MCAS Past and Present

The year was 1928. The place—640 acres near Yuma covered with cactus, brush and desert wildlife. It was that year that Col. Benjamin F. Fly persuaded the federal government to lease the land from Yuma County. A 20-year lease with an option for an additional 20 years at $1 per year was signed. Fly Field became a reality.

Aviation was in its infancy and Fly Field became the center of attention in Yuma. During the summer of 1928, it was used as a stopover point for 25 planes in a New York to Los Angeles air race. It was used sporadically by private aircraft until 1941, when the U.S. government, through the Civil Aeronautics Administration, authorized an expenditure for permanent runways.

When the United States entered World War II, an air base was erected with the astounding speed that characterized the war effort. By early 1943, Yuma Army Air Base began graduating classes of pilots. The base became one of the busiest flying schools in the nation, training pilots of AT-6 single-engine trainers, T-17 multi-engine trainers and B-17 Flying Fortresses.

At the end of the war, all flight activity here ceased and the area was partially reclaimed by the desert. During the period of inactivity, it was controlled successively by the War Assets Administration, the U.S. Corps of Engineers and the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Reclamation, which used it as a headquarters for its irrigation projects.

On July 7, 1951, the Air Force reactivated the base and the 4750th Air Base Squadron resumed training as part of the Western Air Defense Forces. The airfield was named Yuma Air Base, but was renamed Vincent Air Force Base in 1956 in memory of Brig. Gen. Clinton D. Vincent, a pioneer of bombing techniques, who died in 1955.

From Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station
The facility was signed over to the Department of the Navy on Jan. 1, 1959, and nine days later, Col. L.K. Davis became the first commanding officer of the newly designated Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station. On July 20, 1962, the designation was changed to Marine Corps Air Station. From 1969 until 1987, the air station served primarily as a training base for pilots assigned to Marine Corps Crew Readiness Training Group 10, flying the F-4 Phantom, A-4 Skyhawk and AV-8A Harrier.

Since then, the main runway has been extended to 13,300 feet (enough concrete for 37 miles of two-lane highway) and the Tactical Aircrew Combat Training System—or flight simulator—has been added. The system is designed to provide realistic air-to-air combat training with electronically simulated weapons firing to all Navy and Marine squadrons.

In 1987, Marine Aircraft Group 13, with Marine Attack Squadrons 211, 214, 311 and 513, replaced MCCRTG-10 as the major tenant command on the station. The move also brought Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 to Yuma, joining Marine Air Control Squadron 7 and 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion.

Throughout the fall of 1990, virtually every Marine Corps fixed-wing squadron that participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm underwent pre-deployment training on Yuma's ranges.

Mission
Today, MCAS Yuma is the busiest air station in the Marine Corps as well as one of the busiest in the Department of the Navy. It is also the second largest contributor to the economy of Yuma County.

Its primary mission is to support Marine aerial weapons training and to serve as a base of operations for Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing units, to include Marine Aircraft Group 13.

As the scheduling authority for the Bob Stump Training Range Complex, MCAS Yuma provides fleet and training squadrons access to 10,000 square miles of special-use air space designated for military aviation training and almost 2,000 square miles of underlying land reserved as aerial bombing and gunnery ranges. Collectively, this complex is the largest tactical aviation training range used by the Marine Corps.

Each year, approximately 100 aviation units deploy here to train on Yuma's 2.8 million-acre range complex. These deployments, ranging from a few days to seven weeks, bring about 14,000 personnel and 600 aircraft to Yuma annually.

One of the main contributors to the immense influx of aircraft and personnel to Yuma is the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, hosted twice a year by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1.

MCAS Yuma is also the only joint-use air station in the Marine Corps. Through an agreement between the Marine Corps and Yuma County, MCAS provides all air traffic control, crash crew services, airfield security and maintains the runways and taxiways for both MCAS and Yuma International Airport.

Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron
Headquarters and Head-quarters Squadron is res-ponsible for the day-to-day operations on the air station to keep it running as a small community within the community. Approximately 700 Marines and sailors are assigned to the squadron. With assistance from roughly 1,200 civilians who work on MCAS, they work to keep the station operational through the efforts of a variety of departments, including air traffic control, airfield operations, administration, installation and logistics, range management, communications, military police, explosive ordnance disposal, search and rescue, postal, legal, public affairs and financial operations.

Marine Aircraft Group 13
Marine Aircraft Group 13, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Calif., is comprised of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 and Marine Attack Squadrons 211, 214, 311 and 513. The four Harrier attack squadrons provide close air support, conduct armed reconnaissance and assume limited air-defense roles. MAG-13 was activated in San Diego on March 1, 1942, and participated in the Marshall Islands campaign during World War II. It was deactivated at the close of the war.

