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2021 Symposium 7 Leadership & Board of Directors NATIONAL COMMANDER LtGen Thomas L. Conant, USMC (Ret)DEPUTY CMDR, WESTLtGen Terry Robling, USMC (Ret)DEPUTY CMDR, EAST MajGen Jon Gallinetti, USMC (Ret) TREASURER Col Robert Deforge, USMC (Ret) ADJUNT Col Paul Fortunato, USMC (Ret) SERGEANT MAJOR SgtMaj Bill Oldenburg, USMC (Ret)LEGAL COUNSEL Col Art White, USMC (Ret)PREVIOUS NAT’L CMDRS LtGen Keith Stalder, USMC (Ret)LtGen John Castellaw, USMC (Ret)Gen William Nyland, USMC (Ret)WEST DISTRICT LEAD Col Earl Wederbrook, USMC (Ret)SOUTH DISTRICT LEAD Col Chris Seymour, USMC (Ret)SOUTHEAST DISTRICT LEAD Col John Gumbel, USMC (Ret)DISTRICT LEAD Col Laura Sampsel, USMC (Ret)NORTHEAST DISTRICT LEADCol Bruce Hulick, USMC (Ret)GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE LEAD Col Paul Croisetiere, USMC (Ret)MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LEAD Col Michael Orr, USMC (Ret) STRATEGY COMMITTEE LEADCol Robert Claypool, USMC (Ret) AUDIT COMMITTEE LEAD Col Al Sullivan, USMC (Ret) AT-LARGECol Ben Matthews, USMC (Ret)Col John Ostrowski, USMC (Ret)MCAA StaffEXECUTIVE DIRECTORCol John Rader, USMC (Ret)DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND SENIOR EDITORRoxanne M. Kaufman rkaufman@ﬂymcaa.orgFINANCIAL SERVICES & MEMBERSHIPDebbie Martin MEMBERSHIP & EDITORIAL ASSISTANTMackensie Ward «MARINE CORPS AVIATION ASSOCIATION«HEADQUARTERS 715 Broadway Street Quantico, VA 22134703–630–1903two decades. With a resume like that, Bergman’s insights will be of relevance to our membership, our industry partners, and active duty alike. We are also grateful for the fantastic support we have received from our Industry Partners. Our display area sold out quickly as an indicator of how anxious industry is to share their technology and current program eorts with the membership. ank you again for your support and joining us in Texas, and we look forward to a productive 2021 Symposium and Summit—and a week of uniting with fellow members of your Marine Corps Aviation Association after a long absence! And for our members and industry partners who missed this year, we are pleased to announce that we will be at the Town & Country in San Diego, California, from 15-22 May 2022, so mark your calendars! COMMANDER’ScallLieutenant General Thomas L. “Stash” Conant, USMC (Retired) National CommanderAs the National Commander for our Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA), it is my distinct honor to personally welcome you to Dallas, Texas, and our 2021 MCAA Symposium and the Marine Aviation Readiness and Operational Summit. We have a great week planned for you to include opening remarks by the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger. Along with our Commandant, I am especially pleased to announce that the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Troy E. Black will be in attendance for the presentation of the 2020 and 2021 Aviation Awards to our deserving young Marines. We have worked closely with the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Lieutenant General Mark “Notso” Wise and his superb sta to coordinate the attendance of both the Commandant and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. Representative John W. “Jack” Bergman has also graciously accepted our invitation as our 2021 Honorary Chairman. He is proudly serving in his third term for the 1st District of Michigan. He currently sits on both the Armed Services and Veterans’ Aairs Committees. He served in the Marine Corps for forty years, on both Active Duty and in the Reserves, retiring as a three-star General; operated a small business; and ew for the airlines for over

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8 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgRepresentative John Warren “Jack” Bergman’s family roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stretch back to the late 1800’s, where his ancestors worked as iron miners. His parents instilled in him the values that drive the American Dream in our exceptional Nation: if you work hard, never quit, and strive for excellence, you will nd success. ose values are what guided him to the rank of Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps, empowered him to successfully own and operate a small business, and allowed him to enjoy a 22-year career as a commercial airline pilot. Nearly three decades ago, Jack and his wife Cindy settled in Watersmeet, on the western edge of Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. ey have ve children, ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His wonderful family was one of the largest factors that led him to his next career—a run for Congress. He felt that “we” could all do better for our children and grandchildren. In November 2016, Bergman became the highest ranking combat Veteran ever elected to Congress.Even though he had lived all around the world, it was his Midwest upbringing and military service that rearmed Bergman’s conviction on service above self and the importance of supporting those who protect our freedoms. When asked about one of his proudest moments of his life, Bergman said, “Outside of becoming a father and grandfather, having the unique opportunity to lead Marines in the ght has always been the proudest moment in my life. We know we aren’t in the ght for ourselves – we’re in it for that Marine on our left and our right. Having served alongside some of the nest people I’ve ever met, these were truly the proudest moments of my life.”As a Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Aairs and the House Armed Services Committee, he remains committed to staying engaged and positively inuencing our service members throughout their careers and during their transition to civilian life. The 2021 Honorary ChairmanRepresentative John Warren “Jack” BergmanHONORARYchairman“ So after 40 years, I hung up the camouflage and traded it in for a suit to have the distinct privilege of serving in the U.S. Congress.” Representative Jack Bergman

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2021 Symposium 9 Lieutenant General Bergman was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve under the Platoon Leader School program after graduation from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1969. In addition to attaining an M.B.A. degree from the University of West Florida, his formal military education includes Naval Aviation Flight Training, Amphibious Warfare, Command & Sta, Landing Force Sta Planning (MEB & ACE), Reserve Component National Security, Naval War College Strategy & Policy, Syracuse University National Security Seminar, Combined Forces Air Component Command, LOGTECH, CAPSTONE and PINNACLE.He ew CH-46 helicopters with HMM-261 at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina, and with HMM-164 in Okinawa/Republic of Vietnam. Assigned as a ight instructor, he ew the T-28 with VT-6, NAS Whiting Field, Florida.He left active duty in 1975 and ew UH-1 helicopters with the Rhode Island National Guard, Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Following a 1978 civilian employment transfer to Chicago, Illinois, he served in several 4th Marine Aircraft Wing units at NAS Glenview. (HML-776, ying the UH-1; VMGR-234, ying the KC-130; and Mobilization Training Unit IL-1). He was selected to Lieutenant General Bergman retired from active service in December 2009. His personal decorations include:Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Navy) Defense Meritorious Service MedalAir Medalw/Valor DeviceandStrike/Flight Numeral “1”Joint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit Commendationw/ 2 BronzeService StarsSelected Marine Corps Reserve Medalw/ Silver Service StarNational Defense Service Medal w/ 2 Bronze Service StarsVietnam Service Medalw/ 3 Bronze Campaign StarsGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbonw/ Bronze Service StarArmed Forces Reserve Medalw/ GoldHourglass DevicesVietnam Gallantry Crossw/ Bronze StarVietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citationw/ Bronze Laurel Leaf Palm EmblemVietnam Civil Actions Unit Citationw/ Bronze Laurel Leaf Palm EmblemVietnam Campaign Medalw/ Silver Date Barstand up the second KC-130 squadron in 4th MAW and, in 1988, became the rst Commanding Ocer, VMGR-452, Stewart ANGB, Newburgh, New York. From 1992-1994, he commanded Mobilization Station, Chicago, largest of the 47 Marine Corps Mobilization Stations.During 1995, he served as a Special Sta Ocer at Marine Corps Reserve Support Command, Overland Park, Kansas. In 1996, he became Chief of Sta/Deputy Commander, I Marine Expeditionary Force Augmentation Command Element, Camp Pendleton, California. Late 1997, he transferred to 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters, New Orleans, Louisiana, to serve as Assistant Chief of Sta/G-1. Promoted to Brigadier General, he became Deputy Commander, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.Transferred in June 1998 to Headquarters, Marine Forces Europe, Stuttgart, Germany, he served as Deputy Commander. Recalled to active duty from April to July 1999, he was dual-hatted as EUCOM, Deputy J-3A. He then commanded II Marine Expeditionary Force Augmentation Command Element, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, until assuming command of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, New Orleans in August 2000. In September 2002, he assumed command of the 4th Force Service Support Group, New Orleans. He also served as Chairman, Secretary of the Navy’s Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board, 2001-2003.Returning to active duty in October 2003, he served as Director, Reserve Aairs, Quantico, Virginia. In June 2005, he assumed command of Marine Forces Reserve/Marine Forces North (MarForRes). Headquartered in New Orleans, MarForRes is responsible for training and readiness of approximately 100,000 Marine Corps Reserves. MarForNorth is additionally responsible for representing the entire Marine Corps to U.S. Northern Command.

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We are therefore building a stand-in force, prepared and forward-deployed to operate at the blunt layer of warfare.China is our pacing threat….but not our only threat. e Russian Deputy Foreign Minister in April declared, “e United States is our enemy,” and we are watching conicts erupt around the world, while Iran and North Korea continue their belligerence.Stand-in forces will be constantly present in key maritime terrain during periods of competition below the threshold of violence, deterring and countering nonlethal coercive behavior and other malign activity directed at U.S. allies, partners, and other interests. ese same forces will remain inside an adversary WEZ to provide necessary support to naval and joint campaigning should competition escalate to war. Critically, given the vulnerability of large, xed-bases and shore-based infrastructure to long-range precision strike and the challenges of adequately defending that infrastructure, the stand-in force must be able to perform these functions from a strictly expeditionary and highly mobile posture.Force Design 2030e Commandant of the Marine Corps has stated that “our ability to innovate is a hallmark of the Corps…It demands rigorous intellectual work…and a certain ruthlessness to abandon familiar ideas and capabilities…”We will be prepared to act across the levels of war, and in all theaters across the spectrum of competition. at operational agility will enable us to be ready at the time and place of the commander’s choosing. We must think far ahead of the threat, innovate, and change.Our Commandant has made clear that the Marine Corps is and will remain the Nation’s expeditionary power projection force. We will: • Operate from hardened bases at distances beyond the reach of most adversary long-range strike capacity, and • Operate from mobile, defended seabases that inject uncertainty into the adversary A2/AD targeting calculus, or from assets such as CVNs and LHAs/LHDs optimized for F-35B operations, and • Operate from a large network of expeditionary shore-based sites, regularly displacing and shifting operations to improve survivability. • Provide reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance to the naval expeditionary force and to the joint force commander. is means we will have ISR assets to give the naval force the picture forward.2030 is NOT the endpoint…it is a waypoint. Marine Corps aviation is preparing for 2030 while pulling lead on 2040. Aviation Support to the 2030 Marine Corps…and Lead-Turning 2040Since World War II, Marine air has developed by starting with a mission – to support the individual Marine on the ground – and building up from there. We will still support that Marine, but we are changing our mental model, to one in which we start from the outside in: building capabilities to move, sustain, and support that Marine while making the force more eective. is is the “ruthless abandonment” of old ideas of which the Commandant spoke.Marine aviation is designed to support the ground combat element; the logistics combat element; and the new Marine Littoral Regiments. To do that, we are building an ecosystem. Within that ecosystem are capabilities…some of which we have now, some of which we are evolving by improving current capabilities, and some of which are in our future. Marine aviation is not a “series of things” or a list of platforms. Each capability on which we are focused we are pursuing specically to create an eect in the battlespace. ose capabilities are grouped into portfolios: the things we must do.For example: Marine aviation is assessing the mix of uncrewed and crewed aircraft within the force. is is nested beneath the Force Design construct, and it will create the eect on the battlespace that future force seeks. Like the future ground force, the future employment of aviation will be distributed, persistent, mobile, low-signature, and self-sustainingMarine aviation will: • Move the expeditionary force vast distances • Sustain, protect, and displace that force • Generate maximum lethality • Focus on maximum survivability12 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org

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• Build a force with maximum resilience • Use agility to minimize physical footprint and electronic signature Future Vertical Lifte Marine Corps vertical-lift landscape is dened by a portfolio of rotorcraft, new start concepts, and emerging technology. Attack, utility, medium-lift, and heavy-lift capabilities exist at every stage across the lifecycle spectrum of an acquisition program with technology artifacts indicative of the time those systems were designed. We are investigating materiel and non-materiel solutions to extend the lifecycle of older systems, modernizing and sustaining current systems, and exploring emerging technologies to transform Marine aviation in the future. e development horizon across these initiatives spans ve to twenty years. e Marine Corps will leverage the Joint Future Vertical Lift framework for inter-service synchronization. We will integrate into the next generation joint command and control network, capability for manned-unmanned teaming, increased lethality, greater speed and range, lower signature, and increased versatility in order to meet the demands of the future Fleet Marine Force. Emerging USMC operational concepts and shift in focus to near-peer competition introduced an opportunity to analyze Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initial requirements through a dierent lens in order to dene FVL unmanned systems and human-machine team concepts; create an integrated development environment to support digital engineering; and assess rotorcraft mission survivability. Survivability and Signature Managemente way we conduct operations now is based on the idea: “you can see me, but you can’t shoot me.”In the future, the philosophy will be: “you can’t see me in the rst place.”We realize the need to provide options for aircraft survivability systems. at is why we are continuing to provide upgrades such as the ALE-47 dispensing system for the F/A-18 to work in concert with the new Active Electronically Scanned Array, or AESA, radar that we are putting on the Hornet. We are working to integrate with the Navy, and continuing to develop pyrotechnic, pyrophoric, kinematic, and advanced multi-spectral devices at a lower cost point to further exploit the Smart Dispense capability and provide end-game protection against electro-optic/infrared guided threats – Smart Dispense being the right cocktail mix at the right time for the right threat. Marine aviation is also currently heavily invested in advanced infrared countermeasures (IRCM), and we expect that investment to continue to grow in the coming years. We have two separate IRCM systems: First is Department of Navy Large Aircraft IRCM (DoN LAIRCM) for CH-53, KC-130, and MV-22 aircraft and second is Distributed Aperture IRCM (DAIRCM), for our H-1 eet. Both systems provide inexhaustible IRCM with advanced missile warning, laser warning, and hostile re indication. e DoN LAIRCM has been a Program of Record (POR) since 2009 and we are nearing completion of procurement of those systems. DAIRCM is transitioning from a JUONS approved solution into a POR for Marine aviation. It is important to understand that the IR threat is always maturing and in order to pace that threat we must continue to research and develop next generation and iterations of IR self-protect. MANPADS and guided-missile threats are increasing in both quantity and lethality. ese advanced threats require more sensitive and robust fast cuing detection algorithms to perform in real-time, while staying the same size and weight. We are doing just that with Countermeasures against Advanced reats Electro (CATs-EYE) Optical/Infrared (EO/IR). CATS-Eye will enable instantaneous detection and deployment of countermeasures for emerging multi-mode threats, as well as enabling future applications in multiple domains including surface-to-air and air-to-air threats engagements. is technology will leverage previous and existing Future Naval Capabilities to include DAIRCM, Multi-Spectral Seeker Defeat (MSSD), and Discovery & Intervention (D&I) technology development.Radar Warning Receivers provide capability to detect more threats, new threats, and threats in bands consistent with emerging threat technology. All Marine Corps rotary-wing and tilt-rotor capabilities are on track for APR-39D(V2)Radar Warning Receiver Capability.2021 Symposium 13

