The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, or 1st MAW, is the aviation arm of III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), the Marine Corps' Pacific-focused warfighting organization. The mission of 1st MAW is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include: offensive air support, anti-air support, aerial reconnaissance including active and passive electronic countermeasures, and control of aircraft and missiles.(1) As a collateral function, the wing may participate as an integral component of Naval Aviation in the execution of such other Navy functions as the Fleet Commander may direct. The wing is headquartered at Camp Foster on the island of Okinawa, Japan, and it is led by a Major General and his Sergeant Major. Approximately 7,500 Marines and Sailors currently call 1st MAW home.
Since its founding on 7 July 1941, units assigned to 1st MAW have fought in every major conflict in the Pacific area of operations. The early stages of 1st MAW transpired in Quantico, Virginia when it was activated to fight the growing specter of the Second World War. After the attacks at Pearl Harbor, 1st MAW found itself halfway across the world fighting forces of the Axis powers in the Pacific, mostly those of Imperial Japan. Marines assigned to the wing fought from Guadalcanal, all the way to the Japanese home islands before victory was attained. During the war, units from the wing fought from carrier decks and land-based airfields as they hopped across the Pacific. The wing then fought for the duration of the Korean and Vietnam wars, participating in a variety of campaigns against communist forces in each country. Since the inception of the Global War on Terror, units from 1st MAW have participated in operations in the Middle East and other theaters to stem the tide of extremist activities.
The wing employs the full arsenal of Marine Corps fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and drone aircraft spread across each base. Marines and Sailors assigned to 1st MAW can find themselves conducting a variety of operations with forward task forces, aboard Navy ships, assigned to partner-nation bases, and so much more. In addition to their warfighting functions, these servicemembers are also trained to conduct humanitarian and non-combatant evacuation operations. The wing has provided key support to nations decimated by tsunamis, typhoons, mudslides, and other natural disasters across the Pacific.
The 1st MAW continues to provide the United States and its partner nations with a combat-ready naval aviation force. Marines and Sailors assigned to the wing will join a legacy steeped in history, and they will propel their units to success in future operations.
1st Marine Aircraft Wing Units
MCB Camp Smedley Butler
Camp Smedley Butler is the major Marine Corps installation in the Pacific, and it is the home of III MEF. It is also the headquarters of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW).
Units located here include:
Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1
Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18
MCB Hawaii
Marine Corps Base Hawaii is a major Marine Corps base in the Pacific. It is also home to MCAS Hawaii. Units are subordinate to III MEF.
Units located here include:
Marine Aircraft Group 24
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3
Marine Wing Support Detachment 24
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24
MCAS Iwakuni
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is the headquarters of Marine Aircraft Group 12. It is home to flying air squadrons for F/A-18's and C-130's. It also provides limited command and control for the airspace in support of 1st MAW.
Units at the air station include:
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron
Marine Aircraft Group 12
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152
Marine Wing Support Squadron 171
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12
Combat Logistics Company 36
MCAS Futenma
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is home to squadrons of MV-22 Osprey aircraft and their supporting aviation ground support units. The installation provides command and control for the airspace in support of the 2nd MAW.
Units at the air station include:
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron
Marine Aircraft Group 36
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36
Marine Wing Support Squadron 172
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36
Marine Air Control Group 18
Combat Logistics Company 21
(1): From 1st MAW webpage; 1st Marine Aircraft Wing > Unit Home > About (marines.mil)
