List of United States Marine Corps aviation support units
This is a list of United States Marine Corps aviation support squadrons and other units, sorted by type.
Active
Marine Wing Headquarters Squadrons
The Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron provides administrative and supply support for a Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters. The MAW HQ is a separate organization that directs and coordinates the operations of the MAW. The MAW HQ contains the wing commander and assistant wing commander, their personal staffs, and the chief of staff, the general staff divisions, and the special staff departments. The wing commander fights the MAW from his operational command post located in the Tactical Air Command Center maintained by the Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| MWHS-1 | America's Finest | 7 July 1941 | 1st MAW | Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan | |
| MWHS-2 | The Deuce Snake Eyes | 31 December 1955 | 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC | |
| MWHS-3 | 10 November 1942 | 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | ||
| MWHS-4 | 4th MAW | New Orleans, LA |
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons
The Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron provides direct support of intermediate aircraft maintenance, aviation supply, and aviation ordnance to the aircraft squadrons of a Marine Aircraft Group. A MALS is capable of supporting multiple types of aircraft, as well as providing detachments for the aviation combat elements of a MEB or MEU.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| MALS-11 | ' | Devilfish | 1 December 1921 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
| MALS-12 | ' | Marauders | 1 March 1942 | MAG-12, 1st MAW | MCAS Iwakuni, Japan |
| MALS-13 | ' | Black Widows | 1 March 1942 | MAG-13, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ |
| MALS-14 | ' | Dragons | 30 September 1988 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
| MALS-16 | ' | Forerunners | 1 March 1952 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
| MALS-24 | ' | Warriors | 1 March 1942 | MAG-24, 1st MAW | MCAF Kaneohe Bay, HI |
| MALS-26 | ' | Patriots | 16 June 1952 | MAG-26, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC |
| MALS-29 | ' | Wolverines | 1 May 1972 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC |
| MALS-31 | ' | Stingers | 1 February 1943 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC |
| MALS-36 | ' | Bladerunner | 2 June 1952 | MAG-36, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan |
| MALS-39 | ' | Hellhounds | 1 March 1942 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA |
| MALS-41 | ' | Wranglers | 1 January 1943 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | NASJRB Fort Worth, TX |
| MALS-42 | ' | War Hammers | 18 June 1992 | MAG-42, 4th MAW | NAS Atlanta, GA |
| MALS-49 | ' | Magicians | 1 July 1969 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | Stewart ANGB, NY |
Marine Air Control Squadrons
MACS are responsible for air traffic control and operate the Tactical Air Operations Center, which directs antiair warfare, early warning & intercept control, air surveillance, radar control, and airspace management.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| MACS-1 | ' | Falconers | 1 September 1943 | MACG-38, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ |
| MACS-2 | ' | Eyes of the MAGTF | 1 April 1944 | MACG-28, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
| MACS-4 | ' | Vice Squad | 5 May 1944 | MACG-18, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan |
| MACS-24 | ' | Earthquake | 15 October 1949 | MACG-48, 4th MAW | Virginia Beach, VA |
Marine Air Support Squadrons
MASSs provide the Direct Air Support Center which controls and coordinates those tactical aircraft operations directly supporting ground forces. They are responsible for the processing of immediate requests, integrate and deconflict indirect fire support with aviation assets, manage terminal control assets, and procedurally controlling aircraft.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| MASS-1 | Atlantic Nomads | 25 June 1943 | MACG-28, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC | |
| MASS-2 | Pacific Vagabonds | 1 January 1943 | MACG-18, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan | |
| MASS-3 | Blacklist | 3 August 1950 | MACG-38, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | |
| MASS-6 | Lighthouse | 15 May 1947 | MACG-48, 4th MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
Marine Tactical Air Command Squadrons
MTACS provide the ACE commander with command and control functions necessary for the aviation mission. They establish a Tactical Air Command Center, which is the operational command post for the Marine Aircraft Wing, from which the Wing Commander and his battle staff command the tactical air battle, including tactical air support provided to ground forces and tactical air defense.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| MTACS-18 | ' | 1 September 1967 | MACG-18, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan | |