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Lightning IIe TACAIR transition to the F-35 Lighting II continues full speed ahead. As we build future capabilities from the outside in, F-35 is the outside, the vanguard rst line of defense. ese fth-generation aircraft will shoot, scoot and sense…and pass back everything they see onto the network. We are ying them from both amphibious warships and cat-and-trap aircraft carriers, and building out our capability. e Lightning II will provide sensing as part of larger defense in depth strategy, and gain and maintain custody of targetsese are survivable, fth-generation jets: they are shooters as well as having top-of-the-line sensor capabilities, and they are survivable in tomorrow’s battlespace. ey are the next capability the Marine Corps needs to support the warghter ashore.State-of-the-art sensors act as a key contributor of information to advanced kill chains – acquiring and maintaining custody of targets in support of the Naval Expeditionary Force and the Joint Force. is advanced, highly-networked airframe is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors to accomplish the air and sea control missions of the future.With Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 deployed aboard Queen Elizabeth, an historic operational deployment with our closest allies, we continue to build out the capabilities of, and complement, the allied naval expeditionary force.Harrier And HornetWe cannot simply plan for 2030; Admirals Davidson and Aquilino have warned us all that things may happen faster than that.e AV-8B Harrier and F/A-18 Hornet remain the premier Marine Corps TACAIR capabilities until the transition to the F-35 Lightning II is complete. Signicant upgrades to these capabilities have kept them lethal and survivable against the near-peer threats of today. ese aircraft, deployed constantly around the world, will remain ready and lethal.CH-53Ke CH-53K will be a critical enabler to Expeditionary Advanced Based Operations (EABO), which in turn makes the MAGTF more capable. e total weight of the future landing element is nearly 80% in its vehicles; of the 110 vehicles this new force requires, 103 of them (94%) weigh more than 20,000 pounds. Only the 53K can lift something that heavy, and so the King Stallion is crucial to the movement of that ground force ashore.In previous amphibious operations, planners assumed several days, at least, to get everyone in an MLR-sized MAGTF ashore. Using 53K, the MLR in a vertical assault can be ashore in ten hours. Forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) in a distributed operation will require equipment and fuel, which demands a heavy-lift helicopter. e capability best suited to execute this capability is the CH-53K, which will move more in less time throughout the battle space. is is y-by-wire technology, and can lift more than any helicopter in the world. CH-53E to CH-53K transition is underway, and the Marine Corps will deploy the -K model beginning in 2024. With the modernization of the heavy-lift eet, Marine aviation will be capable of departing amphibious naval vessels while carrying thousands of gallons of fuel and distributing it throughout the littoral FARPs, to then being re-tasked with displacing a rocket battery after their completion of an anti-ship ring mission. e CH-53K is the only fully marinized heavy-lift rotorcraft that will support current and future warghting concepts by lifting 100% of the equipment to the ranges that the Marine Corps will require. H-1sUH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper will continue to protect, move, supply, and enable our Marines throughout the battle space, and that rotary-wing capability is crucial in amphibious campaigning. H-1s will be a dominant contributor to a network enabled force, an active player in the kill web, and provide lethality and sensing capability to a distributed MAGTF in EABO. Link 16, ANW2, and the Mini-Mesh Network Manager (MNM) are funded eorts that will deliver a resilient and exible solution that integrates onboard sensors, weapons, and survivability equipment with the MAGTF and Navy Tactical Grid. H-1s are poised to accept, and are aligned with, future waveforms and network modernization roadmaps. e Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) increases lethality through dedicated maritime modes, enhanced moving target capability, and selectable fusing (impact, airburst, and delay). Millimeter wave guidance increases survivability by providing a true re-and-forget capability. Capacity exists for future modications that maximize 14 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org

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stando and facilitate teamed engagement options versus near-peer weapons systems (example being the U.S. Army’s Air Launched Eects initiative).e H-1’s proven logistic mobility and expeditionary footprint will ensure that they remain exceptionally competitive in the distributed maritime and EABO environments. H-1s operate faster than most sea-based connectors, require signicantly less fuel, and possess a smaller footprint than any other crewed aviation capability. ey are highly mobile and rapidly deployable. Ospreye MV-22 Osprey will move the force farther and faster, when and where we need it. ese aircraft are performing magnicently in austere environments all over the world. e Osprey enables the ground combat element and the logistics combat element, and has the range to cover the vast distances of the Pacic. e MV-22B also provides a testbed for advanced capabilities: digital interoperability; mesh networks; Marine Agile Networking Gateway Link (MANGL); Network On e Move-Airborne (NOTM-A); and Iridium. MANGL leads us into Minotaur, a sensor fusion capability to the warghter at the tactical edge, one which provides a bridge to share information between Marine Corps and Navy assets. In addition, MV-22B is testbed for advanced night vision capability, which when complete will be not only far more capable but will be in color. Within the USMC the MV-22 is the lead aviation capability for Degraded Visual environment and enhanced visual acuity capability that will increase safety and operational reach. Additionally, it is the lead capability for digital interoperability (DI) and will be a critical enabler for communication and information ow across the battlespace.Unmanned Aircraft SystemsMarine aviation is assessing the mix of manned and unmanned aircraft within the force as part of Force Design. ese unmanned systems will play a signicant role in the future: for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; for sensing, augmenting xed-wing aircraft, and passing data using multiple waveforms. We are focusing on reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance, and unmanned systems are an essential part of the way forward.Starting with MUX and shifting that requirement to a Family of Systems concept, Marine Corps aviation is stepping into the Group 5 UAS world with MQ-9A ER this year in partnership with the Air Force. is proven system provides opportunities to meet schedule and performance requirements tied to our four Tier 1 capabilities under the MUX ICD which are ISR, Airborne Early Warning (AEW), Airborne Communication Gateway, and Electronic Warfare Support. In lock step with the USAF MQ-9 SPO, Marine aviation will stand up 3 active squadrons equipped with MQ-9 by FY26. From there, Tier 2 capabilities of OAS and logistic connectors will be elded based on the work being done today by our Cunningham Group in concert with MCWL.Synergy among the services regarding FVL, Maritime Strike, MQ-Next, ATS, will provide exciting cost-eective and highly capable technologies to perform tasks necessary to compete and win against our pacing near-peer adversaries.KC-130JKC-130J will sustain and enable the distributed force while providing capabilities to further connect and enable that force. ey are so capable that Marine aviation is adding an active-duty squadron of the Hercules in the Pacic, to have them ready for the next campaign. KC-130J makes the Marine Corps agile, survivable, and lethal…we must have that lift, range, rugged logistics, and aerial refueling capability.Precision Fires, Fire Support, and Controle naval expeditionary force is at the center of the next ght.Amphibious assault ships - LHD-1 Wasp class and LHA-6 America class, as well as Queen Elizabeth of our British allies - are the premier capabilities for aoat Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations, and our integration into that naval capability is key to the success of tomorrow’s MAGTF and naval strike force. We are getting better at this tighter integration into naval command and control, experimenting relentlessly to get it right. Marine aviation is commissioning new Littoral Anti-Air Battalions (LAABs) as part of Force Design 2030. ese new battalions, which fall under the command of the new Marine Littoral Regiments, are a more expeditionary blend of our current aviation command and control (AC2) and aviation ground support (AGS) functionality. 2021 Symposium 15

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ey are tasked with providing medium air and cruise missile defense, FARPs and aviation C2 services. A mixture of ground-based sensors is a critical component in the reconnaissance/counter reconnaissance competition at all phases of the conict spectrum. ey enable organic engagement of maritime targets or cueing for naval and joint long range precision res. e LAABs also provide the C2 connectivity for the Marine Corps and tie it into the larger naval and joint ght.Long-Range Fires From Islandse Marine Corps is focusing on defense in depth around the future force. e F-35 is the rst line of defense. Unmanned systems will be in the middle of these concentric rings. And an integrated missile defense system in the next line of defense.In FY23 the Marine Corps is elding the Naval Strike Missile as part of the Marine Littoral Regiments. e ability to engage maritime surface targets utilizing ground-based res is one that the service has not had since divesting itself of coastal artillery in 1944. e Marine Corps plans to continue investing, along with the Army, in longer range, more capable missiles in order to continue to complicate any potential enemy’s threat calculus and courses of action in the INDO-PACOM Area of Operations. Marine airborne command and control capabilities are necessary to fuse data and support all-domain targeting in support of maritime campaigns, while maintaining a mindset of continuous competition. Legacy agencies are being critically rethought and reorganized into smaller, more expeditionary, and mobile units with more processing and information fusing capability, yielding greater ability to sense, fuse data, and prosecute targets.e Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) Family of Systems employs short range surface-to-air res and electronic attack capabilities to destroy or negate low radar cross section aerial targets to include uncrewed aerial systems, xed and rotary wing aircraft. MADIS is agile and maneuverable, integrated onto ground vehicles, and modular, designed to be upgradable to maintain pace with rapidly emerging threats. We are innovating here too, with truly amazing technology: we envision directed energy weapons as a likely upgrade to MADIS, and continue to explore numerous emerging technologies to counter the wicked problems of UAS saturation and swarms. In addition, Medium Range Intercept Capability gives us a Cruise Missile Defense capability. Networks and the Naval ForceMarine forces in the rst island chain will be the most forward forces during all phases of the competition continuum. ey will also be the eyes and ears of the joint force on the ground at the outset of any hostilities. To be the most relevant in this role Marine Forces must be tied into naval and joint kill webs through the Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability and emerging Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives. e key to successful integration is the ability to share “re control quality data.” is allows Marine forces to create engagement opportunities that synchronize the best sensor data with the most eective shooter. is helps maximize the eciency and eectiveness of limited air defense resources. e nal element of this integration is the development and application of automated battle management aids. ese software tools will allow battle managers to react to time sensitive situations when confronted with numerous engagement threatsMAGTF Agile Network Gateway Link (MANGL) is a multiplatform (MV22, CH53K, KC130J) communications payload and related family of systems (MQ9 Skytower, AH1Z, UH1Y) that bridges multiple tactical data links to provide timely, tactically relevant information, to Marines at the tactical edge. With capabilities like MANGL, the stand-in force will have access to agile software development, common hardware, and software dened radios tailored for a broad range of information operations that will enable MAGTF contributions to JADC2 through the Naval Tactical Grid.By combining a government-owned design for software designed radios with emerging waveforms and data links from industry and academia, we hope to pull the development and integration curves left, ultimately making our forces capable of “maneuvering within spectrum.” Pair that with commoditized adjunct mission processors that are common across most capabilities and we can make 16 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org

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the trend of software-based capabilities work for us, instead of against us. Finally, we plan on using commercial-o-the-shelf-based interfaces for the immediate future, maximizing our successful ties to industry. MANGL isn’t just our bid to cut free from the stovepiped tactical data links of the last war; it’s our approach to tackling the information driven operations of the next conict in a manner that is scalable and imminently upgradable within the constraints of our contracting and acquisition world and our limited resources. Expeditionary OperationsLogistics makes the Marine Corps expeditionary. is is why we remain focused on capabilities to lift, support, move and defend forces We are going to operate inside the rst island chain and inside the WEZ, and that means nothing stays put: we are going to get in, build what we need, and then break it down and get out. FARPs are—and will be—key to everything the Marine Corps needs to do to move, protect and sustain the force. Marine aviation must rearm, refuel, and perform swift maintenance on aircraft in an expeditionary environment…and then must then pick up everyone and move them, as if they were never there. e force will be there, and then be gone. All of this must happen at the time and place of the commander’s choosinge Pacic doesn’t oer us much in the way of highways or airelds, so we have also rewritten our manual on Forward Operating Locations – to emphasize the true austerity of these places. Once we have oated aircraft to the ght, pushed them inland and established EABOs ashore, we must ow forces into, onto and through those bases.We are developing lightweight aireld matting; new and lighter reghting equipment; ground refueling systems that are lighter and can push fuel faster than ever before; aireld damage repair equipment to keep expeditionary airelds up and running.With these capabilities – and new ones we are experimenting and innovating with – we can build out EABs of dierent sizes, depending on the mission. is makes us mobile, and mobility makes us lethal.Moving Into Our FuturePhilosopher Arthur Schopenhauer described the three consecutive stages of truth: • Ridicule of the idea • Violent opposition to the idea • Acceptance of the idea as being self-evidentOn the heels of the failure of OPERATION EAGLE CLAW, thirty years ago, it was evident that a new type of aircraft was required, one that could take o and land like a helicopter, and one that could y like a plane. In 1981, the DOD designated the U. S. Army lead for the JVX program, and all four services had acquisition plans for this technology.By 1988, the Army had left the program and the Marines were fully invested; we were the last service standing championing V-22 eorts. By 1989, the V-22 had survived two separate Senate hearings looking to cancel the program, and even the Secretary of Defense was openly dismissing the value of the capability. By the mid-90s, ight testing was underway, but we continued to ght relentless challenges and we fell behind schedule. We stayed rm on the capability we needed. In 2007, we got to Initial Operational Capability, and our rst squadron then deployed into Iraq a full year early. Very simply: we had the capability, and the forces in combat needed it. e MV-22’s revolutionary capability has since then been the cornerstone of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, the score of our combined squadrons at sea. Combatant commanders and the MAGTF have come to count on the speed, range, and exibility of the MV-22. is will not change in the future. e Osprey’s ability todeliver combat troops and logistics support to the objective is representative of the MAGTF’s assault support overmatch. No adversary has anything like it. e message is this: the Marine Corps ignored doomsayers as we developed the Osprey capability. We endured massive resistance and ridicule,stuck to our vision, and succeeded in operationalizing a revolutionary way to dominate battleeld tempo, thus changing the dynamics of the modern battleeld. e will to lead and innovate is just as strong today, and will be essential to our success on tomorrow’s battleeld.2021 Symposium 17

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18 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgCAPTAIN JOSHUA E. HAZELDEANGUNNERY SERGEANT MONICA L. WILLIAMSCAPTAIN JAMES HERNANDEZSERGEANT COLTRANE DILLEYVMFA-323, MAG-11, 3D MAWFIRST LIEUTENANT TRAVIS D. SOUBIESERGEANT NICHOLAS D. BEDFORDVMA-214, MAG-13, 3D MAWMALS-39, MAG-39, 3D MAWVMGR-152, MAG-12, 1ST MAWMWSS-172, MAG-36, 1ST MAW MACS-1, MACG-38, 3D MAWALFRED A. CUNNINGHAM AWARDKENNETH W. SOUTHCOMB AWARDROBERT GUY ROBINSON AWARD PAUL G. VESS AWARDROBERT M. HANSON AWARDEARLE HATTAWAY AWARDGAINES B. GILBERT AWARDLAWSON H.M. SANDERSON AWARDDONALD E. DAVIS AWARDHENRY WILDFANG AWARDJAMES E. HATCH AWARD EDWARD S. FRIS AWARDe Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) Awards Programis one of the largest aviation-based awards programs in the country and at the core of our mission. e Awards Program began in 1962, when we presented the Alfred A. Cunningham Award to then-Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr. after he made history on 20 February 1962, as the rst American to orbit Earth.Glenn was selected out of a nal roster of over ve hundred highly qualied candidates to become one of the seven original Project Mercury astronauts. He was the only Marine in the prestigious class of astronauts and spent over three years preparing for hisFriendship 7ight. Much like Alfred A. Cunningham, “e Father of Marine Corps Aviation”, Glenn embodied the ethos of a Marine; we see that same commitment and conviction throughout Marine Corps aviation history and in our young Marines who have earned the Aviation Awards this year. Each Aviation Award is named in honor of a Marine who made noteworthy contributions in their eld, with two exceptions: the Commandant’s Aviation Award and the Silver Hawk Award. e 28 awards span the spectrum of Marine aviation and recognize Marines of all ranks who are nominated by their superiors and vetted through Headquarters Marine Corps.