Reformed in March 1951, MAG-13 moved to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in early 1953, with two fighter squadrons and Marine Air Control Squadron 2. Aviation units based at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Calif., were rotated to Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, every six months for training until April 1954. On May 1, 1956, the 1st Marine Brigade assumed its title in lieu of the 1st Provisional Marine Air-Ground Task Force designation and MAG-13 provided the air support for this unique organization. It gained the distinction of being the only composite Marine Aircraft Group comprised of fighter, attack and helicopter squadrons, supporting the ground arm of the brigade. In June 1965, MAG-13 became a unit of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing of Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, where it operated until October 1966. With elements deployed to Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, it supported the III Marine Amphibious Force and other forces in I Corps and II Corps tactical zones, Laos, North Vietnam and Cambodia. MAG-13 returned to El Toro in October 1970 and moved to Yuma on Oct. 1, 1987. MAG-13 deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January 2003. With squadrons deployed aboard four different amphibious vessels and one land based, MAG-13 pilots and Harriers flew around-the-clock, providing close air support to ground units as they pressed toward Baghdad. With more than 75 aircraft in theater, MAG-13 delivered a significant amount of munitions on enemy targets without losing a single aircraft or Marine to enemy fire. MAG-13 saw its last unit return from Operation Iraqi Freedom in July 2003, though in the years to follow MAG-13 personnel would deploy regularly to Iraq. By the end of 2008, all four Harrier squadrons had returned to Yuma, where they ended routine deployments to Iraq but continue to support Marine Expeditionary Units and operations in Afghanistan.

Marine Attack Squadron 211
Marine Attack Squadron 211 is one of four AV-8B Harrier squadrons assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 13 at MCAS Yuma. Its mission is to provide close air support, conduct armed reconnaissance and limited air defense to Marine air-ground task forces. VMA-211 began as Fighter Squadron 4M in 1937, flying the Grumman F-3F biplane fighter aircraft at Naval Air Station San Diego, Calif. The squadron moved to Ewa, Hawaii, in January 1941, and was redesignated VMF-211 while transitioning to Grumman F4F 3 Wildcats.

In November 1941, VMF-211 flew 12 Wildcats aboard the USS Enterprise for movement to Wake Island, the scene of the squadron's heroic battle. On Dec. 8, 1941, the Japanese attacked, destroying seven of the 12 aircraft on the ground.

In the next two weeks, the remaining five planes repelled numerous attacks and inflicted great losses on the enemy. During the course of the defense, the Marine ground forces and VMF-211 caused the loss of at least four enemy warships—the first major Japanese naval vessels sunk during the Pacific war. At least 21 enemy aircraft were shot down by flak and VMF-211 pilots.

The first Marine airman to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II was VMF-211's Capt. Henry "Hammering Hank" Elrod. Wake Island was finally overrun on Dec. 23, 1941, by a numerically superior enemy.

The squadron's rear echelon was subsequently transferred to Palmyra Atoll in the South Pacific and adopted the name "Avengers" in memory of those squadron members who were killed or captured on Wake Island. Flying the F-4U Corsair for the remainder of the war, VMF-211 participated in the Treasury-Bouganville, Bismark, Northern Solomon, Leyte and Southern Philippine campaigns. After World War II, VMF-211 participated in the occupation of China and returned to Edenton, N.C., in 1949. While operating aboard the USS Coral Sea in 1952, the squadron was redesignated VMA-211.

In 1957, the squadron received its first A-4 Skyhawks and subsequently moved to El Toro, Calif., in 1958. With escalation of the Vietnam conflict, VMA-211 moved to Japan in 1965 and commenced the first of four deployments to the Republic of Vietnam. In August 1976, the squadron returned to El Toro, where it replaced its old A-4Es with the latest Skyhawk model, the A-4M.

In September 1987, the squadron celebrated an aviation milestone when it passed 30 years of flying the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. After successfully completing the last overseas deployment with the A-4M Skyhawk in 1989, VMA-211 began transferring these aircraft to the reserve forces of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in preparation for transition to the AV-8B Harrier II, the night-attack version of the jet.

In June 1990, the squadron began flying the Harriers. During the period of 1992 to 1998, VMA-211 participated in numerous squadron deployments to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Iwakuni and Okinawa, Japan, and fully supported six plane detachments as part of a composite squadron for the 11th, 13th and 31st, Marine Expeditionary Units. During this time, the Avengers were awarded Marine Corps Aviation Association's "Attack Squadron of the Year" award three times, in 1995, 1996 and 1998.

In September 2000, the squadron began introduction of the latest Harrier variant, the AV-8B II+, equipped with an APG-65 radar making it capable of operating advanced missiles. The squadron soon fielded a compliment of both versions of Harriers.

