1st Marine Aircraft Wing

Commanded by a Major General with its headquarters at Camp Foster, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. 1st MAW conducts aviation operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, aerial reconnaissance, including active and passive electronic countermeasures, and control of aircraft and missiles. As a collateral function, 1st MAW may participate as an integral component of Naval Aviation in the execution of Naval functions as directed by the Fleet Commander. 

x1st MAW consists of approximately 7,500 Marines and Sailors and is organized into the following groups: Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, a fixed wing/fighter attack (F/A) group stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni; two tilt-rotary assault support groups, MAG-36, stationed at MCAS Futenma, and MAG-24, stationed at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Marine Air Control Group 18, an aviation command and control group stationed at MCAS Futenma; and Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, a headquarters squadron stationed on MCB Foster. 

MAG-12's fixed wing/fighter attack aircraft include KC-130J Super Hercules, F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornets, and F35B Lightning II’s. MAG-36's rotary-wing aircraft and air control and aviation ground support assets include the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter and the UH-1Y Venom helicopter. MAG-24's aviation assets include the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, UH-1Y Venom helicopter, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, and RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle. Together, each of the Wing’s Groups contribute to provide a powerful combination of firepower and assault support. 

Additionally, 1st MAW is supported by the Unit Deployment Program. Detachments from one F/A-18 squadron, one heavy-lift helicopter squadron, and one light-attack helicopter squadron deploy to Japan every six months from the United States. 

The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing has distinguished itself in humanitarian relief efforts throughout the Asia-Pacific. For years, the 1st MAW has been a key player in providing aid to areas devastated by tsunamis, typhoons, mudslides and other disasters. 

MISSION

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.

HISTORY

Fighting and winning our nation’s battles since July 7, 1941, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing has distinguished itself from the South Pacific and snow-topped mountains of the Korean Peninsula to Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforest and Afghanistan’s parched deserts. Always a force in readiness, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stands poised to strike at a moment’s notice to seize the initiative. The fourteen streamers attached to the 1st MAW battle colors are a testament to the organization’s engagement in over seventeen years of combat on many battlefields, and the tenacity of its Marines and Sailors.

1st MAW boasts a broad spectrum of aircraft and equipment that can be configured for any mission requirement or task. We build airfields where none exist; we fly assault and support missions regardless of time or weather; and we control the skies in every clime and place to which we deploy. All our personnel are highly trained, motivated and committed to maintaining the “Tip of the Spear” in Marine aviation. We are the powerful right arm of the MEF.