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Marine Aviator of the YearCaptain Joshua E. HazeldeanHMLA-367, MAG-24, 1ST MAWFor outstanding contribution to Marine aviation while serving as the H-1 Pilot Training Ofﬁcer and AH-1Z pilot for HMLA-367 “Scarface,” MAG-24, 1st MAW from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Captain Hazeldean led the seamless planning and execution of eight Detachments for training in support of 3D Marine Division, VMFA-224 and -115. He coordinated the ﬁrst F/A-18 Forward Air Controller (Airborne) Training in Hawaii, the squadrons’ ﬁrst defensive air combat maneuvers operations with F/A-18s and the ﬁrst joint precision-guided missile exercise on water-borne targets for HMLA-367. His initiative and detailed planning for these training exercises resulted in over 2,600 ﬂight hours and 156 tons of ordnance expended. In support of this effort, Captain Hazeldean personally ﬂew over 160 hours and enabled progression throughout the squadron by instructing 83 initial training events. Captain Hazeldean’s commitment, superior judgement, and exceptional skill reﬂected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.20 Alfred A. Cunningham AwardRolls-Royce North AmericaEstablished in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Alfred A. Cunningham, the ﬁrst Marine aviator, by the First Marine Aviation Veterans’ Association for the most outstanding contribution to Marine aviation by a Marine aviator.ALFRED A. CUNNINGHAM AWARDSPONSORED BY

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Marine Naval Flight Officer of the YearCaptain James HernandezVMFA(AW)-224, VMFA-251, MAG-31, 2D MAWFor meritorious service while serving as Weapon Systems Ofﬁcer Training Ofﬁcer for VMFA(AW)-224 and -251, MAG-31, 2D MAW from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Captain Hernandez’s leadership, instructor acumen, and dedication made him an invaluable instructor in the F/A-18 Hornet community. He served as an integral part of the successful deployment of VMFA(AW)-251 to Isa Air Base, Bahrain, from December 2019 through March 2020 by maintaining a unit readiness level of T2 or higher. Captain Hernandez was an essential architect for integrating events during Service Level Training Exercise 1-21 with an array of MAGTF assets. He also implemented a training plan that produced one Weapons and Tactics Instructor, two Mission Commanders, four Division Leaders, ﬁve Section Leaders, one Night Systems Instructor, one Marine Division Tactics Instructor, three Fighter Attack Instructors, and one Low Altitudes Tactics Instructor. Captain Hernandez’s bold leadership, wise judgement, and complete dedication to duty reﬂected credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.22 Robert Guy Robinson Award Northrop Grumman Mission SystemsEstablished in honor of First Lieutenant Robert Guy Robinson, a Medal of Honor recipient in WWI and a pioneer of the Naval Flight Ofﬁcer specialty, for the most outstanding contribution by a Marine naval ﬂight ofﬁcer.ROBERT GUY ROBINSON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Aviation Ground Officer of the YearFirst Lieutenant Travis D. SoubieMWSS-371, MAG-13, 3D MAWFor outstanding contributions to Marine aviation while serving as Support Platoon Commander, MWSD-371, MWSS-371, MAG-13, 3D MAW from 1 January to 31 December 2020. First Lieutenant Soubie’s work ethic and dedication to duty ensured his platoon’s extreme proﬁciency while enabling them to execute Service-Level Training Exercise 2-20 and demanding missions throughout the SPMAGTF-CR 20.2 deployment. His platoon executed airﬁeld damage repair at the Camp Taji Airﬁeld in Iraq. The repair project consisted of completing 97 moderate to critical repairs and repainting and remarking the entire airﬁeld. This enabled the successful transfer of the base to Iraqi coalition forces and enabled United States Central Command to conduct strategic directives and enabled a timely force re-posture within the Combined Joint Operations Area. First Lieutenant Soubie’s initiative, critical thinking, sound decision-making, and superior performance led to advancements for the Marine Corps’ engineer community and reﬂected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Earle Hattaway Award 23Rolls-Royce North AmericaEstablished in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Earle Hattaway, the ﬁrst recipient of the Marine Aviation Ground Ofﬁcer of the Year Award, for the most outstanding contribution to Marine aviation by an aviation ground ofﬁcer.EARLE HATTAWAY AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Air Command/Control Officer of the YearFirst Lieutenant Jonathan B. Watkins2D LAAD BN, SPMAGTF-CRFor outstanding meritorious achievement in the performance of his duties while serving as Ofﬁcer-in-Charge, 2D LAAD C-UAS, MWSD-371, SPMAGTF-CR-CC from May to August 2020. First Lieutenant Watkins’ immediate recognition and remediation of operating procedure and base defense weaknesses contributed to a decrease in target acquisition times up to 75%. This singular reduction in the drone defense kill chain had immeasurable effects and vastly contributed to the overall success of not only counter-drone operations, but the safety of all assets and base defense personnel. By his own initiative, he attained never before delegated authority from theater-level jurisdictions for the kinetic targeting and acquisitioning of targets, resulting in the successful destruction of over 20 enemy targets. First Lieutenant Watkins’ exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.24 Robert F. Gibson Award General Dynamics Mission SystemsEstablished in honor of Colonel Robert F. Gibson, a pioneer in the concept of integrated air control group detachments supporting Marine aviation around the globe, for the most outstanding contribution to Marine aviation by an ofﬁcer serving in a Marine command and control unit.ROBERT F. GIBSON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Aviator or NFO with the Earliest Naval Aviation Designation DateLieutenant General Robert F. HedelundCOMMANDING GENERAL MARFORCOMLieutenant General Robert F. Hedelund is currently assigned as the Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Northern Command, and Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic.A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, Hedelund graduated from Florida Atlantic University and was commissioned in April 1983. He was designated an unrestricted Naval Aviator in May 1985.Previous command assignments include Headquarters Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group 29; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 162; Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1); Marine Corps Warﬁghting Laboratory (concurrently serving as the Vice Chief, Ofﬁce of Naval Research); the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing; U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea; and II Marine Expeditionary Force.As a CH-46E pilot, Hedelund has deployed with HMM-264, HMM-365, and HMM-162. He has served as a Basic and Advanced Flight Instructor at Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 18, NAS Whiting Field, Florida. Hedelund has also served as a CH-46E Instructor, Division Head and Assault Support Department Head at MAWTS-1, MCAS Yuma, Arizona. He has ﬂown over 5,200 ﬂight hours in rotary- wing, tilt-rotor, and ﬁxed-wing aircraft.Staff assignments include the Marine Corps Strategic Studies Group, MCCDC; U.S. Northern Command Desk Ofﬁcer, U.S. Joint Forces Command; Senior Military Assistant and Marine Aide to the Secretary of the Navy; Director, Marine and Family Programs Division (MF), Manpower & Reserve Affairs; Assistant Chief of Staff UCJ-5, United Nations Command, ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea.Lieutenant General Hedelund is a distinguished graduate of The Basic School and Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He has also attended the Air War College and Joint Force Air Component Command Course, Montgomery, Alabama, and the Joint Forces Staff College and CAPSTONE Program, Norfolk, Virginia.Silver Hawk Award 25The Boeing CompanyEstablished to honor the active duty Marine aviator or Marine naval ﬂight ofﬁcer holding the earliest designation date.SILVER HAWK AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Flight Student of the YearFirst Lieutenant Douglas J. HaasHT-28, MATSG-21, TECOMFor the most outstanding performance of a Marine Flight Student completing the Chief of Naval Aviation Training Advanced Helicopter Syllabus from 1 January to 31 December 2020. While assigned to Helicopter Training Squadron 28 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, First Lieutenant Douglas J. Haas distinguished himself from his peers by earning an 80 Naval Standard Score, a score attained by less than one percent student Naval Aviators. His composite score upon designation as a Naval Aviator on 12 June 2020 was 320, placing him on the Training Air Wing Five (TW-5) Commodore’s List with Distinction: an honor given to only 4% of the students who complete training at TW-5. He was also recognized as a Distinguished Graduate and received the Daedalian Award. He continues to distinguish himself at Marine Light Attack Training Squadron 303 by excelling in the initial stages of training. First Lieutenant Haas’ initiative, exceptional achievement, and total devotion to duty reﬂected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.26 Frank E. Petersen Jr. Award Collins AerospaceEstablished in honor of Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr. the ﬁrst African American Marine Corps general ofﬁcer and Marine aviator, to recognize superior performance of a Marine ﬂight student.FRANK E. PETERSEN, JR. AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Enlisted Marine Aircrewman of the YearSta Sergeant David R. GoodenVMM-365, 2D MAWFor professional achievement and extraordinary contributions as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Crew Resource Management Instructor, and Flightline and Avionics Quality Assurance Representative, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. During this period as an instructor and mentor, Staff Sergeant Gooden’s superb planning, outstanding attention to detail and managerial insight provided invaluable contributions to unit readiness. His technical and tactical prowess as a Crew Chief and Maintainer were critical to the preparation and training of 31 aircrew and 19 maintenance Marines for a successful deployment in Central Command. His production exempliﬁes exceptional commitment to mission accomplishment demonstrated by ﬂying 263 mishap-free ﬂight hours, 174.9 combat hours, instructing 83 initial events, and supervising over 44,000 maintenance man hours. Staff Sergeant Gooden’s professionalism, initiative and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Danny L. Radish Award 27BAE Systems Electronic SystemsEstablished in honor of Master Gunnery Sergeant Danny L. Radish, who served in Marine aviation with distinction and heroism for over 23 years, for the most outstanding contribution by a Marine enlisted aircrewman.DANNY L. RADISH AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Aviation Maintenance Marine of the YearGunnery Sergeant Larry W. Aldridge VMFAT-501, MAG-31, 2D MAWFor outstanding meritorious service while serving as a Quality Assurance Staff Non-commissioned Ofﬁcer-in-Charge and Lead Field Training Detachment Instructor, VMFAT-502, MAG-31, 2D MAW from 1 January to 31 December 2020. During this period, Gunnery Sergeant Aldridge personally supervised the transfer and reinstatement of over 1,300 task sign-offs in support of a new squadron activation, which developed a core cadre of over 165 Marines. His oversight of over 37 naval aviation maintenance and compliant programs resulted in a score of almost 95% on the squadron’s safe for ﬂight inspection, which was the highest in the wing. He was the architect and instructor for a training detachment, which provided increased throughput and efﬁciency over the traditional schoolhouse to produce F-35 Lightning II maintainers, and directly impacted Marine aviation’s most critical and limited resource—Marines. Gunnery Sergeant Aldridge’s exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.28 Willie D. Sproule Award Elbit Systems of AmericaEstablished in honor of Gunnery Sergeant Willie D. Sproule, a leader in the ﬁeld of aviation maintenance who served with distinction for over 30 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an enlisted Marine serving in a maintenance billet.WILLIE D. SPROULE AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Aviation Supply Marine of the YearGunnery Sergeant Monica L. WilliamsMALS-31, MAG-31, 2D MAWFor professional achievement in the superior performance of her duties while serving as Audit Branch and Warehouse Control Branch Staff Non-Commissioned Ofﬁcer-in-Charge, Warehouse Management Division, MALS-31, MAG-31, 2D MAW from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Gunnery Sergeant Williams’ superb leadership and attention to detail enabled the aviation supply department to achieve 90% during the 2020 2D MAW Functional Area Inspection, resulting in the highest grade throughout the Wing. Gunnery Sergeant Williams streamlined the process of shipping over 352 strike bird assets valuing over $13,000,000; this enabled the external supply system to redistribute assets across naval aviation. Through her keen managerial skills and technical expertise, the warehouse management division achieved an overall 97% net and almost 96% gross supply effectiveness, which drastically exceeded goals. Gunnery Sergeant Williams’ exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Kenneth W. Southcomb Award 29Elbit Systems of AmericaEstablished in honor of Gunnery Sergeant Kenneth W. Southcomb, a leader in the ﬁeld of aviation supply who served with distinction for 30 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an aviation supply Marine.KENNETH W. SOUTHCOMB AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Avionics Marine of the YearSergeant Coltrane J. DilleyMALS-36, MAG-36, 1ST MAWFor professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as Work Center 650 Non-Commissioned Ofﬁcer-in-Charge, Collateral Duty Inspector, MALS-36, MAG-36, 1st MAW from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Sergeant Dilley tracked failures for the MV-22 Osprey’s Regulated Converter Unit, Circuit Card Assembly A3, and collaborated with Fleet Support Teams to establish intermediate level repair capability. Without this capability, Regulated Converter Units that are beyond capable maintenance leaving the Marine Corps face a potential loss of $831,000 per year. As the sole servicing site, he provided support to units across the Fleet Marine Corps and executed 42% of the repairs. His contributions saved MALS-36 $183,300 in Regulated Converter Unit replacement costs. Additionally, he supervised 1,181 maintenance actions and amassed 3,509 mishap-free maintenance hours, contributing to the operations and readiness of MAG-36. Sergeant Dilley’s initiative, perseverance and dedication to duty reﬂected credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.30 Paul G. Vess Award BAE Systems Electronic SystemsEstablished in honor of Master Gunnery Sergeant Paul G. Vess, a leader in the ﬁeld of avionics, who served with distinction for over 30 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an electronics technician.PAUL G. VESS AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Ordnance Marine of the YearSergeant Nicholas D. BedfordHMLA-369, MAG-39, 3D MAWFor professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as Aircraft Ordnance Technician, HMLA-369, MAG-39, 3D MAW, from 1 January to 31 December 2020. During this time, Sergeant Bedford’s involvement and effort during Unit Deployment Program 20.1 exceeded expectations and resulted in both the ﬁrst-ever H-1 diving live ﬁre event with the Japanese Self-Defense Force in support of Exercise Northern Viper and the ﬁrst H-1 ever hot loading evolution aboard Kadena Air Base. Furthermore, his performance as a Quality Assurance/Safety Observer and Collateral Duty Quality Assurance representative allowed the squadron to safely expend over 310,000 pounds of munitions worth over $15,000,000. He embodies the Marine ordnance man and sets a distinguished example for others with his one-of-a-kind leadership tactics that inspire the esprit de corps. Sergeant Bedford’s initiative, perseverance, and dedication to duty, reﬂected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.Gaines B. Gilbert Award 31RaytheonEstablished in honor of Master Gunnery Sergeant Gaines B. Gilbert, a leader in the ﬁeld of aviation ordnance who served with distinction for 39 years, for the most outstanding contribution by an aviation ordnance technician.GAINES B. GILBERT AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Command/Control Marine of the YearSta Sergeant John P. Lukasiewicz2ND LAAD BN, SPMAGTF-CRFor professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as special purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Detachment Staff Non-Commissioned Ofﬁcer-in-Charge from 1 January to 31 December 2020. During his deployment to Central Command, Staff Sergeant Lukasiewicz and his Marines established an initial C-UAS capability at a critical location. Under his expert leadership, his Marines neutralized over ten enemy drones, resulting in a noted decrease in enemy intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Staff Sergeant Lukasiewicz also served as an ambassador for Marine Corps ground-based air defense by brieﬁng key leaders on C-UAS capabilities and instructing over 100 joint, coalition, and host nation personnel on effective techniques for air space command and control. The procedures he established in Central Command continue to pay dividends for the detachments currently deployed there. Staff Sergeant Lukasiewicz’s professionalism, initiative, and dedication to duty reﬂected credit on himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.32 Kenneth A. Innis Award Lockheed MartinEstablished in honor of Master Gunnery Sergeant Kenneth A. Innis for the most outstanding contribution by an enlisted Marine in the air command and control ﬁeld.KENNETH A. INNIS AWARDSPONSORED BY

