4th MAW
| 4th Marine Aircraft Wing | |
|---|---|
4th Marine Aircraft Wing Insignia
|
|
| Active |
|
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Role | Conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces |
| Part of | Marine Forces Reserve |
| Garrison/HQ | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Brig.Gen. Bradley S. James |
The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is the reserve airwing of the United States Marine Corps. It is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana but its subordinate units are scattered throughout the United States.
Conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include anti-air warfare, offensive air support, assault support, electronic warfare, aerial reconnaissance, control of aircraft and missiles, and as a collateral function, to participate as an integral component of Naval Aviation in the execution of such other Navy functions as directed.
4th MAW consists of a wing headquarters, a wing headquarters squadron, four aviation groups, a wing support site unit, and two separate (i.e., not organic to a group) transport squadrons:
Prior to World War II, Marine Reserve aviation consisted of a few personnel operating obsolete aircraft under severe budgetary limitations. With the threat of war in Europe, a few reservists were activated, and by October 1940, many had been called to active duty. This handful of dedicated men helped build the Marine aviation force which cleared the skies and supported ground operations during World War II.
The 4th Marine Base Defense Aircraft Wing was commissioned August 22, 1942, at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa (MCAS Ewa), Hawaii. The Wing's three squadrons were located at Midway, Ewa and Samoa with the headquarters at MCAS Ewa. In the fall of 1944, the 4th Marine Base Defense Aircraft Wing became the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW). As the war progressed across the Pacific, 4th MAW pilots refined fighter bombing and low-altitude flying techniques that helped pave the way for today's MAGTF concept.
...
Wikipedia