| MTACS-28 | ' | Olympians | 1 October 1947 | MACG-28, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
| MTACS-38 | ' | Fire Chickens | 1 September 1967 | MACG-38, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
| MTACS-48 | ' | 1 September 1967 | MACG-48, 4th MAW | NS Great Lakes, IL |
Marine Wing Communications Squadrons
MWCSs provide all communication assets for the ACE, including radio, satellite, wire, and data technology.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| MWCS-18 | ' | Warriors From The Ground Up | 1 September 1967 | MACG-18, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan |
| MWCS-28 | ' | Spartans | 1 September 1967 | MACG-28, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
| MWCS-38 | ' | Red Lightning | 1 September 1967 | MACG-38, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
| MWCS-48 | ' | Roar of the Corps | 10 April 1952 | MACG-48, 4th MAW | NS Great Lakes, IL |
Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions
LAAD Battalions are responsible for close air defense protection of assets within the area of operation, with a secondary mission of local ground security for ACE elements. They are armed with surface to air weapons, as well as early warning and detection equipment. Currently, LAAD battalions are equipped with the FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable surface-to-air missile, and the M2.50 cal machinegun. The M1097 Avenger missile-equipped HMMWV has been retired by Marine forces.| Battalion Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| 2nd LAAD Bn | ' | Death from Below | 26 February 1969 | MACG-28, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
| 3rd LAAD Bn | ' | Feel the Sting | 20 June 1982 | MACG-38, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA |
Marine Wing Support Squadrons/Detachments
The MWSS provides all essential aviation ground support to the MAG. This support includes: airfield operations and communications, motor transport, engineer services bulk fuel and, non-aviation supply and equipment maintenance, local security, medical services, and food services.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| MWSD-24 | ' | Gryphons | 24 Apr 2013 | MAG-24, 1st MAW | MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii |
| MWSS-171 | ' | America's Squadron | 16 April 1979 | MAG-12, 1st MAW | MCAS Iwakuni, Japan |
| MWSS-172 | ' | Firebirds | 16 June 1986 | MAG-36, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan |
| MWSS-271 | ' | Workhorse of the Wing | 6 June 1986 | MWSG-27, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
| MWSS-272 | ' | Untouchables | 26 February 1969 | MWSG-27, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC |
| MWSD-273 | ' | Sweathogs | 13 June 1986 | MWSG-27, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC |
| MWSS-274 | ' | Ironmen | 2 June 1986 | MWSG-27, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
| MWSS-371 | ' | Sand Sharks | 2 June 1986 | MWSG-37, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ |
| MWSS-372 | ' | Diamondbacks | 1 July 1977 | MWSG-37, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA |
| MWSS-373 | ' | Ace Support | 1 April 1967 | MWSG-37, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
| MWSS-374 | ' | Rhinos | 1 April 1999 | MWSG-37, 3rd MAW | MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, CA |
| MWSS-471 | ' | MAG-41, 4th MAW | Minneapolis, MN | ||
| MWSS-472 | ' | AGS-Dragons | 1 October 1988 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA |
| MWSS-473 | ' | Gargoyle | 1 July 1963 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
[Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron]s
A H&HS usually consists of the headquarters group, the squadron headquarters, public affairs and journalism, facilities planning & maintenance, billeting and family housing offices, station motor pool, air traffic control, meteorology, fuels, ordnance, other aviation support, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Provost Marshal section, station Judge Advocate's Office, station Chaplain, Navy medical facility, and Marine Corps Community Service, which usually hosts services such as a Marine Corps Exchamge , commissary, gas station, barber shop, dry cleaner, library, theater, golf course, bowling center, fitness, recreation, hobby, craft and auto repair center, swimming pool, officer, SNCO, NCO clubs, family services, Single Marine Program, and other personal services vendors.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort | ' | Swamp Foxes |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point | ' | |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River | ' | |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton | ' | Stampede |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | ' | |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma | ' | Guardians |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni | ' | Torii |
| Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma | ' | Magic |
Combat Logistics Companies
Combat Logistics Companies, while subordinate to a Marine Logistics Group provide intermediate ground logistics support to aviation units, to include supply and maintenance beyond organic capabilities. All Marine air stations not in proximity to a Marine Logistics Group have a tenant company.Inactive
Squadrons are listed by their last designation.Air Warning Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Date Activated | Date Deactivated |
| Air Warning Squadron 2 | 1 September 1943 | 15 February 1946 |
| Air Warning Squadron 3 | 12 October 1943 | 15 October 1945 |
| Air Warning Squadron 4 | 12 October 1943 | 31 October 1945 |
| Air Warning Squadron 6 | 1 January 1944 | 28 February 1946 |
| Air Warning Squadron 8 | 1 March 1944 | 12 March 1946 |
| Air Warning Squadron 9 | 1 April 1944 | 9 December 1945 |
| Air Warning Squadron 14 | 1 June 1944 | 30 November 1945 |
Assault Air Warning Squadrons
Assault Air Warning Squadrons were United States Marine Corps aviation command and control units formed during World War II to provide early warning, aerial surveillance, and ground controlled interception during the early phases of amphibious landing. These squadrons were supposed to be fielded lightweight radars and control center gear in order to operate for a limited duration at the beginning of any operation until larger air warning squadrons came ashore. They were originally formed as Air Warning Squadron however their deisgnators changed in July/August 1944 due to the inability to field an air transportable radar. Four of these squadrons were commissioned during the war with one, AWS-5, taking part in the Battle of Saipan. All four squadrons were decommissioned in November 1944.| Squadron Name | Date Activated | Date Deactivated |
| Assault Air Warning Squadron 5 | 1 December 1943 | 10 November 1944 |
| Assault Air Warning Squadron 10 | 1 January 1944 | 10 November 1944 |
| Assault Air Warning Squadron 15 | 1 February 1944. | 10 November 1944 |
| Assault Air Warning Squadron 20 | 1 March 1944 | 10 November 1944 |
Landing Force Air Support Control Units
Light Anti-Aircraft Missile battalions
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Activated | Date Deactivated |
| 1st Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion | ' | Goldenhawks | 20 July 1937 | 11 July 1997 |
| 2nd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion | ' | Blackhawks | 1 August 1960 | 1 September 1994 |
| 3rd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion | Terriers | 19 December 1938 | 30 September 1994 | |
| 4th Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion | 1 December 1961 | 1 October 1997 | ||
| 5th Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion | 1 July 1966 | 31 January 1969 |
Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions
Marine Air Base Squadrons
Headquarters & Maintenance Squadrons & Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons
Marine Air Control Squadrons
Marine Air Support Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Activated | Date Deactivated |
| MASS-4 | 1 July 1962 | 28 February 1989 | ||
| MASS-5 | 1 August 1966 | 28 November 1969 |
Marine Air Traffic Control Units
| Squadron Name | Location | Insignia | Nickname | Date Activated | Date Deactivated | Notes |
| MATCU-60 | MCAS Iwakuni | 1 Oct 1978 | Replaced by MATCS-18 Detachment A | |||
| MATCU-61 | MCAS Cherry Point | 11 September 1953 | 23 April 1976 | Replaced by MATCS-28 | ||
| MATCU-62 | 1 Oct 1978 | Replaced by MATCS-18 Detachment A | ||||
| MATCU-63 | MCAS Beaufort | 8 September 1953 | 23 April 1976 | Replaced by MATCS-28 Detachment A | ||
| MATCU-64 | MCAS New River | 23 April 1976 | Replaced by MATCS-28 | |||
| MATCU-65 | MCAS Yuma | Old 65 | 1953 | 27 April 1976 | Replaced by MATCS-38 | |
| MATCU-66 | MCAS Futenma | 1 Oct 1978 | Replaced by MATCS-18 | |||
| MATCU-67 | MCAS Santa Ana | Replaced by | ||||
| MATCU-68 | MCAF Quantico | 23 April 1976 | Replaced by MATCS-28 | |||
| MATCU-69 | MCAS Beaufort | 23 April 1976 | Replaced by MATCS-28 | |||
| MATCU-70 | Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay | 1 Oct 1978 | Replaced by MATCS-18 Detachment B | |||
| MATCU-71 | NAS Memphis | 31 May 1980 | Replaced by MATCS-48 Det A | |||
| MATCU-72 | NAS Alameda | 1 September 1962 | 31 May 1980 | Replaced by MATCS-48 Det B & C | ||
| MATCU-73 | Naval Air Station South Weymouth | 1 June 1950 | 31 May 1980 | Carries the lineage of MACS-26. Unit became MATCS-48 Det D on 1 Jun 1980 | ||
| MATCU-74 | MCAS Santa Ana | Replaced by | ||||
| MATCU-75 | MCAS Santa Ana | 31 December 1968 | Replaced by |
Marine Air Traffic Control Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Activated | Date Deactivated | - |
| MATCS-18 | 1 October 1978 | 30 September 1994 | - | ||
| MATCS-28 | Intrepid Sentinels | 23 April 1976 | 22 July 1994 | - | |
| MATCS-38 | 27 April 1976 | 30 September 1994 | - | ||
| MATCS-48 | 1 June 1980 | 30 September 1994 | Det A deactivated, Det B became MACS-24 Det A, Det C became MACS-24 Det B |