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Aviation Ground Marine of the YearSta Sergeant Thomas J. WarrenVMFA-323, MAG-11, 3D MAWFor professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as Mission Planning Intelligence Chief for VMFA-323, MAG-11, 3D MAW from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Staff Sergeant Warren’s dedicated efforts supplied VMFA-323, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN (CVW-17), and the Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN (CSG-11) with accurate intelligence support and battlespace awareness during an eight month combat deployment aboard USS Nimitz in support of OPERATIONS INHERENT RESOLVE, RESOLUTE SUPPORT, and FREEDOM SENTINEL. During high operational combat tempo, Staff Sergeant Warren assumed the responsibility of the CVW-17 mission planning Alpha—A company grade billet—in addition to his primary duties. He briefed the staff of CSG-11, warfare commanders, and aircraft wing ofﬁcers for over 200 defensive counter air and combat air sorties. Furthermore, Staff Sergeant Warren supported Marine Special Operations Teams and Army Special Forces. Staff Sergeant Warren’s initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.Jack W. Demmond Award 33Northrop GrummanInnovation SystemsEstablished in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Jack W. Demmond, who served Marine Corps aviation with versatility and distinction for over 29 years, for the most outstanding contribution by a ground Marine serving with Marine aviation.JACK W. DEMMOND AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Aviation Non-Commissioned Officer LeadershipSergeant Tyshaun J. Brown MACS-24, MACG-48, 4TH MAWFor professional achievement in superior performance of his duties as Tactical Air Trafﬁc Controller, MACS-24, Tactical Air Operations Center Detachment, BC3-T Detachment 20.2 from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Sergeant Brown’s decisive and bold leadership was instrumental in preparing the detachment to deploy and ensuring combat readiness in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, Resolute Support Mission, and the Combined Defense of The Arabian Gulf. Upon identifying a major discrepancy in the training plan of the 729th Air Control Squadron, he spearheaded efforts to coordinate with joint unit leadership to create and execute a corrected training plan. Sergeant Brown was able to facilitate 46 total hours of instruction contributing to the certiﬁcation of seven qualiﬁed Controllers and three Weapons Directors in a congested and dynamic combat environment. His actions were vital in allowing joint and coalition forces to deploy in support of three different areas of operation. Sergeant Brown’s initiative, perseverance, and devotion to duty reﬂected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.34 James E. Nicholson Award RaytheonEstablished in honor of Lieutenant Colonel James E. Nicholson, “The Father of the MCAA,” who served with distinction as a member of the First Aeronautic Company in WWI, for the most signiﬁcant leadership by a noncommissioned ofﬁcer in Marine aviation.JAMES E. NICHOLSON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Acquisition Excellence in Marine AviationMajor John E. WillettVX-21, MAD PATUXENT RIVERFor meritorious service while serving as CH-53K Developmental Test Pilot and Project Ofﬁcer, HX-21, NTWL, from 1 January to 31 December 2020. On the team conducting developmental testing, Major Willett led a detachment in Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ, to test new-built CH-53K operations in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE) and extreme heat. In addition vital interaction with numerous external agencies, he personally ﬂew almost 23 ﬂight hours to complete all DVE testing, and conducted the ﬁrst-ever CH-53K mountainous terrain and ground refueling at a forward arming and refueling point. Major Willet led his team through more than 550 hours of Flight Test, bringing the program within reach of starting operational testing. In total, he crewed over 125 test plan drafts and amendments through a dual approval process and drafted more than 50 deﬁciency reports while also guiding the Flight Test Engineers. Major Willett’s relentless mission focus and dedication to duty reﬂected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Michael A. Hough Award 35FLIR TeledyneEstablished in honor of Lieutenant General Mike Hough, who served as the Deputy Commandant for Aviati on a nd D irector of th e Jo int St ri ke Fighter Program, to recognize superior achievement and excellence by a Marine assigned to the acquisition ﬁeld. MICHAEL A. HOUGH AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Exceptional Achievement in Marine AviationThe Air Crew of RAIDR50VMGR-352, MAG-11, 3D MAWFor extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial ﬂight as RAIDR50, the KC-130J aircrew of VMGR-352 were involved in a mid-air collision while conducting air-to-air refueling with BOLT93, an F-35B. On 29 September 2020, after losing two engines, the eight members of this aircrew demonstrated an unparalleled level of heroism by conducting an emergency landing in Thermal, California, while monitoring a fuel leak, extinguishing a ﬁre, experiencing a rapid decompression, and landing without a fully functional landing gear system due to the mid-air collision. In a span of 11 crucial minutes, the crew demonstrated a superior level of judgement while dealing with compounding emergencies in the most chaotic environment. Without the efforts of the crew executing sound crew resource management and superior decision-making while responding to life-threatening danger, the aircrew would have perished. With steadfast efforts, superb airmanship, and unexcelled dedication to duty in the hazardous ﬂying conditions, the RAIDR50 aircrew reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 36 James Maguire Award PiaseckiEstablished in honor of Gunnery Sergeant James Maguire, the ﬁrst enlisted Marine ordered to aviation duty and served with Alfred A. Cunningham, for the most signiﬁcant contribution to Marine aviation by an individual or squadron, not otherwise recognized.JAMES MAGUIRE AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron of the YearVMFA-323MAG-11, 3D MAWFor outstanding service and exceeding all expectations in garrison and in combat from 1 January to 31 December 2020. As the COVID-19 Pandemic gripped the Nation, the Marines and sailors of VMFA-323 overcame, adapted, and improvised as they faced multiple unprecedented challenges. The squadron received exemplary results on both their Commanding General’s Readiness Inspection and Commander Naval Air Force Aircraft Maintenance Inspection while they executed an extremely rigorous work-up and deployment. As the last F/A-18C squadron to deploy on an aircraft carrier, they led the carrier air wing with over 2,000 sorties and 3,300 ﬂight hours while enduring over 40 weeks deployed from home. For ﬁve months the “Death Rattlers” of VMFA-323 supported combat operations over Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria while supporting OPERATIONS RESOLUTE SUPPORT, FREEDOM SENTINEL, and INHERENT RESOLVE and achieving the ground force commander’s intent on every mission. VMFA-323 reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.Robert M. Hanson Award 37The Boeing CompanyEstablished in honor of Captain Robert M. Hanson, a Medal of Honor recipient and Ace who shot down 25 enemy aircraft before being killed in action, for the most outstanding ﬁghter attack squadron in Marine aviation.ROBERT M. HANSON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Attack Squadron of the YearVMA-214MAG-13, 3D MAWFor exceptional service to Marine Corps aviation from 1 January to 31 December 2020. The world-famous “Black Sheep” of VMA-214 became the ﬁrst Marine Corps ﬁxed-wing squadron to deploy to Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), Saudi Arabia, as the Immediate Response Force and the ﬁrst Harrier squadron to operate from PSAB in almost 30 years. Flying extended missions into Iraq to support OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE from this location, the squadron amassed 675 combat ﬂight hours over 95 sorties in just 35 days and dropped over 4,000 pounds of precision guided munitions. VMA-214 attained almost 78% in aircraft readiness by performing over 38,600 direct maintenance hours and completing over 12,500 maintenance actions. The squadron supported 100% of sorties at Integrated Training Exercise 2-20 and over 95% of combat sorties. Through steadfast commitment to combat readiness, operational excellence, and an expeditionary mindset, the Marines and sailors of VMA-214 brought great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 38 Lawson H. M. Sanderson Award BAEEstablished in honor of Major General Lawson H. M. Sanderson, a pioneer in the development of dive-bombing and close air support in Marine aviation, for the most outstanding attack squadron in Marine aviation.LAWSON H. M. SANDERSON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron of the YearVMGR-152MAG-12, 1ST MAWFor outstanding contributions to Marine Corps aviation from 1 January to 31 December 2020. The “Sumos” of VMGR-152 continued to set the standard for operational readiness and support in the vast and geographically remote Western Paciﬁc Theater. The “Sumos” met and surpassed all challenges with unwavering dedication and commitment, resulting in another year of unparalleled successes and accomplishments, including participation in every major III Marine Expeditionary Force exercise throughout the Paciﬁc Command area of responsibility. With 63% operational readiness and being deployed year round, the squadron ﬂew 5,060 mishap-free ﬂight hours across 1,525 sorties. Additionally, the continued dedication of the Squadron’s Unit and Family Readiness Program ensured that 187 family members stationed overseas were cared for, which sustained the well-being of each Marine and sailor. Through their enthusiasm, exceptional performance, and total dedication to duty, the Marines and sailors of VMGR-152 reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest standards of United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Lockheed MartinEstablished in honor of Major Henry Wildfang, who served with distinction and heroism as a transport pilot, for most outstanding aerial refueler transport squadron in Marine aviation.HENRY WILDFANG AWARD SPONSORED BYHenry Wildfang Award 39

