 1944
  47. ^ "MACG-18 Command Chronology - 15 April-30 June 1971" (PDF). Marine Air Control Group 18. 17 July 1971. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  48. ^ "Air Control Squadron 9 Deactivated On June 30". The Beaufort Gazette. Beaufort, South Carolina. 15 July 1971.
  49. ^ "Radar Ground Defense Unit Is Set Up Here By Marines". The Atlanta Constitution. Atlanta, Georgia. 4 November 1946.
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  52. ^ "Computer Age Overtake "Eyes" of the Marine Corps". The Reserve Marine. 36 (1). October 1969. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
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  54. ^ 1967 Command Chronology for MARTD NAS Glenview, IL
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  56. ^ MASS-5 Activated Monday – 19 August 1966 – Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Flight Jacket
  57. ^ Redesignation to MATCU-60 authorized by CMC Dispatch 231803z/Jan54 as noted in the MATCU-60 February 1954 Muster Rolls.
  58. ^ Authorized by Machine Accounting Officer speed letter P2/144/WCJ-bt MRI 1061 of 28 September 1953. Taken from the MATCU-14 October 1953 Muster Rolls
  59. ^ Authorized by 3d MAW General Order 91-53. Noted in the MABS-32 Muster Rolls for September 1953
  60. ^ GCA Unit 37M was redesignated as MATCU-66 by authority of CMC letter AAE-2363-1sp dated 15 November 1954. Taken from the MATCU-66 Muster Rolls-January 1955
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References edit

  This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
Bibliography
  • Quilter, Colonel Charles J. II; Chapin, Captain John C. (2001). A History of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 531 (PDF). PCN 19000319600. Washington D.C.: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  • Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle – Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.
  • Simmons, Ed; Smith, Norm (1995). ECHOES OVER THE PACIFIC: An overview of Allied Air Warning Radar in the Pacific from Pearl Harbor to the Philippines Campaign (PDF).
Web
  • Fails, LtCol William R. (1978). Marines and Helicopters 1962–1973 (PDF). History & Museums Division, United States Marine Corps. ISBN 0-7881-1818-8.

See also edit