Answering the call that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the squadron deployed to the Arabian Sea aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. The Avengers lived up to their name in Operation Enduring Freedom, flying combat missions against targets in Afghanistan from January to March 2002. The following January, the Avengers found themselves once again aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. This time the squadron was headed for the Persian Gulf, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In one month of combat flying, the squadron flew more than 360 sorties and 640 hours of flight time. During VMA-211's most recent deployment to Iraq from September 2006 until March 2007, the squadron flew in more than 2,700 missions and had more than 5,200 flight hours in order to support the 1st and 2nd Marine Expeditionary Forces.

The Avengers visited their symbolic birthplace at Wake Island in early 2009 while on their way to Japan to serve with the 31st MEU. Although other visits have been made in recent history, this was the largest size group of VMA-211 Marines to step foot on the island since 1995.

Marine Attack Squadron 214
With less than four weeks to be fully trained and combat ready in the midst of World War II, Marine Fighter Squadron 214 claimed the nickname Black Sheep for being comprised of a patchwork of 27 men who at the time didn't fit in anywhere.

Maj. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, who later earned the Medal of Honor, formed and commanded the squadron in 1943 to strike back at the Japanese in the Pacific. Black Sheep destroyed or damaged a record 203 Japanese planes during World War II.

Originally nicknamed the Swashbucklers, the squadron was initially commissioned on July 1, 1942, in Ewa, Oahu, in the territory of Hawaii. After only one year of operation and two deployments, the squadron was transferred to Australia for rest and relaxation after the death of its commanding officer, Maj. Bill Pace in August 1943.

When Boyington's group took over the squadron, it was redesignated as the Black Sheep and activated Sept. 7, 1943. The squadron chose the call sign to commemorate the unusual way they had been formed and the variety of pilots the unit was comprised of.

The Black Sheep's mismatched group of pilots ranged from experienced combat veterans with several air-to-air victories under their belts to rookie replacement pilots.

In addition to the 203 planes the Black Sheep damaged and destroyed in World War II, they also produced eight aces with 97 confirmed air-to-air kills, sunk several troop and supply ships and destroyed many Japanese military installations throughout the Pacific. For their outstanding achievements in battle, the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action.

Shortly after ending their combat tour on Jan. 8, 1944, five days after Boyington was shot down and captured by the Japanese, the original Black Sheep were disbanded and the pilots were placed in the pilot pool of Marine Aircraft Group 11.

During the 1940s, VMF-214 had many homes in the United States, including Hawaii, Santa Barbara, Calif. and El Toro, Calif. In 1950, the Black Sheep became the first Marine squadron to see action in Korea. They participated in key battles including the Inchon landing, defense of the Pusan perimeter and the withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir by providing nearly continuous air cover, cutting off enemy supply and communication lines and inflicting damage on numerous ground emplacements and enemy armor.

The Black Sheep had primarily flown attack missions on ground and naval targets since its second combat tour in World War II, so on July 9, 1957, the squadron became VMA-214, becoming a Marine "attack" squadron, vice a "fighter" squadron.

For its contribution in Vietnam, the squadron continued its tradition of excellence, earning two Navy Unit Commendations. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Black Sheep served in many roles, including time as an operational training squadron for attack pilots. In 1982, the unit earned the Lawson H.M. Sanderson Award for Attack Squadron of the Year.

The squadron finally moved to Yuma in September 1987. They again proved their excellence by winning the prestigious Sanderson Award for a second time.

Until June 1989, the Black Sheep had flown a variety of aircraft, from the F4U-4B Corsairs in the 1950s, to the FJ-4B Fury in the 1960s and the A-4B Skyhawk through the 1980s. In 1989, the Black Sheep introduced the "night attack" aircraft to the Marine Corps with the first operational squadron of AV-8B Harrier IIs. Throughout the 1990s, VMA-214 continued to support multiple exercises and deployments, including Operation Continue Hope in Somalia and Operation Desert Fox in the North Arabian Gulf.

The turn of the century did not see a decrease in this unit's operational tempo. They forged through at full speed, answering the nation's call to arms after Sept. 11, 2001, by deploying its 16 airplanes and more than 250 personnel to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. The unit continued support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when VMA-214 became the first Harrier squadron to be land based in Iraq in 2004. In spring of 2009 the majority of the squadron deployed to Afghanistan where they supported Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan in combat operations, before returning in the late fall of 2009.

To this day, the Black Sheep have demonstrated a true standard of excellence that has marked them as one of the finest military units of our country and the Corps.