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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the YearHMH-463MAG-24, 1ST MAWFor sustained superior performance while conducting operations from 1 January to 31 December 2020. While supporting its seventh, eighth, and ninth consecutive 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit detachments, HMH-463 “Pegasus” led the CH-53E ﬂeet with over 2,800 mishap-free ﬂight hours of superior assault support across the Paciﬁc Theater, enabling the transportation of 3,465 passengers and 772,532 pounds of cargo. HMH-463 provided the highest readiness in the CH-53E ﬂeet at 68% mission capable—with the lowest manpower due to persistent operational commitments. Pegasus reduced risk to aviation by increasing average piloting time from almost 10 to 19 ﬂight hours per month. Pegasus actively advanced future concepts in support of the Marine Littoral Regiment by developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for the CH-53E community in the most challenging high-altitude, maritime, and littoral environments. By their distinguished performance and dedication to duty, the Marines of HMH-463 reﬂected credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Unites States Naval Service.40 Keith B. McCutcheon Award SikorskyEstablished in honor of General Keith B. McCutcheon, a pioneer helicopter pilot and a visionary in the development of Marine Corps aviation doctrine, for the most outstanding heavy helicopter squadron in Marine aviation.KEITH B. MCCUTCHEON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Unmanned Aircraft Squadron of the YearVMU-1MAG-13, 3D MAWFor meritorious service from 1 January to 31 December 2020. The Marines of VMU-1 consistently demonstrated unparalleled success in providing both domestic and overseas combat presence with strategic impacts. VMU-1 expediently developed doctrine to support unmanned aerial systems transformational concepts, and quickly adapted to COVID-19 challenges which allowed MQ-9A operations supporting Task Force Southwest to continue uninterrupted—exceeding all operational requirements and expectations. VMU-1’s drive greatly impacted numerous Marine Corps and joint exercises by providing critical support above and beyond their manpower resources. VMU-1 provided simultaneous support for two Marine Expeditionary Unit detachments with the RQ-21A and MQ-9A in United States Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and civilian personnel combat operations across the globe and demonstrated signiﬁcant progress toward achieving the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Force Design vision for 2030. By their distinctive accomplishments and unfailing devotion to duty, the Marines of VMU-1 reﬂected credit upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.42 John I. Hudson Award InsituEstablished in honor of Lieutenant General John I. Hudson to recognize superior achievement by a Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle SquadronJOHN I. HUDSON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron of the YearVMM-161MAG-16, 3D MAWFor meritorious service, professional achievement, and superior performance from 1 January to 31 December 2020. The dedication of the “Greyhawks” of VMM-161 enabled them to support several large-scale, high visibility operations, such as the rapid response United States Embassy reinforcement in Baghdad and joint exercises with allied Middle-Eastern countries while continuing to provide reliable and expeditious assault support despite the COVID-19 Pandemic. Simultaneously, VMM-161 sustained high aircraft readiness levels and balanced a rigorous squadron training plan: ﬂying 2,387 sorties spanning 2,795 ﬂight hours during the year, and delivering 559,160 pounds of cargo and 4,449 personnel during deployment. This superior performance among the Fleet Marine Force has made VMM-161 an invaluable asset to Marine Corps aviation, resulting in the Greyhawks developing a reputation of being ready and capable to execute any assigned mission. With their outstanding leadership and coordination of effort across the squadron, the Greyhawks of VMM-161 reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Service. Fred McCorkle Award 43Bell-BoeingEstablished in honor of Lieutenant General Fred McCorkle, whose leadership and dedication contributed to the success of the V-22 program, for the most outstanding tiltrotor squadron in Marine aviation.FRED MCCORKLE AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the YearHMLA-369MAG-39, 3D MAWFor superior performance, meritorious service, and professionalism in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force from 1 January to 31 December 2020. HMLA-369 was forward-deployed for over half of 2020 in support of joint, combined, and Marine Air-Ground Task Force partners throughout Indo-Paciﬁc command’s area of responsibility, including supporting multiple bilateral exercises and realistic training evolutions. The deployment involved many ﬁrsts in the HMLA community, such as: conducting a 1,500 mile transit with sustained satellite communication ability to Hokkaido, Japan; employing live ordnance in support of Exercise Northern Viper, extreme cold weather expeditionary advanced base operations; and expanding distributed maritime operation tactics, techniques, and procedures with H-1 hot loading on Ie Shima, Okinawa. HMLA-369 maintenance rebuilt nine long-term down aircraft and achieved a sustained rate of 60% mission capable while stateside and deployed. HMLA-369 set the standard with their dedication to duty, constant professionalism, and attention to detail and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.44 John P. Giguere Award BellEstablished in honor of Captain John P. Giguere, killed in action during a pilot rescue mission in Grenada, for the most outstanding light attack helicopter squadron.JOHN P. GIGUERE AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron of the YearMALS-39MAG-39, 3D MAWFor distinguished achievement and exemplary performance from 1 January through 31 December 2020. The “Hellhounds” of MALS-39 provided unrivaled logistics support and expertise, enabling the 3D MAW to exceed all expectations. The Hellhounds’ commitment to mission accomplishment enabled over 32,000 ﬂight hours and the expenditure of over $22,000,000 of ordnance. They focused on organic aircraft preservation initiatives to increase maintainer capacity and readiness without extra aircraft. MALS-39 provided over 400 Marines to cover 20 unit deployments. They trailblazed organic repair capabilities and cost-savings initiatives that exceeded $2,000,000. MALS-39 was the catalyst for unleashing sequestered organizational level capability by using inventory materiel readiness consolidation, long-term down recovery and preservation of aircraft, and prioritizing Marine welfare. As the H-1 logistics lead, MALS-39 spearheaded logistical efforts to posture the H-1 Fleet for success, sustainment, and preservation. Through their efforts, the Marines and sailors of MALS-39 have reﬂected credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Donald E. Davis Award 45CAEEstablished in honor of Colonel Donald E. Davis, who designed the Marine aviation logistics support program, for the highest degree of leadership, logistic expertise, innovation, and superior accomplishments in support of Marine aviation.DONALD E. DAVIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Wing Support Squadron of the YearMWSS-172MAG-36, 1ST MAWFor professional achievement in the superior performance of their duties while serving as the Aviation Ground Support (AGS) for MAG-36, 1st MAW, from 1 January to 31 December 2020. MWSS-172’s versatility provided AGS throughout the Indo Paciﬁc region as they set a standard of excellence supporting food service, motor transport, and engineering support to Okinawa-based units. Despite the Coronavirus Pandemic, MWSS-172 supported ﬁve major joint and bilateral exercises in four nations across the theater. The squadron also completed massive engineering projects at Ie Shima Training Facility, including resurfacing a 5,300-foot expeditionary runway and constructing a 360,000 square-foot vertical takeoff and landing zone, to enhance Marine and joint aviation training in Okinawa, Japan. In late 2020, the squadron also received four formal inspections, demonstrating its commitment to excellence, exemplary readiness, and program compliance. MWSS-172’s perseverance, professionalism, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.46 James E. Hatch Award L3 HarrisEstablished in honor of Colonel James E. Hatch, designer of the Marine Wing Support Group and its subordinate squadrons, for the most outstanding wing support squadron who enhances support to aviation by furnishing transportation, engineering, and communication essentials.JAMES E. HATCH AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Marine Air Command/Control Unit of the YearMACS-1MACG-38, 3D MAWFor superior performance while conducting training and combat operations from 1 January to 31 December 2020. MACS-1’s efforts led to three air trafﬁc control (ATC) deployments in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force–Crisis Response–Central Command, Naval Tactical Air Control Center integration and aviation Command and Control for the 11th and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units, and air defense augmentation of the Air Force’s control and reporting center for OPERATIONS RESOLUTE SUPPORT and INHERENT RESOLVE. MACS-1 supported United States Forces Korea operations with a radar surveillance crew to track theater ballistic missile launches. MACS-1 persevered through COVID-19 restrictions to support 38 unit, service, joint, and coalition exercises: accomplishing 8,077 training events and generating 265 certiﬁcations. MACS-1 organized a 31 membered ATC Detachment for Central Command’s immediate response force, where it enhanced ﬂight safety for 350 combat sorties. Through their devotion, the Marines and sailors of MACS-1 reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.48 Edward S. Fris Award RaytheonEstablished in honor of Major General Edward S. Fris, a pioneer in the development of Marine Corps aviation command and control, for the most outstanding air command and control squadron in Marine aviation.EDWARD S. FRIS AWARDSPONSORED BY

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50 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgMarine Aviation SafetyVMFT-401MAG-41, 4TH MAWFor meritorious achievement, noteworthy performance and outstanding contributions to Marine Corps aviation from 1 January to 31 December 2020. The “Snipers” of VMFT-401 set the standard for aviation excellence through safe, tactical execution while supporting every Type/Model/Series of aircraft in the Marine Corps inventory. The Snipers displayed exceptional ﬂight leadership and skill through squadron ﬂying 3,320 sorties in the F-5 Tiger II aircraft and amassing 3,293 mishap-free ﬂight hours. By ﬂying countless dynamic air combat maneuvering engagements while providing consistent, safe adversary support to 26 United States Marine Corps squadrons, 11 Air Force squadrons, and numerous ground units, they enhanced ﬂeet-wide effectiveness in both surface-to-air and air-to-air combat skill sets. The Snipers executed the adversary mission with the intense focus that makes Marine aviation legendary, and their efforts provided ﬂeet units with invaluable combat training. The achievements of VMFT-401 reﬂected exceptional leadership, professionalism, and devotion to duty upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.50 Pete Ross AwardGE AviationEstablished in honor of First Lieutenant Joseph “Pete” Ross, who perished while ﬂying during a drill at Naval Air Station Glenview, IL, for the Marine aviation unit compiling the best safety record over the past year.PETE ROSS AWARD SPONSORED BY

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52 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org1962 to 2020Past Aviation AwardeesALFRED A. CUNNINGHAM AWARD 2020 Capt Valerie K. Smith2019 Capt George W. Carpenter2018 Capt Daniel J. Bono2017 Capt Hugh E. Anderson2016 LtCol Steve E. Gillette2015 Capt Jason R. Caster2014 Capt Jason T. Stephenson2013 Maj Robert J. Weingart2012 Maj John E. Grunke2011 Capt Gregory J. Youngberg2010 Capt Henry J. Hortenstine2009 Maj Scott W. Wadle2008 Capt William G. Heiken2007 Maj C. W. Hasle2006 Maj Ricardo Martinez2005 Capt G. J. Pawson2004 Capt Matthew C. Shortal2003 Capt Scott D. Schoeman2002 Capt J.M. Holtermann2001 LtCol Steven W. Busby2000 LtCol Andrew W. O’Donnell Jr.1999 Maj Michael L. Lawrence1998 Captain Kevin J. Wolfe1997 Maj John Robert Parker1996 Capt Robert J. Charette Jr.1995 LtCol Wallace G. Duncan Jr.1994 LtCol Martin D. Peatross1993 Capt Mark A. Dungan1992 LtCol Daniel A. Driscoll Jr.1991 LtCol Michael M. Kurth1990 LtCol John G. Castellaw1989 LtCol Robert J. Garner1988 LtCol Larry D. Outlaw1987 LtCol Stephen D. Haley1986 Maj Ivan M. Behel1985 Capt Michael C. Albo1984 Col Laurence R. Medlin1983 LtCol William G. Barnes Jr.1982 Maj Bruce B. Knutson Jr.1981 LtCol Alfred J. Allega1980 Maj T. David Seder1979 Maj Mike D. Ryan1978 Col Walter R. Ledbetter1977 Col Harvey D. Bradshaw1976 Maj R. H. Brinkley1975 LtCol James L. Bolton1974 LtCol Michael P. Sullivan1973 Maj Howard L. DeCastro1972 Maj Lee T. Lasseter1971 Maj David G. Vest1970 Capt John J. Barrett1969 LtCol Paul W. Niesen1968 Maj David L. Althoff1967 Maj Vincent J. Guinee Jr.1966 LtCol Charles H. Ludden1965 Capt Raymond R. Powell1964 LtCol Thomas J. Ross1963 Col Michael R. Yunck1962 LtCol John H. Glenn Jr.ROBERT GUY ROBINSON AWARD2020 Capt Alexander Betzel2019 Capt Daniel L. Jewett2018 Capt Philip R. Schmitz2017 Capt Christopher A. Smith2016 Maj Jason P. Whittaker2015 Capt Anthony J. Cesaro2014 Capt Bradley N. Buick2013 Maj Matthew A. Brown2012 Capt David C. Dunsworth2011Maj Marc E. Blankenbicker2010 Capt John Cimina2009 Capt Brian A. Adams2008 Maj Anthony Baggs2007 Maj H.W. Qualkinbush2006 Capt J. L. Purdon2005 Capt M. D. Williams2004 Capt Charles B. Dockery2003 Maj Joseph E. Maybach2002 Maj J.A. Craft2001 Maj John H. Pylant2000 Maj Chris Pappas, III1999 Maj David A. DeMorat1998 Capt John P. Farnam1997 Capt Francisco M. Ball1996 Maj Justin B. Orabona1995 LtCol Jeffrey A. White1994 Maj Barry B. Bizzell1993 LtCol Terry G. Robling1992 Maj Henry J. Krauss1991 Maj Richard J. Findlay1990 Maj John A. Blum1989 Capt Mark F. McKeon1988 Maj Terry L. Breithaupt1987 Maj Michael I. Mott1986 LtCol Joseph C. Garbrous1985 LtCol Richard C. Kindsfater1984 LtCol James E. French1983 Maj Wayne A. Stanley1982 Maj David Vanesselstyn1981 Maj George P. Sweeney III1980 Capt Gary P. Newell1979 Maj Richard G. Hoopes1978 Maj Leonard R. Fuchs Jr.1977 LtCol Gerland C. Lindgren1976 Maj O. E. Hay1975 CWO3 Don E. Diederich1974 Maj William T. Bridgham Jr.1973 CWO-3 John C. Bardon1972 Capt William D. Carr Jr.1971 Capt John D. CummingsEARLE HATTAWAY AWARD2020 Maj Calischaran James2019 Capt Zachary V. Smith2018 Capt Kristina F. Warren2017 Capt Kevin F. Champaigne2016 Maj Michael J. Malone2015 Capt Devin D. Johnson2014 Capt Narciso Corral2013 CWO-2 Theodore B. Hensley2012 CWO-2 Charles T. Dine2011 CWO-2 Ricky J. Savage2010 CWO-2 Nathan Young2009 Capt Matthew J. Neely2008 Capt Jonathan Goins2007 Capt A. A. Angell2006 Capt L. R. Domitrovits2005 Capt R. A. Dill2004 CWO3 Steven P. Hulse2003 Maj Kris S. Karnetsky2002 Maj W. E. Hidle2001 Maj John F. Sisson2000 Maj Brent E. Meeker1999 Maj Roosevelt G. Lafontant1998 Maj Paul F. Callan1997 Maj Jerald D. Holm1996 CW0-2 Robert A. Murphy1995 Maj Byron F. Stebbins1994 Maj Lloyd L. Denn1993 Maj Paul F. Lease1992 Capt Kevin T. McCutcheon1991 Maj Bonnie J. Robison1990 Maj Steve S. Demers1989 LtCol John E. Torsak1988 Col Donald E. Davis1987 Maj Richard Christiansen1986 Capt Ernie L. Ellis1985 Capt Michael J. Cooper1984 Capt Stephen C. Lambeth1983 CWO-3 Leroy Sanderson1982 Capt Robert E. Fugate1981 Capt Donald Schwartz Jr.1980 1stLt Mark C. Hunt1979 Maj Donald B. Frost1978 Maj Frederick M. Stitcher1977 1stLt Herbert Donahue Jr.1976 Capt D. Ratcliffe1975 Capt Courtney B. Payne1974 Capt Vernon L. Clark1973 Capt Louis E. Sergeant Jr.1972 LtCol Earle HattawayROBERT F. GIBSON AWARD2020 Capt Matthew Duncan2019 Maj Chad E. Troyer2018 Capt Steven E. Nye2017 Capt Michael R. Jacobellis2016 Maj Jason A. Lambert2015 Capt Benjamin J. Kiley2014 Maj Jason A. Sharp2013 Maj Kenneth W. Phelps III2012 Capt Christopher J. Forsythe2011 Maj Koichi Takagi2010 Capt Michael J. Pruden2009 Capt Christopher M. Nelson2008 Capt Amanda Donnelly2007 1stLt Andrea L. Goeman2006 Capt D. A. Funkhouser2005 Capt K. M. Karcher2004 Maj Lorna M. Mahlock2003 Maj Christopher S. Richie2002 Maj K. A. Knarr2001 CWO James M. Graham II2000 Capt Matthew Culbertson1999 Major John C. Reimer1998 Major Jeffery S. Carusone1997 Capt Blaise R. Strandquist1996 Capt Michael C. Bogna1995 Capt Rodney D. Burnett1994 Maj William L. Clemente1993 Capt Robert S. Crosetto1992 Capt Paul D. McGraw1991 Capt Mark R. Cyr1990 Capt Mark R. Cyr1989 Capt Dale L. Kratzer1988 Capt Chad W. Hocking1987 Capt Francis W. Chesney1986 Capt Kelvin K. Womack1985 Capt Randolph L. Hill1984 Maj William L. Groves1983 Capt Richard J. Martin Jr.1982 Maj Jimmie T. Turner1981 Maj Timothy J. Balch1980 MSgt Bobbie D. Hodges1979 1stLt Timoth J. Kirk1978 Capt William W. Smith1977 Capt Paul F. Cibuzar1976 GySgt W. E. Grogan1975 Maj Mitchell Steinberg1974 Maj James W. Bierman1973 CW0-4 Robert D. Favreau1972 1stSgt Frederico VercelesSILVER HAWK AWARD2020 LtGen Robert F. Hedelund2019 LtGen Robert F. Hedelund2018 Gen Glenn M. Walters2017 Gen Glenn M. Walters2016 LtGen Robert E. Schmidle Jr.2015 LtGen Kenneth J. Glueck2014 Gen James F. Amos2013 Gen James F. Amos2012 Gen James F. Amos2011 Gen James F. Amos2010 Gen James F. Amos2009 Gen James F. Amos2008 Gen James F. Amos2007 LtGen Jack W. Bergman2006 LtGen Jack W. Bergman2005 Gen William L. Nyland2004 Gen William L. Nyland2003 Gen William L. Nyland2002 LtGen Michael P. DeLong2001 LtGen Frederick McCorkle2000 MajGen Thomas A. Braaten1999 Gen Terry Dake1998 LtGen Terry Dake1997 LtGen Jefferson Davis Howell Jr.1996 General Richard D. Hearney1995 LtGen Harold W. Blot1994 MajGen Richard L. Phillips1993 MajGen Richard L. Phillips andMajGen Clyde L. Vermilya1992 Gen John R. Dailey1991 LtGen Royal N. Moore and

