Intro
Discover the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing overview, exploring its aviation operations, mission, and personnel, with insights into marine aircraft systems, tactical air support, and military aviation training.
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, also known as 2nd MAW, is a major aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is one of the three aircraft wings in the Marine Corps and is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The wing is composed of multiple groups, squadrons, and units that provide air support to Marine Corps ground units and other coalition forces. The 2nd MAW plays a critical role in supporting the Marine Corps' expeditionary nature, providing air power that can be deployed quickly and effectively in a variety of environments.
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing has a rich history, dating back to World War II. It was activated on July 10, 1941, as the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, and has since participated in numerous conflicts and operations, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. The wing has also been involved in various humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, demonstrating its versatility and commitment to supporting a wide range of missions. Throughout its history, the 2nd MAW has earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is organized into several groups, each with its own unique mission and responsibilities. These groups include the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters Group, and the 2nd Marine Air Wing Support Group. The wing is also composed of multiple squadrons, including fighter, attack, transport, and helicopter squadrons. These squadrons provide a range of air support capabilities, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, transport, and medical evacuation. The 2nd MAW's units and squadrons work together to provide a comprehensive air power capability that can be tailored to support a variety of missions and operations.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Organization

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is led by a major general who serves as the wing's commanding general. The commanding general is responsible for overseeing the wing's operations, training, and administration, and for ensuring that the wing is prepared to support a wide range of missions and operations. The wing's headquarters is located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and is supported by a staff of officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians. The staff provides a range of support functions, including operations, intelligence, logistics, and communications.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Units

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is composed of multiple units, each with its own unique mission and responsibilities. These units include:
- Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12): Provides air support to Marine Corps ground units and other coalition forces.
- Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14): Provides air support to Marine Corps ground units and other coalition forces.
- Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26): Provides air support to Marine Corps ground units and other coalition forces.
- Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29): Provides air support to Marine Corps ground units and other coalition forces.
- Marine Air Control Group 28 (MACG-28): Provides air traffic control, air defense, and command and control capabilities.
These units work together to provide a comprehensive air power capability that can be tailored to support a variety of missions and operations.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Aircraft

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing operates a variety of aircraft, including:
- F/A-18 Hornet: A multi-role fighter aircraft used for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes.
- AV-8B Harrier: A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft used for air-to-ground strikes and transport.
- KC-130J Super Hercules: A transport aircraft used for cargo and personnel transport.
- CH-53E Super Stallion: A heavy-lift helicopter used for transport and medical evacuation.
- UH-1Y Venom: A utility helicopter used for transport and medical evacuation.
These aircraft provide a range of air support capabilities that can be tailored to support a variety of missions and operations.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Operations

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing has participated in numerous operations and exercises throughout its history. These have included:
- World War II: The wing provided air support to Marine Corps ground units during the war in the Pacific.
- Korean War: The wing provided air support to Marine Corps ground units during the war in Korea.
- Vietnam War: The wing provided air support to Marine Corps ground units during the war in Vietnam.
- Gulf War: The wing provided air support to Marine Corps ground units during the war in Kuwait and Iraq.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: The wing provided air support to coalition forces during the war in Afghanistan.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: The wing provided air support to coalition forces during the war in Iraq.
The wing has also participated in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, including:
- Hurricane Katrina: The wing provided air support to relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.
- Hurricane Irma: The wing provided air support to relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.
- Hurricane Maria: The wing provided air support to relief efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Training

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing provides a range of training programs for its personnel. These programs include:
- Flight training: The wing provides flight training for its pilots, including initial flight training, advanced flight training, and tactical flight training.
- Maintenance training: The wing provides maintenance training for its maintenance personnel, including training on aircraft systems, engines, and avionics.
- Aviation ground support training: The wing provides training for its aviation ground support personnel, including training on air traffic control, air defense, and command and control systems.
The wing also participates in numerous exercises and operations throughout the year, providing its personnel with the opportunity to train and operate in a variety of environments.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Community Involvement

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is committed to community involvement and outreach. The wing participates in numerous community events throughout the year, including:
- Air shows: The wing participates in air shows, providing the public with the opportunity to see its aircraft and meet its personnel.
- Parades: The wing participates in parades, providing the public with the opportunity to see its personnel and equipment.
- Charity events: The wing participates in charity events, providing support to local charities and organizations.
The wing also provides support to local schools and educational institutions, including:
- STEM programs: The wing provides support to STEM programs, providing students with the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Career day events: The wing participates in career day events, providing students with the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in the Marine Corps.
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing History

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing has a rich and storied history, dating back to World War II. The wing was activated on July 10, 1941, as the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force. During World War II, the wing provided air support to Marine Corps ground units during the war in the Pacific. The wing participated in numerous battles and campaigns, including the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Tarawa, and the Battle of Iwo Jima.
After World War II, the wing continued to provide air support to Marine Corps ground units, participating in numerous operations and exercises throughout the world. The wing played a key role in the Korean War, providing air support to Marine Corps ground units during the war in Korea. The wing also played a key role in the Vietnam War, providing air support to Marine Corps ground units during the war in Vietnam.
In recent years, the wing has continued to provide air support to coalition forces, participating in numerous operations and exercises throughout the world. The wing has played a key role in Operation Enduring Freedom, providing air support to coalition forces during the war in Afghanistan. The wing has also played a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing air support to coalition forces during the war in Iraq.
Gallery of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Images
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Image Gallery










What is the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's primary mission?
+The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's primary mission is to provide air support to Marine Corps ground units and other coalition forces.
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, KC-130J Super Hercules, CH-53E Super Stallion, 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, North Carolina.
What is the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's history?
+The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing has a rich and storied history, dating back to World War II. The wing was activated on July 10, 1941, and has since participated in numerous conflicts and operations, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.
What types of training does the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing provide?
+The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing provides a range of training programs for its personnel, including flight training, maintenance training, and aviation ground support training.
In summary, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is a critical component of the Marine Corps' air power capability, providing air support to Marine Corps ground units and other coalition forces. The wing has a rich history, dating back to World War II, and has participated in numerous conflicts and operations throughout the world. The wing operates a variety of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier, KC-130J Super Hercules, CH-53E Super Stallion, and UH-1Y Venom. The wing provides a range of training programs for its personnel and is committed to community involvement and outreach. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and its mission. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us. Additionally, we encourage you to share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.