Marine Attack Squadron 311
Marine Attack Squadron 311 was initially commissioned a fighter squadron on Dec. 1, 1942, at Cherry Point, N.C., flying the SNJ Texan trainers. In April 1943, they received the new Vought F4U-1 Corsair and entered the Pacific theater where they served with distinction until the end of World War II. On Oct. 6, 1943, the squadron catapulted from the deck of the USS Nassau to Samoa Naval Air Station in one of the earliest catapult operations of the F4U. Two days later, VMF-311 flew to Wallis Island and remained there until January 1944. During America's "Island Hopping" campaign across the Pacific, the squadron's mission was to isolate Japanese forces on the bypassed islands, deny their escape and prevent their use of airstrips. The squadron continued to perform strafing and bombing missions until moving to Okinawa in March 1945, and was the first Marine squadron to use fighter aircraft for dive bombing missions. The squadron, now flying the F4U-1C (a modification which included four 20 mm cannons and pylons for 5-inch rockets), downed its first aircraft on April 7, 1945. Combat air patrols were the predominant mission until the war ended.

After the war, VMF-311 moved to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the occupational forces. The nickname "Hell's Belles" was adopted by the squadron during World War II but was seldom used. In April 1948, VMF-311 received the first jet aircraft to be introduced to Marine aviation—the TO-1 Shooting Star—followed by the F9F-2 Panther in September.

With the outbreak of war in Korea, the squadron moved to Pusan, South Korea, where it flew the first Marine jet combat mission on Dec. 10, 1950, providing close air support for 8th Army units near the Chosin Reservoir. Similar missions were flown despite inclement weather, maintenance problems and enemy anti-aircraft fire. In two and a half years, the squadron amassed 18,851 combat sorties. Even after the armistice was signed, VMF-311 continued to fly training missions to maintain readiness.

In early 1957, VMF-311 began to be referred to as the Tomcats. This period also brought the new Grumman F9F-8 Cougar, thus upgrading the squadron's capabilities. On June 1, 1957, the unit was redesignated Marine Attack Squadron 311. This didn't create any organizational problems as the emphasis was simply placed on a mission the squadron had so aptly performed during World War II and Korea. In the summer of 1958, VMA-311 began receiving the Douglas A-4D2 Skyhawks, later redesignated the A-4B. The Tomcats began receiving the new A-4Es in mid 1963 and in March 1965 deployed to Japan with 20 A-4Es. During April 1965, VMA-311 was alerted to prepare to deploy to the Republic of Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the tempo of operations was intense. Operating from the air base at Chu Lai, the squadron flew 240 sorties from May 5-8, 1968, alone. By September, the Tomcats had logged 25,000 combat sorties and were the undisputed pacesetter in what was believed to be a record number of combat sorties for any fixed-wing squadron in a single conflict of war.

The squadron relocated to Da Nang air base in the summer of 1970. For VMA-311 the war ended on Jan. 29, 1973, with a total of 54,625 combat sorties flown and 105,000 tons of ordnance dropped in support of troops throughout Southeast Asia.

The squadron flew the A-4 aircraft until its return from Iwakuni, Japan, in June 1988, and was moved to MCAS Yuma along with other MAG-13 squadrons. Prior to its transition into the new AV-8B aircraft, VMA-311 was the proud recipient of the coveted Lawson H.M. Sanderson Award, qualifying the squadron for the 1988 Marine Attack Squadron of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association.

On Aug. 11, 1990, the Tomcats were ordered to Saudi Arabia in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force units deployed for Oper-ation Desert Shield. Operating from the King Abdul Aziz naval air base, VMA-311 was the forward-most fixed-wing aircraft unit in theater.

On Jan. 17, 1991, the Tomcats became the first Marine squadron to employ the AV-8B Harrier in combat, striking Iraqi positions in southern Kuwait in preparation for the coalition ground offensive. During the Persian Gulf War, the squadron flew 1,017 combat sorties and dropped 8,000 tons of ordnance on enemy targets.

Returning to Yuma in April 1991, the squadron was awarded the MCAA's Attack Squadron of the Year for 1991. On April 9, 1992, the Tomcats received their first night attack version of the AV-8B Harrier.

Continuing the Tomcats' tradition of firsts, on Nov. 3, 2001, VMA-311 Harriers attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard the USS Peleliu became the first Harriers to fly combat missions in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Marines of VMA-311 again answered their nation's call as they deployed to the Northern Arabian Gulf in January 2003. Almost 59 years to the day after VMF-311's first combat sortie in World War II, the Tomcats flew their first combat sortie of Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 21, 2003. During the war they dropped 77 tons of precision ordnance, destroying or neutralizing 132 Iraqi targets.

Upon their return, the Tomcats of VMA-311 consolidated as a squadron in preparation for a deployment to Al Asad, Iraq, in further support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as fielding a detachment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. On Nov. 7, 2004, the squadron left for Iraq, ferrying 10 aircraft to the area of operation. Within eight hours of arriving at Al Asad, the Tomcats were flying combat sorties over the skies of Fallujah and Ramadi. In all, the Tomcats flew 6,317.1 hours from November 2004 to May 2005.

