The Marine Air Wing gained its fame during the Second World War. Under the guidance of such legendary figures as General Geiger and Pappy Boyington, the fighters and bombers of the Marine Corps developed and perfected the theory of close air support. The ability of Marine ground commanders to call on dedicated aircraft was instrumental in many of the Corps' victories.

After the war the Marines continued to refine the logistics of close air support. They used it to great advantage during the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and countless "bush wars" around the world.

The basic building block of the Wing is the Marine Aircraft Group. The smallest aviation unit in the Wing, it is designed to conduct independent operations without out- side assistance. Each Group is task organized for a specific mission and comprises either fixed-Wing (VMF:fighter/VMA: attack) or rotary-Wing (VH:helicopter) aircraft.

The fixed-wing Group consists of two squadrons each of 20 AV-813 Harriers, two squadrons of 12 F/A 18 Hornets, and one all weather attack squadron. The F/A 18 will replace the A-6 Intruder after it is phased out.

The rotary wing Group consists of one observation squadron with 12 OV-10 Broncos, one light attack squadron with 12 UH-1N Hueys and 12 AH-1 Cobras. In addition, it has three medium-lift helicopter squadrons each equipped with 12 CH-46E Sea Knight and two heavy lift helicopter squadrons each equipped with 16 CH-53D/E Sea Stallion helicopters.

The equipment of the air wing is proven, reliable, and adapted to meet the needs of the Marine Corps; but perhaps the greatest strength of the Marine Air Wing lies in its pilots. Dedicated professionals, all of whom are qualified to operate either from land or carriers at sea, they begin their basic training after commissioning with the ground officers at Quantico, Va. There they are taught infantry tactics and are treated and graded as "grunts" during their training. The ground training is followed by tours as air liaison officers with various Marine combat units because each unit down to battalion level has its own air liaison officer.

Seemingly an underutilization of the skills of a highly trained pilot, the cross-training res~ilts in a pilot who fully appreciates the problems of Marine combat units and is so deeply ingrained in accomplishing the mission that he will provide the necessary level of support required by the Marines on the ground.

Battle Briefs

The US Marine Air Wing
The Spirit of the Bayonet
The Browning M2 Heavy Machine Gun
The Battle of Trebia (218BC: Hannibal)