Who We Are

1st Marine Aircraft Wing, as the Aviation Combat Element of III Marine Expeditionary Force, provides combat ready, task organized forces capable of conducting aviation operations across all six functions of Marine Aviation in naval and expeditionary environments, and commands and controls aviation forces through the Tactical Air Command Center in order to contribute to the accomplishment of our Nation's security objectives as required by standing operational plans in the USINDOPACOM AOR, engagement operations in support of Marine Forces Pacific, overseas contingency operations, and other operations as directed.

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VMFA-232 strengthens Indo-Pacific presence through GATR

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Branham, a powerline mechanic, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st...

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MWSS-171 Field Training Exercise

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gary Harrison, right, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine...

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JGSDF Col. Aoyama visits MAG-36

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Colonel Yoshiji Aoyama, commanding officer of Transport Aviation Group, awards the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force...

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Super Stallions take off from Suwon Air Base

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing flies over...

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Deputy Commandant for Aviation visits MAG-12

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William Swan, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, speaks to Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine...

1st MAW News

MAG-12 brings Sergeants Course to Iwakuni, enhancing Marine development

Last week marked the first official Sergeant’s Course held on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Every slot of the course was filled with 60 registered and qualified students stationed on MCASI with 20 on the waitlist.

III MEF successfully intercepts aerial targets with Medium-Range Intercept Capability system

U.S. Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force successfully fired the new Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) system June 30, 2026. As part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, one of the largest multi-domain exercises in the Pacific, the test highlights a core theme of this year's exercise: integrating cutting-edge technology to maintain a decisive military advantage and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The successful intercept of an aerial target proved that the joint force is not only training with existing tools but is actively fielding and validating the next generation of technology required for regional security.

U.S. Forces and Allied Partners Strengthen Cooperation During CDDAR Exercise

For Marine Corps reservists, balancing civilian careers with military service can be challenging. From July 1 to July 5, one Marine from Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 participated in a Crash Damaged or Disabled Aircraft Recovery (CDDAR) exercise in Japan while augmenting MWSS-171. They had the opportunity to train alongside the active-duty service members and international partners to sharpen lifesaving skills while contributing to a larger mission. Across 11 separate rotations of Marines, MWSS-472 will train and learn from their active-duty counterparts while in Japan to increase air ground support capacity and overall mission readiness.

MWSS-174 validates combat readiness and allied integration during KMEP 26.1

March 14 to April 19, 2026, Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, validated its ability to project power and integrate with allied forces in the Indo-Pacific. The squadron achieved this milestone by completing a Marine Corps combat readiness evaluation during Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1.

Marine Aircraft Group 12 shows support during Sexual Assault and Awareness Month

The month of April hosts multiple military events; Month of the Military Child, Mental Health Awareness, and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month. On April 16 spanning into the morning of April 17, Marine Aircraft Group 12 hosted the “You Are Not Alone” 24-Hour Walk to raise awareness during SAAP month. The event was held on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

1st Marine Aircraft Wing, DLA make future airfield operations more concrete

Preparation is a pillar of the Marine Corps. Marines remain ready for any challenge that may arise, and they continue to anticipate future friction points. On 14 – 16 April, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) demonstrated an innovative evolution in airfield damage repair (ADR).