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2021 Symposium 53 MajGen Michael P. Sullivan1990 MajGen Michael P. Sullivan1989 Gen Joseph J. Went and LtGen John I. Hudson1988 LtGen John I. Hudson1987 LtGen Frank E. Petersen Jr.1986 LtGen Frank E. Petersen Jr.1985 MajGen Frank E. Petersen Jr.1984 MajGen Leo J. LeBlanc Jr.1983 MajGen Leo J. LeBlanc Jr.1982 MajGen Leo J. LeBlanc Jr.1981 LtGen William J. White1980 LtGen Andrew W. O’Donnell1979 LtGen Thomas H. Miller1978 CWO-4 Henry Wildfang and MajGen Frank Lang1977 CWO-4 Henry Wildfang1976 CWO-4 Henry Wildfang1975 CWO-4 Henry Wildfang1974 MajGen Arthur H. Adams1973 MajGen Arthur H. Adams1972 MajGen Norman J. AndersonFRANK E. PETERSEN, JR AWARD2020 1stLt Jody Lamb2019 1stLt Emilee N. Johnson2018 1stLt Daniel J. Lengyel2017 1stLt Samantha A. Sirois2016 1stLt Curtis C. King2015 1stLt Kyle K. McLeodDANNY L. RADISH AWARD2020 Sgt Cameron D. Colucci2019 Sgt Derek A. Levi2018 SSgt Gilbert B. Hopper2017 Sgt Cameron A. Koerner2016 Sgt Ryan A. Hetu2015 Sgt Nathaniel T. Lubinus2014 GySgt James E. Garner2013 Cpl Benjamin L. Hebert2012 Sergeant James R. Reyes2011 SSgt Bart C. Davis2010 Sgt Frank Conrad2009 SSgt Bryan E. Campbell2008 Sgt Matthew R. Crooks2007 Sgt T. D. Martinez2006 Cpl N. A. Robinson2005 GySgt P. O. Burgess2004 SSgt Wade M. Davis2003 Sgt Bryan K. Cox2002 SSgt A. D. Ritacco2001 Sgt Joshua C. Eveslage2000 Sgt Robert J. Ostrander1999 Sgt Bruce W. Keller1998 Sgt Dennis L. Pennington1997 SSgt Sean M. Sterling1996 Sgt Scott A. Pﬁster1995 Sgt Kenneth W. JourdanFIXED-WING1994 MGySgt Ehore N. Dicandiatt1993 GySgt Jerry L. Lewis1992 MSgt Cary M. Depew1991 MSgt Bruce A. Taylor1990 Sgt Michael V. Davis1989 Sgt Scott S. Steele1988 MSgt James R. Noe1987 SSgt David Rodriguez1986 CWO-3 Edward J. Delehant1985 CWO-3 Terry D. Ruhter1984 CWO-3 Timmy A. Bahr1983 GySgt Cary M. Depew1982 CWO-2 James R. Kikta1981 SSgt Daniel A. Weier1980 GySgt Earl E. Lipford1979 MGySgt Edward T. Hunt Jr.1978 CWO-2 Terry D. Ruhter1977 Sgt David R. Gorton1976 GySgt S. D. Alvarez1975 MSgt Thomas J. Guthrie, Jr.1974 GySgt Donald Schwartz Jr.1973 GySgt Edward C. Rinehart1972 SSgt Richard F. SmithHELICOPTER1994 SSgt Joseph Womack1993 Cpl James H. Brown1992 Sgt Leonard R. Domitrovitis1991 Sgt Richard N. Gravel1990 Sgt Thomas E. Newman1989 Sgt David A. Brown1988 Sgt James E. Bowling, II1987 Sgt Micharel R. Bishop Jr.1986 Sgt Michael H. Schmitt1985 SSgt David H. Dielman1984 GySgt Kelly M. Neidigh1983 Cpl Gregory S. Floyd1982 Sgt Bobby G. Clement Jr.1981 Sgt Kenneth R. Boone1980 SSgt Dewey L. Johnson1979 Sgt Ralph Rainey1978 SSgt G.T. Chavarria1977 SSgt Tery R. Armstrong1976 Cpl G. E. Estepp1975 Sgt Joseph F. Kerce1974 Sgt Robert D. Brooking1973 SSgt James T. Connacher1972 Cpl Lester E. Cox Jr.WILLIE D. SPROULE AWARD2020 Sgt Gage Mohelsky2019 SSgt Nicholas J. Harrel2018 GySgt Robert M. Surozenski2017 Sgt Keanu B. Kinney2016 GySgt Ronald L. Strzalkowski2015 GySgt Mark A. Eastmead2014 Sgt Kevin M. Adcock2013 Cpl Sean A. Radcliff2012 SSgt Chad D, Brown2011 Sgt Justin H. Mauldin2010 GySgt Donald Wilson2009 Sgt Esteban Amezquitazamora2008 Cpl Brandyn C. Gutche2007 Sgt R. P. Roberthon2006 SSgt Eric Williams2005 SSgt B. M. Rioux2004 GySgt Jersey J. Bray2003 SSgt Troy A. Bissen2002 Sgt J. D. Clement2001 Cpl Michael L. Youngblood2000 SSgt Ruben Garibay, Jr.1999 GySgt Brian E. Trimble1998 SSgt Francis Masterson III1997 GySgt Oscar G. Adley1996 Sgt Robert A. Petersen1995 SSgt Paul D. Kogut1994 Cpl Willie J. Timms Jr.1993 Sgt Steven M. Dalrymple1992 Sgt Rodney W. Troup1991 Cpl Dale M. Harp1990 Cpl Thomas E. Covey1989 Sgt Edwin Jimenez1988 Sgt Steven R. Davis1987 Sgt Margie E. Traub1986 Cpl Joseph D. Gamble1985 SSgt Lou Ann Rickley1984 Sgt Jesus L. Zarate1983 Sgt David L. Washa1982 Sgt Bernard A. Leever1981 Sgt Valerio D. Capote1980 Sgt Neil V. McCarty1979 Cpl Jose R. Guzman1978 Sgt David B. Shrader1977 Sgt Stephen P. Givens1976 Cpl M. A. Bogaczyk1975 Sgt Stephen H. Foreman1974 Sgt Rickey A. Hess1973 Sgt Ronald L. Harvin1972 Sgt Gary GriswoldKENNETH W. SOUTHCOMB AWARD2020 GySgt Joagensky Dor2019 MSgt Edgard J. Norori2018 MSgt Jeffrey J. Swindell2017 MSgt Willie J. Milline2016 MSgt Olga J. McCray2015 Sgt Teresa Morman2014 MSgt Rodolfo Flores Jr.2013 Cpl Michael L. Denney2012 MSgt Erika E. Johnson2011 Sgt Catalina Delgado2010 MSgt Scott Kieweg2009 MSgt Frank C. Orduno2008 Sergeant Javier Lopeztapia2007 SSgt A. M. Hayes2006 GySgt T. L. Adkins2005 GySgt R. W. Rowe2004 MSgt Anthony J. Jackson2003 GySgt David Parulis2002 GySgt W. B. Downing2001 GySgt James M. Pasko2000 SSgt Alan J. Papke1999 GySgt Mark Obey1998 GySgt Kenneth W. Oisten1997 SSgt Michael L. Shideler1996 SSgt Michael S. MartinPAUL G. VESS AWARD2020 Sgt Sean Mahoney2019 Cpl Kyle M. LeClair,2018 GySgt Ryan J. Straub2017 SSgt Christopher E. Norman2016 SSgt Juan Ogomuro2015 GySgt Brian D. Hoover2014 Sgt Eric J. Smith2013 Cpl Mario A. Cabrera2012 Sgt Christopher A. Green2011 Sgt Ryan J. Straub2010 Sgt Steve Bougnadeth2009 SSgt Thomas M. McNelis2008 Sgt Michelle Carter2007 SSgt C. C. Wilson2006 GySgt G. C. Krenek2005 GySgt J. H. Kreitzer2004 Sgt Henry L. Sapp2003 GySgt Duwayne W. Darby2002 GySgt A. L. Garrant2001 GySgt Arlington A. Finch2000 Sgt Brandy R. Vaughn1999 SSgt James F. Lewellyn1998 SSgt Dale W. Benton1997 Sgt Robert Vanravenswaay1996 SSgt Adam R. Chitty1995 GySgt James T. Baker1994 SSgt Andrew McLaughlin1993 Cpl Kurt E. Peterson1992 GySgt Ronald G. Hayward1991 SSgt Charles W. Anderson1990 SSgt Walter B. Jarek1989 Cpl Lansden R. Good III1988 Cpl James H. Parish Jr.1987 GySgt Ronald H. Cowles1986 SSgt Karl E. Duggin1985 GySgt Donald L. Erickson1984 GySgt Edward G. Robinson1983 SSgt James C. Addington1982 Sgt Dennis K. Ellis1981 GySgt James O. Stephens1980 SSgt John A. Chemsak1979 GySgt Samuel E. Cooper1978 GySgt Barry B. Mertz1977 GySgt Raymond ClapsadleGAINES B. GILBERT AWARD2020 Sgt John Sagrillo2019 Sgt Christopher J. Borghese2018 Sgt Jordan A. Rubio2017 Sgt Shane M. Tietje2016 Sgt Tyler J. Bluder2015 SSgt Francisco A. Valdez2014 Sgt Jason T. Connolly2013 GSgt Juan G. Jimenez Jr.2012 Sgt Blake A. Cooper2011 Sgt Nicholas W. Passage2010 Sgt Cleavland Smith2009 GySgt Sean C. Kuietauskas2008 Sgt Brian D. Kolterman2007 Sgt J. D. Quigley2006 Sgt J. H. Barr2005 Sgt B. A. Roczicka2004 SSgt Carl E. Moser2003 Sgt Zachary F. Ritter2002 Sgt B.D. Auten2001 SSgt Gary L. Shopper2000 SSgt Michael T. Kuzniar1999 Sgt Sally D. Morris1998 Sgt Anthony J. Ramos1997 SSgt Mark A. Mitchell1996 Sgt Porﬁrio A. Velasquez-Torres1995 SSgt Gary L. Glisan1994 SSgt Lisa A. Borbe1993 SSgt John A. GraboskiKENNETH A. INNIS AWARD2020 GySgt Tricia Harrell2019 Cpl Colton R. Vaughan2018 GySgt Anthony R. Maggard2017 MSgt Lance A. Gruben2016 WO Michael L. Ott2015 MSgt Herbert A. Smith2014 SSgt Adele Grullon-Knupp2013 GSgt Justin E. Hackworth2012 GySgt Jeffrey P. Riley2011 Sgt Xavier W. Wethington2010 SSgt Gene A. Gibbs2009 MSgt Gary G. Gumienny2008 GySgt Rachel L. Eltz2007 SSgt K. J. Williams2006 Sgt N. A. Norville2005 GySgt J. A. Dobbins2004 GySgt Russell T. Sinclair2003 SSgt Charles C. Robinett2002 GySgt R. G. Eskam2001 Sgt Michael Soto2000 GySgt Vernon K. Abshire1999 Sgt Victor B. Watts1998 SSgt Kenneth C. Reynolds1997 GySgt Carol A. Franssen1996 Sgt Andrew C. Johnson1995 SSgt Dean L. Jones1994 MGySgt Donald L. Kopff1993 GySgt Samuel R. Schmidt1992 GySgt Timothy P. Bougher1991 SSgt Brent W. Pforthmiller1990 Cpl Derek R. Andersen1989 Sgt Timothy J. Didas1988 Sgt Brian E. Dundon