From June 2006 to January 2007, a portion of VMA-311 again deployed to Iraq with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, flying 789 sorties. In September 2006, more Tomcats left with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, returning in May 2007. In 2008, VMA-311 split forces, sending the majority of their squadron to Al Asad, Iraq, for seven months. The remaining detachment joined the 15th MEU for six-month deployment at sea. The entire squadron returned home to Yuma by the end of the year. 2009 saw the Tomcats named attack squadron of the year for their exceptional mission readiness and overall performance between May 2008 and April 2009.

Marine Attack Squadron 513
Marine Attack Squadron 513 was first commissioned as VMF-513 on Feb. 15, 1944, at Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Oak Grove, N.C., flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Walnut Range, Ark., in September 1944, and in December, the squadron moved to Mojave, Calif., where it was designated VMF(CVS)-513, to designate them as a carrier squadron. On June 15, 1945, VMF(CVS)-513 departed San Diego aboard the USS Vella Gulf and participated in carrier operations in the Pacific, making stops in Ewa, Enewetak, Saipan and Guam. They also provided close air support for the 3rd Marine Division in the battle for Okinawa, Japan. During the period between World War II and the Korean War, VMF-513 operated from MCAS El Toro, Calif. When it transitioned to the F4U-5N, the squadron was designated VMF(N)-513, designating them as a night fighter squadron .

In August 1950, the squadron deployed to Japan under operational control of the U.S. 5th Air Force. During the summer of 1952, VMF(N)-513 received the F3D Skynight, the squadron's first jet aircraft. During the Korean War, VMF(N)-513 was credited with 10 kills with the new aircraft and made aviation history with the first radar kill of an enemy jet aircraft at night. Following the Korean War and a three-year tour in Japan, the squadron returned to MCAS El Toro.

On July 26, 1958, VMF-513 received the F4D Skyray aircraft. On Aug. 1, 1963, the squadron was designated fighter/attack squadron VMFA 513 after transitioning into the F-4B Phantom II. In November 1964, VMFA-513 deployed to Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan. During June 1965, the squadron moved to MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. At MCAS Cherry Point, the squadron flew the F-4B Phantom until June 30, 1970, when it was commissioned as training cadre, awaiting delivery of the first Marine AV-8A Harrier on April 16, 1971.

With the arrival of the first "jump jet," the squadron was designated VMA-513. Upon reassignment to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in July 1974, VMA-513 departed for MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, aboard the USS Tripoli. A six-plane detachment subsequently departed in September 1974, for a six-month Mediterranean deployment aboard the USS Guam. During November 1976, VMA-513 was ordered back to the United States and assigned to Marine Combat Crew Readiness Training Group 10 at MCAS Yuma. In departing for the United States, a detachment of six aircraft remained behind, initiating six-month rotational detachments at Iwakuni.

During the 1980s, the Flying Nightmares continued to deploy around the world, from the familiar Western Pacific to a six-week Atlantic deployment with the Spanish Navy Harriers aboard the USS Guam during Ocean Venture '81. Numerous deployments were also conducted in Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Cold Lake and Alberta, Canada; NAS Fallon, Nev.; Twentynine Palms, Calif. and several detachments served aboard the amphibious assault ships USS Tripoli, Peleliu and Tarawa.

In October 1987, the squadron received the improved AV-8B Harrier II, which it employed in February 1991 in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Operation Desert Storm; logging 103 combat sorties with no losses. After successfully conducting combat operations in the Middle East, the Nightmares returned home with all jets and no loss of life. VMA-513 has long been known for its aviation firsts, which include the first kill of a supersonic drone with a Sidewinder missile in 1964 and the first Marine squadron to transition to the AV 8A Harrier in 1970. In 2002, the Nightmares were called upon to deploy worldwide in support of operations overseas. First, a detachment of six aircraft deployed in support of the 11th MEU and later in the year the remainder of the squadron deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, to support Operation Enduring Freedom. After being deployed for a year, the Nightmares returned home in 2003, to regroup and redeploy. Late 2003 saw the Nightmares deploy with the 13th MEU flying combat operations over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2005, the Nightmares deployed with the 15th MEU, supporting the post-tsunami Operation Unified Assistance in the Indian Ocean, the largest disaster-relief operation in history. Later, the Nightmares would show their versatility by transitioning from disaster relief to combat operations flying out of Al Asad, Iraq. During this time, VMA-513 also trained and deployed a detachment to Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the 31st MEU. In late 2005, VMA-513 continued its tradition of aviation firsts by being the first squadron to upgrade and operate the H2.0 operation flight program and components, greatly improving avionics capabilities and integrating the LITENING targeting pod.

