5 Key Facts About 2d Marine Aircraft Wing

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) is a major wing of the United States Marine Corps, headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina. Here are five key facts about the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing:

Mission and Responsibilities

The primary mission of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is to provide air support to Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs) and to support other military operations as required. This includes providing combat air support, air reconnaissance, and air transport services. The wing is also responsible for providing training and support to other Marine Corps units.

Structure and Composition

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is composed of several squadrons and groups, including:

Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14)
Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26)
Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31)
Marine Air Control Group 28 (MACG-28)
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters Squadron

Each of these groups and squadrons has its own specific mission and responsibilities, but they all work together to support the overall mission of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

History and Deployments

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing was established on July 10, 1941, and has since participated in numerous military operations and conflicts, including:

World War II: The wing played a significant role in the Allied victory, providing air support for several major battles.
Korean War: The wing provided air support for Marine Corps ground units and participated in several major battles.
Vietnam War: The wing provided air support for Marine Corps ground units and participated in several major battles.
Gulf War: The wing provided air support for Marine Corps ground units and participated in several major battles.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: The wing provided air support for Marine Corps ground units and participated in several major battles.

Aircraft and Equipment

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing operates a variety of aircraft, including:

F/A-18 Hornet: A multi-role fighter jet used for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes.
F/A-18D Hornet: A two-seat version of the F/A-18 Hornet used for training and operations.
AV-8B Harrier II: A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) jet used for close air support and air-to-ground strikes.
KC-130J Super Hercules: A tanker aircraft used for aerial refueling.
UH-1Y Venom: A utility helicopter used for transport and reconnaissance.

The wing also operates several types of radar and air defense systems, including the AN/TPS-59 and AN/MPQ-65 radar systems.

Training and Exercises

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing participates in several training exercises and operations throughout the year, including:

Unit-level training: The wing conducts regular training exercises to maintain the proficiency of its pilots and aircrew.
Integrated training: The wing participates in integrated training exercises with other Marine Corps units and with other branches of the military.
Joint exercises: The wing participates in joint exercises with other branches of the military and with international partners.

These exercises help to maintain the readiness of the wing and ensure that its pilots and aircrew are prepared to respond to a variety of contingencies.

Garrison and Deployment Operations

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina. The wing also has a significant presence at other bases, including:

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina
Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona

The wing regularly deploys to other locations, including:

Middle East: The wing has deployed to several countries in the Middle East, including Iraq and Kuwait.
Asia-Pacific: The wing has deployed to several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan and South Korea.
Europe: The wing has deployed to several countries in Europe, including Germany and Italy.

Community and Family Support

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is committed to supporting the families of its personnel, as well as the local community. The wing has a variety of programs and services in place to support its personnel and their families, including:

Family readiness programs: The wing offers a range of programs and services to support the families of its personnel, including counseling, education, and employment assistance.
Community outreach: The wing participates in a range of community outreach programs, including volunteer work, charity events, and sponsorships.
Support groups: The wing has a range of support groups in place to support the families of its personnel, including support groups for spouses, children, and veterans.

Gallery of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Image Gallery

FAQs

What is the primary mission of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing?

The primary mission of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is to provide air support to Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs) and to support other military operations as required.

What types of aircraft does the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing operate?

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing operates a variety of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier II, KC-130J Super Hercules, and UH-1Y Venom.

Where is the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing headquartered?

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina.

What is the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's deployment history?

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing has deployed to several countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Italy.

What types of training exercises does the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing participate in?

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing participates in several types of training exercises, including unit-level training, integrated training, and joint exercises.

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