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54 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgJACK W. DEMMOND AWARD2020 Cpl Ashley Hernandez2019 SSgt Marcus Penate2018 GySgt Jonathon E. Thornton2017 Sgt Jordan M. Mercado2016 MSgt Christopher D. Collins2015 Sgt Robert B. Plumb2014 SSgt Victor Carmona Jr.2013 SSgt Jose A. Zazueta2012 Sgt Joy E. Spears2011 GySgt Tracy Wilson2010 MSgt Steven Lemke2009 SSgt Robert Leatherman2008 SSgt Blair R. Clark2007 SSgt B. A. DeBusk2006 SSgt S. L. Leonard2005 SSgt K. D. Voss2004 SSgt Hector M. De La Pena2003 SSgt Elibert S. Ginez2002 Sgt C. B. Peoples2001 SSgt Michael S. Hounshell2000 GySgt Lisa C. Beeksma1999 Sgt Ronald R. Phillips1998 Sgt Paul F. Smith1997 Sgt Ralph A. VanAssche1996 SSgt Timothy King1995 Sgt Mark L. UngerJAMES E. NICHOLSON AWARD2020 Sgt Joseph J. McDonnell2019 GySgt Rodger K. Bond2018 SSgt Jamie L. Murray2017 Sgt Brandon D. Young2016 SSgt Jimi A. Banda2015 Sgt Jason Alvarez2014 Sgt Zachary A. Kirk2013 Sgt Brett S. Johnson2012 Sgt Cory J. Sowell2011 Sgt Joshua D. Obermier2010 Sgt Ryan Fuss2009 Sgt Thomas M. Reed2008 GySgt Arthur W. Cochran2007 GySgt Brian J. O’Toole2006 Sgt E. J. Amezquitazamora2005 GySgt Anthony Garcia2004 GySgt Marvin M. Magcale2003 GySgt Vincent F. Young2002 GySgt R. J. Watson2001 SSgt Daniel W. Annunziata2000 SSgt Trisha A. Schmidt1999 MGySgt Jeffery A. Davis1998 SSgt Rosa A. Clarke1997 Sgt Sarah L. Hart1996 Sgt Daniel C. Gutierrez1995 GySgt Clayton T. Kribs1994 GySgt Timothy P. Hinger1993 SSgt Michael A. Hoffman1992 SSgt Robert G. Meserve1991 GySgt William R. Shearer1990 MGySgt John E. Merchant1989 MGySgt Robert D. Targett1988 GySgt George C. Johnson1987 MSgt Tommy Lane Jr.1986 MSgt William R. Grifﬁth1985 MSgt Daniel Smith III1984 MSgt James W. Varney1983 Sgt John A. Lopresti1982 MSgt Robert MacLaughlin1981 GySgt John K. Jones1980 MSgt Donald J. Turk1979 MSgt Hershal A. Buchann1978 MSgt Edward D. Boyd1977 Sgt David L. FordMICHAEL A. HOUGH AWARD 2020 Maj Nathaniel Thayer2019 GySgt Nathan J. Marple2018 Maj Robert F. Guyette2017 LtCol Brian J. Taylor2016 SSgt Scott A Colagrossi, II2015 LtCol Vasilios E. Pappas2014 Maj Josue M. Diaz2013 GSgt Johnny L. Kilgore2012 LtCol Jason R. Maddocks2011 LtCol Matthew G. Kelly2010 LtCol Eldon E. Metzger2009 LtCol Eric J. Ropella2008 GySgt Benjamin Gonzalez2007 LtCol J. E. RectorJAMES MAGUIRE AWARD2020 MGySgt Timothy Huber2019 GySgt Michael L. Felton2018 Capt Joshua P. Brooks2017 GySgt Clinton J. DuClos2016 Cpl Steven F. Emond2015 SSgt Joseph Napolitano2014 Cpl Gavin L. Christian2013 Cpl Clayton J. Rice2012 VMR Belle Chase2011 GySgt Garry D. Sandy2010 Cpl William H. Rogers Jr.2009 Capt John C. Reeves2008 Capt Luke T. Watson2007 LtCol R. L. Bomhold2006 LtCol J. E. Munroe2005 MWSG-372004 LtCol Kevin L. Gross2003 VMU-12002 Sgt D. R. Pash2001 Maj Douglas S. Kurth2000 Maj Richard Coleman Jr.1999 CWO Crane P. Dauksys1998 1stLt Brian J. Shortsleeve1997 MAWTS-11996 LtCol Paul Pisano1995 MAWTS-11994 1stLt Eric L. Rine1993 Maj Christabol H. Mendez1992 Capt George B. Brown1991 MGySgt Ronald A. Perez1990 MSgt Cecil D. Walden1989 GySgt Mallie F. Elkins Jr.1988 MSgt Michael S. Mullen1987 Capt Raymond C. Ferrara1986 Maj Joseph E. Noble1985 MSgt Timothy J. Brinton1984 Maj Howard B. Eddins III1983 Capt Mark C. Hunt1982 Cdr Manley Carter, USNR1981 Col James D. JahnROBERT M. HANSON AWARD2020 VMFA-2322019 VMFA-115, MAG-312018 VMFA(AW)-2422017 VMFA(AW)-5332016 VMFA-1212015 VMFA-3142014 VMFA-3122013 VMFA-2512012 VMFA(AW)-5332011 VMFA-2322010 VMFA-1122009 VMFA-1222008 VMFA-2322007 VMFA(AW)-2422006 VMFA(AW)-3322005 VMFA(AW)-2422004 VMFA-3122003 VMFA-3232002 VMFA-2512001 VMFA(AW)-1212000 VMFA(AW)-3321999 VMFA-3121998 VMFA-1221997 VMFA-3121996 VMFA-2321995 VMFA(AW)-3321994 VMFA-3121993 VMFA-3121992 VMFA(AW)-2421991 VMFA-2351990 VMFA-1151989 VMFA-4511988 VMFA-1151987 VMFA-1151986 VMFA-3231985 VMFA-2121984 VMFA-1121983 VMAT-1011982 VMFA-1151981 VMFA-2351980 VMFA-3231979 VMFA-3331978 VMFA-5311977 VMFA-1121976 VMFA-3231975 VMFA-3231974 VMFA-2321973 VMFA-3331972 VMFA-1151971 VMFA-1151970 VMFA-2121969 VMFA-2511968 VMFA-314LAWSON H. M. SANDERSON AWARD2020 VMA-2232019 VMA-2232018 VMA-2312017 VMA-2232016 VMA-223 2015 VMA-2112014 VMA-3112013 VMA-2112012 VMA-2232011 VMA-2312010 VMA-2142009 VMA-3112008 VMA-2312007 VMA-2112006 VMA-2112005 VMA-5422004 VMA-5132003 VMA-5422002 VMA-2232001 VMA-3112000 VMA-2231999 VMA-2231998 VMA-2111997 VMA-2141996 VMA-2111995 VMA-2111994 VMFA (AW)-5331993 VMFA (AW)-2421992 VMA-2311991 VMA-3111990 VMA-3311989 VMA(AW)-2241988 VMA-3111987 VMA-2141986 VMA (AW)-2421985 VMA(AW)-3321984 VMA-2111983 No Award Given1982 VMA-2141981 VMA(AW)-5331980 VMA(AW)-5331979 VMA(AW)-121HENRY WILDFANG AWARD2020 VMGR-3522019 VMGR-1522018 VMGR-3522017 VMGR-3522016 VMGR-3522015 VMGR-2522014 VMGR-3522013 VMGR-2342012 VMGR-2522011 VMGR-3522010 VMGR-3522009 VMGR-1522008 VMGR-3522007 VMGR-2522006 VMGR-1522005 VMGR-2522004 VMGR-3522003 VMGR-2342002 VMGR-2342001 VMGR-1522000 VMGR-3521999 VMGR-2521998 VMGR-2341997 VMGR-2521996 VMGR-1521995 VMGR-2521994 VMGR-1521993 VMGR-352ROYAL N. MOORE AWARD2019 VMAQ-22018 VMAQ-32017 VMAQ-42016 VMAQ-22015 VMAQ-32014 VMAQ-32013 VMAQ-12012 VMAQ-42011 VMAQ-22010 VMAQ-12009 VMAQ-42008 VMAQ-12007 VMAQ-32006 VMAQ-12005 VMAQ-22004 VMAQ-12003 VMAQ-12002 VMAQ-12001 VMAQ-32000 VMAQ-21999 VMAQ-41998 VMAQ-11997 VMAQ-21996 VMAQ-11995 VMAQ-4KEITH B. MCCUTCHEON AWARD2020 HMH-4642019 HMH-3662018 HMH-4632017 HMH-7722016 HMH-464 2015 HMH-3662014 HMH-4612013 HMH-3612012 HMH-461

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2021 Symposium 55 2011 HMH-4662010 HMH-4632009 HMH-4642008 HMH-3622007 HMH-4652006 HMH-4662005 HMH-7692004 HMH-4652003 HMH-4622002 HMH-4652001 HMH-4612000 HMH-4641999 HMH-4661998 HMH-4621997 HMH-3611996 HMH-4621995 HMH-3611994 HMM-2681993 HMM-1641992 HMM-2651991 HMLA-3691990 HMM-1631989 HMM-2611988 HMLA-1691987 HMM-2611986 HMLA-2691985 HMM-1631984 HMM-261EDWARD C. DYER AWARD2015 HMM-3642014 HMM-3642013 HMM-2682012 HMM-2622011 HMM-1652010 HMM-2682009 HMM-1612008 HMM-2612007 HMM-2622006 HMM-2662005 HMM-2682004 HMM-1612003 HMM-1612002 HMM-1632001 HMM-1612000 HMM-2651999 HMM-2661998 HMM-2641997 HMM-3651996 HMM-2631995 HMM-365JOHN I. HUDSON AWARD 2020 VMU-22019 VMU-12018 VMU-32017 VMU-22016 VMU-2FRED MCCORKLE AWARD2020 VMM-3642019 VMM-363, MAG-242018 VMM-1612017 VMM-264 (Rein)2016 VMM-365 2015 VMM-3632014 VMM-2652013 VMM-3652012 VMM-2662011 VMM-3652010 VMM-2612009 VMM-2662008 VMM-263JOHN P. GIGUERE AWARD2020 HMLA-1692019 HMLA-3672018 HMLA-1692017 HMLA-2672016 HMLA-269 2015 HMLA-3692014 HMLA-1692013 HMLA-2692012 HMLA-2672011 HMLA-3672010 HMLA-2692009 HMLA-3672008 HMLA-7732007 HMLA-1692006 HMLA-1672005 HMLA-7732004 HMLA-3692003 HMLA-2672002 HMLA-1692001 HMLA-2692000 HMLA-1671999 HMLA-2691998 HMLA-3691997 HMLA-1691996 HMLA-3691995 HMLA-269DONALD E. DAVIS AWARD2020 MALS-362019 MALS-262018 MALS-122017 MALS-392016 MALS-13 2015 MALS-122014 MALS-362013 MALS-122012 MALS-362011 MALS-162010 MALS-262009 MALS-112008 MALS-292007 MALS-11/162006 MALS-26 (REIN)2005 MALS-162004 MALS-112003 MALS-392002 MALS-312001 MALS-142000 MALS-131999 MALS-121998 MALS-361997 MALS-311996 MALS-361995 MALS-141994 MALS-361993 MALS-121992 MALS-361991 MALS-14JAMES E. HATCH AWARD2020 MWSS-3712019 MWSS-2722018 MWSS-3722017 MWSS-1722016 MWSS-272 2015 MWSS-2742014 MWSS-3722013 MWSS-2732012 MWSS-3732011 MWSS-3742010 MWSS-3712009 MWSS-2732008 MWSS-1712007 MWSS-2732006 MWSS-3722005 MWSS-2732004 MWSS-3742003 MWSS-3732002 MWSS-1722001 MWSS-3712000 MWSS-2731999 MWSS-3711998 MWSS-2711997 MWSS-1721996 MWSS-2741995 MWSS-1721994 MWSS-1741993 MWSS-3731992 MWSS-2711991 MWSS-174EDWARD S. FRIS AWARD2020 MASS-22019 MACS-22018 MACS-12017 MACS-42016 3D LAAD2015 MACG-38 (FWD)2014 MACG-28 (FWD)2013 VMU-22012 MACS-42011 MACS-22010 MTACS-282009 MTACS-382008 MACS-22007 1st Stinger Battery2006 VMU-12005 VMU-22004 MTACS-382003 MACS-22002 MACS-42001 MACS-242000 2d LAAD1999 MTACS-281998 MASS-11997 MACS-61996 MTACS-281995 MWCS-181994 MACS-41993 MATCS-38,1992 MASS-11991 2d LAAD1990 MASS-21989 MASS-21988 3d LAAD1987 MAGG-181986 MACS-21985 2d LAAMCMC AVIATION AWARD2020 VMM-1652019 VMFA-1212018 VMGR-1522017 VMX-12016 VMFA-2512015 VMM-2612014 VMGR-2522013 VMGR-1522012 VMU-32011 VMGR-1522010 VMU-22009 HMM-2652008 VMU-12007 HMH-3632006 HMM-1612005 MACS-12004 HMH-4642003 VMFA(AW)-1212002 HMT-3032001 VMGR-2342000 HMM-3651999 HMM-2651998 MWSG-371997 VMFA-2321996 VMFA-2511995 VMGR-2521994 SOES Cherry Point1993 VMGR-1521992 VMGR-1521991 HMM-2661990 VMFAT-1011989 VMFA-2511988 VMGR-3521987 HMH-4641986 VMAT-2031985 HML-2671984 H&MS-121983 VMFP-31982 HMA-3691981 VMGR-3521980 VMFA-5311979 VMGR-2521978 VMFA-2511977 VMA-2231976 VMAQ-21975 VMA(AW)-2241974 VMFA-1151973 HMH-4631972 VMA(AW)-2241971 HMM-2621970 VMFA-3141969 VMO-6PETE ROSS AWARD2020 VMGR-1522019 HMLA-3692018 VMFA-3122017 VMM-262 (Rein)2016 VMFT-4012015 VMGR-3522014 HMLA-1692013 HMH-4632012 HMM-2622011 VMGR-4522010 HMLA-3692009 HMM-1612008 HMLA-3692007 HMLA-7752006 HMLA-3692005 VMA-2232004 HMLA-3692003 HMM-2612002 VMFA-2322001 HMH-7692000 VMFA-1121999 HMLA-7751998 HMH-7691997 HMLA-7731996 HMM-7641995 HMM-7641994 VMFA-1341993 VMFT-4011992 VMFA-1341991 VMFA-1341990 VMAQ-41989 VMAQ-41988 VMA-1421987 VMA-3221986 VMA-1421985 VMFA-1221984 VMFA-1121983 VMA-1241982 VMFA-3211981 VMA-1241980 VMFA-112