In 2006, the Nightmares relocated to Al Asad for seven months of sustained combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On May 10, 2006, VMA-513 dropped the first JDAM in combat from an AV-8B Harrier. The Nightmares continue to perform for the nation as one of the most combat-ready, attack squadrons in the world, most recently splitting the squadron on deployments with the 31st and 11th MEUs in the fall of 2009.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 was activated March 1, 1942, in San Diego, as Headquarters and Service Squadron 13. The squadron saw frequent action in the Pacific theater during World War II before being deactivated on Nov. 30, 1945. The squadron was reactivated March 15, 1951, at MCAS El Toro, as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13. After several Western Pacific deployments and relocations, the squadron was reassigned during April 1966 to the 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific. During September 1966, it deployed to Vietnam. The squadron participated in the Vietnam war from September 1966 to October 1970. The squadron was then relocated to El Toro, Calif. and assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing until Oct. 1, 1987, when the squadron moved to MCAS Yuma. On Oct. 5, 1988, the headquarters and maintenance squadrons within Marine aircraft groups were replaced by the creation of the Marine aviation logistics squadrons. From Aug. 10, 1990 to Oct. 15, 1991, Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 responded expeditiously in providing aviation logistics support for subordinate units within the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force's aviation combat element during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After successful combat operations in Desert Storm, MALS-13 personnel continued to be deployed to the Arabian Gulf region to augment security forces and assist in the reconstitution of the Maritime Prepositioning Forces' ships.

In January 1994, MALS-13 personnel deployed aboard the USS Peleliu in support of Operation Continue Hope/Quick Draw. During this time, MALS-13 Marines provided timely support in the withdrawal of Army air assets from Mogadishu, Somalia, to the USS Peleliu. In April 1994, MALS-13 personnel again deployed aboard the USS Peleliu in support of Operation Distant Runner. During this time, MALS-13 Marines provided support to the helicopter contingent that was attached to the USS Peleliu in the evacuation of civilians from Bujumbura, Burundi. In October 2002, the Black Widows of MALS-13 successfully deployed the personnel, equipment and spare parts to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, in order to support Marine Attack Squadron 513 in flying combat sorties as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. In January 2003, MALS-13 deployed aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. MALS-13 also deployed to Al Jaber, Kuwait, in support of VMA-214 operations ashore. Throughout this deployment, the MALS-13 Marines provided superior intermediate-level avionics, aircraft maintenance, aviation supply, ordnance and information systems support for MAG-13 squadrons operating both ashore and afloat. In May 2004, MALS-13 Marines were deployed to Iraq in support of Marine Attack Squadrons 214 and 542 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed, MALS-13 Marines provided exemplary support during combat conditions, allowing the squadrons to provide close air support for I MEF combat operations.

In December 2004, MALS-13 Marines were again deployed on USS Bonhomme Richard to support VMA-513 in flying combat sorties as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In January 2005, MALS-13 Marines provided support when the USS Bonhomme Richard was detoured to Indonesia in support of Operation Unified Assistance in the humanitarian relief of the tsunami victims of Indonesia and neighboring countries. MALS-13 Marines continue to support the air station and its tenant commands, providing Marines to each squadron as it deploys. In 2008, MALS-13 personnel travelled the Pacific with VMA-513 and VMA-214 in support of the 31st MEU. The Black Widows joined forces with MALS-16 in Iraq as well as deploying with VMA-311 aboard the USS Peleliu in support of the 15th MEU during 2008. In 2009 MALS-13 Marines deployed with VMA-214 in support of combat operations in Afghanistan.

During its distinguished history, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 has been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation with three bronze stars, Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer with one bronze star, WWII Victory Streamer, National Defense Service Streamer with two bronze stars, Vietnam Service Streamer with two silver and one bronze star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Streamer, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with Civil Actions Streamer and the Southwest Asia Service Streamer with two bronze stars.

Marine Aviation Weapons & Tactics Squadron 1
Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 was commissioned June 1, 1978, in order to increase the combat readiness of aviation units. The job of MAWTS-1 is, in part, to coordinate and supervise the development and presentation of formal courses of instruction, academic and flight, with both the regular and reserve components.

A prime example is the semiannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, a comprehensive postgraduate-level course of instruction for highly experienced officers from all aviation communities throughout the Marine Corps and selected Air Force, Army and Navy units. Officers from infantry and ground supporting arms units also attend the course to ensure appropriate air/ground interface. The WTI course is broken down into three phases: academics, a flight syllabus and a final exercise.

The academic phase is divided into a week of general instruction on the threat, contingencies and tactical risk management, a week of fixed-wing, rotary-wing and command, control and communications common instruction and a final week of specific instruction on each particular warfare specialty. The flight phase, which begins the third week of the course, consists of one week of specific weapons and tactics employment for each type aircraft or Marine air command control squadron agency, a second week of fixed-wing and rotary-wing common flight orientations and a third week of integrated flight evolutions encompassing all facets of Marine aviation. The last week of the course is set aside for a final exercise in which WTI students plan, execute and debrief integrated missions in a sophisticated threat environment. The WTI course is designed to provide one WTI pilot or WTI aircrew member per squadron or unit per year. The object is to graduate officers who are fully qualified in their warfare specialty and capable of the planning and execution of integrated missions.

