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Writer's pictureTobias Johnson

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Updated: Dec 2, 2021

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, or 2nd MAW, is the aviation arm of II MEF, the Marine Corps' east coast warfighting organization. The mission of 2nd MAW is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Force to include offensive air support, anti-air warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. As a collateral function, the MAW may participate as an integral component of naval aviation in the execution of such other Navy functions as the Fleet Commander may direct. Since its founding in 1941, units under 2nd MAW have fought in every major conflict across the world.


The early stages of 2nd MAW occurred in San Diego, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with the establishment of six squadrons (units of aircraft). These units engaged Japanese forces in key battles at Midway, Guam, Okinawa, and many more. After successfully winning the war in the Pacific, 2nd MAW found its new home at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, where it currently still resides. The next large-scale mobilization of 2nd MAW units came with the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, Marines and aircraft from the wing provided close-air support, medevac, and assault support for troops throughout the country. The MAW would then find itself participating in operations in Grenada, Cuba, Panama, and Lebanon before another large-scale mobilization for Operation DESERT SHIELD and Operation DESERT STORM to liberate Kuwait from the invading Iraqi forces. Since the September 11th attacks in 2001, 2nd MAW has been integral to the Global War on Terror. Its units have conducted operations throughout the Middle East, Africa, and other locations to stem terrorist activities.


Today, 2nd MAW is led by a Major General who is responsible for manning, training, and deploying his units from their hub at MCAS Cherry Point. This General officer also maintains units at MCAS New River, North Carolina and MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. 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 2nd 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 after disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.



2nd MAW will continue to provide the Marine Corps, the United States, and 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.


2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Units


MCAS Cherry Point

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is the headquarters of the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). It is home to squadrons of AV-8B Harriers, C-130's, and UAV's. It also provides command and control for the airspace in support of the 2nd MAW.


Units at the air station include:​

  • Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron

  • Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2

  • Marine Aircraft Group 14

    • Marine Attack Squadron 223

    • Marine Attack Squadron 231

    • Marine Attack Squadron 542

    • Marine Attack Training Squadron 203

    • Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252

    • KC-130J Fleet Replacement Detachment

    • Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2

    • Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14

  • Marine Air Control Group 28 Center for Naval Aviation

  • Technical Training Combat Logistics Company 21


MCAS New River

Marine Corps Air Station New River is a helicopter and tilt-rotor air station. There are MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53E Super Stallions, UH-1Y Venoms, and AH-1W Supercobras flown from this air station.


Units at the air station include:

  • Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron

  • Marine Aircraft Group 26

    • Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162

    • Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261

    • Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263

    • Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264

    • Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266

    • Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365

    • Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204

    • Marine Wing Support Squadron 272

    • Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26

  • Marine Aircraft Group 29

    • Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167

    • Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269

    • Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366

    • Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461

    • Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464

    • Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302

    • Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29

  • Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One

  • Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training

  • Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Detachment B


MCAS Beaufort

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is a fighter jet and maintenance repair station. There are F-18's and F-35's flown from this air station.


Units at the air station include:​

  • Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron

  • Marine Aircraft Group 31

    • Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115

    • Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224

    • Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312

    • Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533

    • Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501

    • Marine Wing Support Detachment 273

    • Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31

    • Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Detachment A

  • Combat Logistics Company 23

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