The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) was activated on this day back in 1941 at Quantico, Virginia. Within a year of activation, the Wing would participate in the Marine Corps offensive at Guadalcanal. That bitter campaign would be the first in a series of legendary battles in which the Wing would add luster to its reputation. The 1st MAW would earn five Presidential Unit Citations for gallantry in campaigns spanning World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Mission: Conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, antiair warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance including active and passive electronic countermeasures, and control of aircraft and missiles. 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.
A Marine aviator pilots his Grumman fighter for patrol and observation over Guadalcanal, circa September 1942. Ceaseless bombing by the Japanese kept the 1st MAW ground crew repairing the air field.
Photo Source: navypilotoverseas
South Korea, 1952
Vietnam, circa 1969. A Marine CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from the 1st MAW delivers supplies to the 9th Marine Regiment during Operation Dewey Canyon, in which Leathernecks captured over 500 tons of enemy arms and ammunition.
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