Upon successful completion of the seven-week course, the individual officer is qualified to return to his unit and conduct a professional training program that emphasizes integration with other aviation units and supporting arms and the exercising of the Marine Corps command and control system planned to support a ground scheme of maneuver.

MAWTS-1 conducts several other embedded courses during WTI for intelligence officers and enlisted personnel, aviation ground support officers, ground combat officers, rotary-wing crew chiefs, KC-130 navigators, loadmasters and flight engineers. Other formal courses include the Marine Expeditionary Unit Special-purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Air Combat Element Training Course and the Commander's Course.

A separate Aviation Development Tactics and Evaluation Department was established in June 1983 to provide a nucleus of aviation expertise in all functional areas of Marine Corps aviation. Responsive to HQMC, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and the operational forces, this department has already provided many significant contributions to Marine Corps aviation.

Since its establishment, individuals of superior aeronautical and tactical expertise have staffed MAWTS-1. From Northern Europe to the Caribbean, the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Haiti and the former Yugoslavia, MAWTS-1 has responded to the needs of the Corps. MAWTS-1 maintains close, mutually beneficial liaison with the aviation and tactics schools of the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as those of several allied nations. This fertile environment has spawned many innovative and unique tactical developments employed throughout the naval service.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 371
Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 was commissioned on June 2, 1986, to provide essential aviation ground support to fixed-wing components of Marine aviation units. The squadron currently supports Marine Aircraft Group 13 and supplements services provided by Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. MWSS-371 provides the equipment, personnel and expertise necessary to accomplish all functions of aviation ground support, including law enforcement, meteorological support, internal airfield communications, aircraft rescue and firefighting, explosive ordnance disposal, engineer services, runway construction and repair, heavy equipment support, motor transport support, aircraft refueling, messing, medical services, and nuclear, biological, chemical support and training.

Four times a year, the squadron demonstrates its capabilities by supporting Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 during its semiannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses. Additionally, MWSS-371 conducts mission-oriented training and participates in numerous joint exercises and deployments to cultivate a combat-ready mind-set. It also supports community service projects to enhance its expertise and maintain perishable skills. The squadron has distinguished itself in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield and more recently, in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, where it established multiple forward arming and refueling points in Iraq and concurrently supported two major air bases in Kuwait. October 2007 marked the end of the squadron's most recent Iraq deployment.

The squadron deployed to Afghanistan's Helmand Province for its first time in March 2009. While there they provided aviation ground support in the form of expeditionary airfield construction and refueling operations for fixed wing and rotary aircraft. MWSS-371 played a crucial role is transforming Camp Bastion from a desert runway to a major aviation operations base, before returning to Yuma in late 2009. Their performance in Afghanistan earned them the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year award.

Marine Air Control Squadron 1
Marine Air Control Squad- ron 1 is a subordinate unit to Marine Air Control Group 38 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Its mission is to provide control for anti-aircraft warfare operations and continuous all-weather air traffic control services.

The squadron operates a tactical air operations center and provides air traffic control for the Marine aviation forces and airfields. The TAOC controls and coordinates surface-to-air and air-to-air missile intercepts, while digitally interfacing with other air control and air defense agencies of the United States and of other allied nations. MACS-1 is currently headquartered at MCAS Yuma and has detachments based at MCAS Miramar and Camp Pendleton in California. The squadron was first activated at Cherry Point, N.C., on Sept. 1, 1943, as Air Warning Squadron 1.

During World War II, AWS-1 saw action in the Marshall Islands and Okinawa. Tasked to provide air control of aircraft, AWS 1 disembarked on the Enebi Islands on Feb. 20, 1944.

On March 1, 1944, the unit assumed primary control of all aircraft in the area. The first enemy action occurred on March 8, 1944, when AWS-1 radars detected enemy aircraft. The first successful intercept came on the night of April 14, when AWS-1 directed Marine F-4U night fighters, resulting in two enemy planes being shot down.

From April 21 to June 30, 1945, the unit participated in the Okinawa campaign. Radar-controlled intercepts tallied 62 kills by the end of the campaign. After the Japanese surrender, AWS-1 was ordered to MCAS Miramar on April 14, 1946. It was redesignated Marine Ground Control Intercept Squadron 1 in August 1946. The squadron relocated to Camp Pendleton during July 1947.

