The mission of the Marine Aircraft Group 12 is to provide 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.
Marine Aircraft Group Twelve was activated at Camp Kearney, San Diego, California, on 1 March 1942, and shortly thereafter, deployed to the Pacific. From December 1942 until cessation of hostilities in late 1945, the Group participated in numerous World War II operations in the Solomon and Philippine Islands supporting the US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as Philippine guerrilla forces. For such service, the Group earned the Army Distinguished Unit Award and the Navy Unit Citation.
Through the end of the Korean Conflict, the Group participated successfully in numerous operations and accumulated over 80,000 effective combat sorties against enemy troops, installations, vehicles, and countless other vital targets. A second Navy Unit citation was awarded for its Korean War service.
During 1956, after nearly 6 years in Korea, MAG-12 was withdrawn to Iwakuni, Japan, and remained there conducting close air support for Fleet Marine Forces in the Western Pacific until 1965.
In May 1965, MAG-12 deployed to ChuLai, Vietnam, to support Marine infantry and other allied forces in their engagements against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army units.
The Group participated in numerous large operations, including the recapture of Hue City and the relief of besieged units at Khe Sanh. Two more Navy Unit Citations were received as a result of the Group’s contribution to the Vietnam War effort. After almost 5 years of combat, MAG-12 was withdrawn from the Republic of Vietnam in February 1970, and reestablished at Iwakuni, Japan.
MAG-12’s stay in Japan, though, was short. Again, in May 1972, MAG-12 deployed to Vietnam and conducted combat operations from Bien Hoa air base until finally withdrawing from war in January 1973. MAG-12 then returned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, where it remains today.
From its current base, MAG-12 has conducted extensive operations throughout the WESTPAC area and participated in hundreds of joint service training exercises, continually honing its combat skills.
Today MAG-12 consists of one Marine Aircraft Logistics Squadron, one Marine Wing Support Squadron, and four operational flying squadrons – a KC-130J Super Hercules squadron (Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152), two F35-B Lightning II Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons (VMFA) 242, VMFA-121, and a Unit Deployment Program F/A-18 Hornet detachment. “Always Faithful”, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve still retains its well-deserved title: “THE READY GROUP”.
MAG-12 DRC Dr. Walter J. Kelly
Deployment Readiness Coordinator
walter.kelly.civ@usmc.mil
DSN: 315-255-7573
MCAS Iwakuni, Building 6000
Units: MWSS 171, VMFA 242, and VMGR 152
MAG-12 DRC Ms. Ashlee Marcy
Deployment Readiness Coordinator
ashlee.a.marcy.civ@usmc.mil
DSN: 315-255-7572
MCAS Iwakuni, Building 6000
Units: VMFA 121, MALS 12, and MAG 12 HQ