MALS-16
| Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 | |
|---|---|
MALS-16 insignia
|
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| Active | 1 March 1952 – present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Logistics |
| Role | Aviation logistics support |
| Part of |
Marine Aircraft Group 16 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar |
| Nickname(s) | Forerunners |
| Motto(s) | "Best Supporting the Best" |
| Engagements | Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LtCol Larry J. Herring |
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 (MALS-16) is an aviation logistics support unit of the United States Marine Corps. Known as the Forerunners, they are currently based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
Provide aviation logistics support, guidance, planning and direction to Marine Aircraft Group 16 squadrons on behalf of the commanding officer.
MALS-16 was activated on 1 March 1952, as Headquarters Squadron 16 at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California. The primary mission of the squadron was to provide logistical and administrative support for units attached to the newly formed Marine Aircraft Group 16.
The squadron remained at MCAF Santa Ana until the end of July 1953 when all of the MAG-16 began movement to Japan and became part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. On 14 August 1953, the squadron commenced operations at Hanshin Auxiliary Air Base, Honshu, Japan.
On 15 February 1954, the unit was redesignated as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 16 (H&MS-16) and given the additional mission of providing intermediate level aviation maintenance support for MAG-16 units. During April 1954, the squadron moved to Naval Air Facility Oppama. During the squadron's seven-year stay in Japan, elements of the unit participated in numerous operations and exercises included "Strong Back" in 1958, "Sea Turtle"in 1959, and "Blue Star" in 1960.
In April 1962, elements of Marine Aircraft Group 16, including some H&MS-16 personnel, deployed to South Vietnam and Thailand to provide support for the Vietnamese in their struggle against the Viet Cong. On March 1965, the squadron left Okinawa and was stationed at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. While in Vietnam, it provided support for MAG-16, one of the largest Marine Air Group in the history of the Marine Corps. For its Vietnam Service, the squadron was awarded one Presidential Unit Citation, two Navy Unit Commendations and two Meritorious Unit Citations.
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