In response to the demands of the Korean War, MGCIS-1 boarded the USS General Anderson on July 14, 1950, and deployed to Korea. MGCIS-1 landed at Inchon, Korea, on Sept. 17, 1950. The squadron moved to Yon-Po to provide surveillance, guide lost aircraft to radar-equipped landing fields and direct air support aircraft to forward air controllers.

A detachment transferred to a warship to detect strikes, flights and rescues. The remainder of the squadron went to K-1 Airfield at Pusan, Korea, on Dec. 17, 1950. MGCIS-1 moved to a 3,000-foot peak called Chon-San during March 1951 to assume air surveillance responsibility for the Pusan area. On Oct. 18, 1951, the squadron moved to Kunsan, Korea, where it would remain until April 8, 1955. While in Korea, MGCIS-1 operated from Inchon-Seoul, Chosin Reservoir and the East Central and Western fronts. The squadron also participated in the defense of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. On Feb. 15, 1954, MGCIS-1 was redesignated as Marine Air Control Squadron 1. Fourteen months later, in April 1955, MACS-1 redeployed to Atsugi, Japan. On March 1, 1960, the squadron departed Japan and returned to the United States and was based at the Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station Yuma. The squadron participated in various training exercises and provided radar-controlled air intercept training to Marine Corps aviation units.

On Feb. 1, 1972, MACS-1 was deactivated at MCAS Yuma. After a 12-year hiatus, MACS-1 was reactivated Oct. 7, 1983, at Camp Pendleton. The activation of MACS-1 doubled the air control capability of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Additionally, MACS-1 was designated the test squadron for the AN/TYQ-23 Tactical Air Operations Module, a new air control system developed for the Marine Corps. The operational testing was successfully completed in October 1986. From that time until the present, MACS-1 has deployed in numerous Marine exercises, both overseas and in the United States.

From Aug. 15, 1990, through Oct. 17, 1990, MACS 1 deployed as part of the 7th Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield. While deployed, MACS-1 provided early warning to all Marine units and played a key role in designing air space management procedures and the operation of data links. When MACS-1 was ordered to return to Camp Pendleton, a detachment of Marines was designated to remain in support of Operation Desert Storm. Detachment A remained until March 20, 1991.

MACS-1 completed six years of garrison and field testing of the TAOM on March 27, 1992. MACS-1 deployed the first TAOM to Exercise Roving Sands in 1992, and in 1994 supported tactical ballistic missile testing in exercises at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. and the McGregor Range on Fort Bliss, Texas.

On June 26, 1998, MACS-1 returned to MCAS Yuma, joined with MACS-7 (Reinforced), and collectively reorganized and redesignated as MACS-1. The squadron now consists of its headquarters and six detachments: Headquarters and Service Detachment, Tactical Air Operations Center Detachment, Early Warning and Control Center Detachment and Air Traffic Control Detachment C, located at MCAS Yuma; Air Traffic Control Detachment A, located at Camp Pendleton and Air Traffic Control Detachment B, located at MCAS Miramar. The squadron headquarters is located at the Cannon Air Defense Complex, which is approximately seven miles southeast of MCAS Yuma.

MACS-1 has recently been a major component to the air campaigns in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, with the deployment of several components to theater in two major waves from November 2002 to June 2003. MACS-1 also orchestrated the conception of Killbox Interdiction Close Air Support operations and the Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Teams in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401
Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401, a component of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, was activated at MCAS Yuma on March 18, 1986. The squadron's mission is to improve the Marine Corps' air-to-air combat readiness by employing current threat tactics against Marine pilots. The Snipers of VMFT-401 are mostly Marine Corps reserve pilots serving in active reserve or weekend drill status. Flying the F-5E and F-5N Tiger II aircraft, they provide realistic training for Marine, Air Force and Navy pilots using dissimilar aggressor aircraft tactics. The F-5's appearance and flight characteristics enable the Snipers to simulate various types of threat aircraft including the famous Russian MiG. VMFT-401, the only aggressor squadron in the Marine Corps, takes part in Marine training exercises at Yuma and throughout the United States. Maintenance for the squadron's aircraft is provided by civilian contractors.

Combat Logistics Company 16
Combat Logistics Com-pany 16 is a subordinate element of Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The mission of CLC-16 is to provide combat service support to a Marine expeditionary air base when deployed and to support units stationed or training in the vicinity of MCAS Yuma.

CLC 16 was activated on Oct. 1, 1988, as Detachment C, 1st Force Service Support Group and later redesignated as Combat Service Support Detachment 16, 1st FSSG, on Dec. 27, 1989. On March 20, 2006, CSSC-133 was once again redesignated, this time as CLC-16. With unit strength of about 80 Marines and sailors, the detachment provides intermediate supply support and maintenance support for engineer, motor transport and ordnance equipment. CLC-16 Marines and sailors also serve on the Air Station at the law center, military post office and the disbursing office.  read more...

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