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56 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWING UPDATE1ST MAW OKINAWAOverview/Introductione 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) plays a critical role in the United States Indo-Pacic Command’s (USINDOPACOM) mission to reassure allies, deter our enemies, and protect our Nation’s interests in a high-visibility region that is vital to the global economy, including the world’s busiest international sea lanes and home to nine of the ten largest ports in the world. e 36 nations comprising the Asia-Pacic region are home to more than 50% of the world’s population, 3,000 dierent languages, several of the world’s largest militaries, and ve nations allied with the United States through mutual defense treaties. e Asia-Pacic is also a heavily militarized region, with seven of ten of the world’s largest standing militaries, and ve of the world’s declared nuclear nations. Given these conditions, the strategic complexity facing the region is unlike any other.e 1st MAW is comprised of approximately 7,000 Marines and Sailors, and is organized into three Marine Air Groups (MAG-12, -24, -36) and one Marine Air Control Group (MACG-18) that are geographically dispersed between Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma in Okinawa, MCAS Iwakuni on mainland Japan, and MCAS Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii. e capabilities of 1st MAW consists of xed-wing ghter attack support; aerial refueling and assault support; medium tiltrotor assault support; heavy helicopter assault support; light-attack helicopter support; unmanned aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; as well as positive and procedural capabilities to command and control aircraft and missiles. e mission of 1st MAW is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include: oensive air support, anti-air warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles.roughout 2020, personnel of 1st MAW remained at the forefront 1st Marine Aircraft WingAn AH-1Z Viper helicopter with HMLA-469, ﬁres an Air Intercept Missile (AIM-9 Sidewinder missile) during a live-ﬁre training event near Okinawa, Japan, on 29 Sept 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSMarines with III MEF, EOTG, and HMLA-469, conduct special patrol insertion/extraction and helicopter rappel training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, on 23 Oct 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSA pararescueman with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force descends into the sea to recover aircrew with VMFA(AW)-242 during a combined search and rescue exercise off the coast of Japan, on 29 Jun 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 57 1ST MAW OKINAWAof III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) operations in support of the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacic Command’s (COMUSINDOPACOM) campaign plan, eater Security Cooperation (TSC) agreements, and strategic programs. Marines and Sailors conducted robust aviation operations in a demanding and vitally important area of responsibility (AOR). e weight of an ever present “Fight Now” readiness requirement coupled with 1st MAW’s aggressive Training and Exercise Employment Plan (TEEP) and joint and partnered military training requirements created a challenging operational tempo for 1st MAW assigned units. is intense operational tempo along with the unprecedented challenges brought on by the Novel Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) Pandemic, made 2020 a year unlike any other for 1st MAW operations. ough 1st MAW was meticulous in implementing disease safety protocols and curtailing training plans as required to mitigate the spread of the virus, Marines and Sailors continued to demonstrate operational excellence and unparalleled crisis response readiness as observed by the accumulated total of 27,207 ight hours own and 8,635,724 pounds of cargo transported in support of combined, joint, and bilateral exercises; unit level training events; and missions tasked across the Asia-Pacic Region. Additionally, the Wing continued to battle the reality of conducting military operations in host-nation and politically charged environments despite the limitations set by COVID-19, thus demonstrating 1st MAW’s ability to improvise, adapt, overcome, and remain the Pacic’s Force in Readiness.Operational CommandsAs the aviation combat element (ACE) for III MEF, 1st MAW is forward-deployed, forward-engaged, and postured to respond to crises in close proximity to several unstable threats within the AOR. Marines and sailors are trained alongside inter-service and bilateral partners on crisis response and other critical missions in preparation for major contingencies. e Wing’s major subordinate elements (MSE) excelled at full spectrum operations, many of which supported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), the Unit Deployment Program (UDP), and numerous joint, combined, and bilateral exercises.Marine Aircraft Group 12In 2020, MAG-12 conducted the six functions of Marine aviation, supported by aviation ground support and aviation logistics support, as a tactical command element of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. From expeditionary and advanced bases, MAG-12 was part of the direct-forward presence, in crisis response and support for national objectives in the INDOPACOM AOR.roughout the year, MAG-12 squadrons ew more than 3,795 sorties and accumulated over 8,979 ight hours. Amid theater operations, MAG-12 units continually trained alongside their inter-service and bilateral counterparts from Japan, ailand, Australia, and South Korea. ough hindered by the eects of COVID-19, MAG-12 squadrons continued to build international and military relationships while rening operational tactics, techniques, and procedures across the globe through participation in exercises Cobra Gold, Cope North, and multiple deployments for training (DFTs). Overall, in 2020, MAG-12 squadrons’ operations demonstrated a depth and commitment to maintaining stability and partnerships across Pacic nations, while posturing the “Fight Now” force for any clime or place.One major accomplishment for MAG-12 was VMFA-121 reaching Full Operational Capability (FOC) in October 2020. As being the only permanent F-35 squadron stationed in the Western Pacic, the road to FOC was a multi-year process that molded the F-35B to adapt and overcome signicant challenges. After multiple F-35 MEU patrols and trans-Pacic ights throughout the INDOPACOM AOR, VMFA-121 has laid down the path for future F-35 squadrons to deploy and reside in the North East Asia Region.TOPMarines with MACS-4 stand in formation as the color guard during a unit re-designation and activation ceremony at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, on 18 Dec 2020. The re-designation is a change of the subordinate units from detachments to companies, and a name change of the TAOC Detachment to Air Defense Company as part of the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 guidance. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS BOTTOMMACS-4, 1st MAW, and Target Acquisition Platoon (TAP), 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Mar Div set-up an AN/TPS-80 Ground and Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, on 11 Aug 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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58 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgMarine Aircraft Group 24MAG-24 began 2020 ready to take on the challenges of the year. Like other units across the world, MAG-24 saw a reduction in exercise and operational tempo as safety and health requirements increased due to COVID-19. In spite of the Coronavirus environment, MAG- 24 successfully adapted, improvised, and overcame to accomplish remarkable achievements. ese achievements included supporting more than seven joint, bi-lateral, and combined exercises throughout the Hawaii area of operations. In addition to directly supporting exercises, MAG-24 provided detachments for deployments to include the 31st MEU, Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D), and multiple unit-level training events in support of the 3rd Marine Regiment.Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463) started the year with the highest readiness in the CH-53E eet and maintained record breaking readiness throughout the year. To demonstrate this remarkable achievement, Pegasus launched a ight of seven CH-53Es along with seven MV-22Bs and two UH-1Ys from across MAG-24. “Pegasus” also conducted an aerial insert with Marines from 3rd Marine Regiment during a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demonstration observed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense.Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3) accomplished many rsts for the Marine Corps Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) community. e squadron ew the rst RQ-21Blackjack in Australia. ey completed the rst integration of RQ-21s with U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers, B-2 Spirits, and Australian Attack Reconnaissance Helicopters by providing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).Despite being o-ramped from the MRF-D deployment due to COVID, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268) was able to achieve several milestones during 2020. “e Red Dragons” completed a simulated artillery raid with the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division, supported combined training with Navy Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3), and supported multiple exercises with 3rd Marine Division and 4th Recon.VMM-363 was also instrumental in innovating and executing throughout the year. “e Red Lions” conducted the rst MV-22 vertical replenishment directly to a submarine, integrated Marine Air-Ground Tablets (MAGTABs) at a greater level, and completed their rst inter-island cross country in the Hawaiian Islands in support of Exercise Spartan Fury.Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA-367) overcame the COVID inter-island challenges and successfully executed several iterations of training to the big island of Hawaii. Scarface also supported training exercises with 3rd Marine Division, 4th Recon, and NWSG-3.Finally, Marine Wing Support Detachment 24 (MWSD-24), much like the other MAG-24 units, faced and overcame very signicant operational challenges during the year. Due to the constant change and cancellation of events, MWSD-24 was required to remain exible and respond rapidly to support the squadrons in the MAG as well as external agencies. e detachment exemplied the ability to adapt and completed all of the demanding requirements while upholding strict COVID policies.Marine Aircraft Group 36Overcoming adversity in the shadow of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, MAG-36 maintained its operational readiness by leaning into the pandemic mitigation eort while still conducting numerous joint, bilateral, and host nation engagements within the 1st MAW AOR. Suering an outbreak at the beginning of the pandemic, MAG-36 became the forefront of the battle against COVID-19 on Okinawa. MAG-36 developed robust techniques and procedures to test for, mitigate, and contain the virus, enabling its subordinate units to expeditiously return to full operational readiness. ese aforementioned procedures set an example that all III MEF units would eventually follow.During 2020, MAG-36 provided essential aviation and logistical support, facilitating the execution of exercises such as Northern Viper, Noble An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA-121 at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, on 17 Dec 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-265 ﬂy in a formation over the ﬂight line during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army at Camp Soumagahara, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, on 9 Dec 2020. Photo COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 59 1ST MAW OKINAWAFury, Forest Light, Korean Marine Exchange Program (KMEP), and MRF-D Deployment, Keen Sword, and supported the HMH and HMLA UDPs as well as the 31st MEU. ese exercises involved aviation operations in a variety of locations to include mainland Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, ailand, and Australia. MAG-36 continually worked to strengthen its relations with the Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) to include hosting the 15th Helicopter Squadron and the Transport Aviation Group, the rst Japanese V-22 unit.Additionally, MAG-36 remained the primary aviation force provider to the 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ Western expeditionary force. In closing out 2020, MAG-36 squadrons accumulated 12,225 ight hours, transported more than 3.2 million pounds of cargo, and conducted more than 387,350 ordnance expenditures across four dierent Type/Model/Series aircraft.Marine Aircraft Control Group 18MACG-18 provided world-class command, control, and communications as a fully capable Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) for all sized MAGTFs. MACG-18 was limited in exercise support due to the pandemic, but continued to engage in supporting eater Security Cooperation Missions and phase 0 operations as a part of theater contingency plans and real-world tasking. roughout 2020, MACG-18 elded brand-new equipment sets and innovated new tactics, techniques, and procedures for theater-specic missions. MACG-18 Marines’ support spanned across the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, directly impacting the MAGTF’s ability to eectively operate anywhere within the United States’ largest combatant command.Deployments included MACCS detachments in support of the 31st MEU, expeditionary communications support to a multitude of exercises and short-notice mission sets, air defense support missions to 7th Air Force on the Korean Peninsula as well as providing dedicated liaison personnel to the 607th Air Operations Center, 607th Air Support Operations Group, 621st Air Control Squadron, 623rd ACS, 610th Air Control Flight, 609th Air Control Squadron, 51st Operations Support Squadron, 8th Operations Support Squadron, and Tactical Air Control Squadron 12. Additionally, MACG-18’s meteorological and air trac control services were used extensively in support of exercises throughout the INDOPACOM region, while the Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) UDP section supported the 31st MEU’s demanding training schedule as well as those of our joint and coalition partner forces.e MACCS is in an age of transformation and MACG-18 has received delivery of all upgraded MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-265 and a CH-47JA Chinook helicopter assigned to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force ﬂy in a formation over the ﬂight line during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army at Camp Soumagahara, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, 9 Dec 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS Marines with MWSS-172 refuel a CH-53E Super Stallion in support of assault support aircraft from 1st MAW during Operation Lightning Strike, on 6 Aug 2020, at Ie Shima Training Facility, Okinawa, Japan. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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60 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgsystems; notably, the Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) Phase II which improves how Marine commanders track, correlate, and decide how to engage or not engage in a complex air battle. Additionally, Marine Air Control Squadron 4 (MACS-4) received their rst of two Ground/Air Task Oriented RADAR systems (G/ATOR) in FY20, enabling the control group to begin utilizing this new capability in upcoming exercises and deployments. ese upgraded systems will enable MACG-18 to deliver increased interoperability across the MAGTF’s major combat elements by integrating new and emerging systems while facilitating the divesture of the AN/TPS-59 at the end of FY20. In August 2020, MACG-18 demonstrated such interoperability when MACS-4 and the 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division set-up and monitored performance of the newly acquired G/ATOR.Looking to the future, the MACCS community has been focused on examining methods of executing aviation Command and Control (C2) in degraded environments, developing long-range precision res capabilities, and continuing to eld air and missile defense capabilities from Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). MACG-18 also experimented with the 12th Marine Regiment to develop expeditionary C2 by combining aviation and ground C2 capabilities as they operate from a CAC2S node. is provides Marine Corps operators with the unprecedented ability to share mission- critical voice, video, sensor, and other command and control data in real-time during any mission, enabling warghter success in any environment.The Extraordinary Challenge for 2020roughout 2020, 1st MAW Headquarters and its many subordinate units faced an unprecedented level of adversity due to the Pandemic. Between the spread on Okinawa, mainland Japan, Hawaii, and partner nations, quick and prudent action was needed to protect the force and sustain readiness. Despite these challenges, 1st MAW’s resilience proved stronger, as it continued to x and y airplanes, among ever increasing and changing restrictions.As the impacts from the virus began to grow, 1st MAW established the Wing COVID-19 Response Cell. is cell provided a focal point within the MAW to interface with policy and procedure development and compliance with the Marine Expeditionary Force and joint community. With statistical data regarding community spread cases, 1st MAW personnel adapted policies to avoid the unnecessary risk of exposure. Where risk could not be mitigated, travelers were administered a COVID-19 test upon completion of travel. As the situation evolved, exceptions to the policy targeting mitigation measures while balancing risk to force and mission accomplishment were enacted. ese exceptions ensured Groups and Squadrons maintained the exibility necessary to conduct their missions and maintain critical capabilities.Representatives from the Wing COVID-19 Response Cell were involved in every level of exercise planning. is engagement ensured comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation plans that encompassed testing, sanitation, and other proactive protective measures, which enabled each exercise to proceed while mitigating exposure to the virus. ese mitigation plans resulted in zero positive COVID-19 cases during the conduct of training exercises and operations.Strict adherence to local government regulations regarding the handling of inbound personnel has played a signicant role in curbing the spread of virus. As part of routine screening procedures, inbound personnel were tested for COVID-19 before exiting their restriction of movement. ese diligent measures resulted in the discovery and On 16 Oct 2020, with this change of command and deactivation (as a hornet squadron) ceremony, VMFA-242 transitioned to the F-35B Lightning II. The Joint Strike Fighter brings advanced avionics capabilities to joint, allied, and partner forces in support of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and a free and open Indo-Paciﬁc. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 61 1ST MAW OKINAWAdisposition of infected personnel before interaction with the local populace or uninfected units could occur.With the receipt of the COVID-19 vaccination, 1st MAW began vaccination planning eorts. Within the 1st MAW AOR, Okinawa was the rst location to receive vaccinations. Prioritized by capability, personnel were educated on the development of the vaccine, the medical highlights, as well as the benets and ways ahead. First MAW successfully paved the way for vaccination delivery to begin in early 2021.e combination of all adopted force protection measures has resulted in 1st MAW eectively controlling the pandemic’s spread while maintaining its operational readiness. While eorts to combat the virus are ongoing, 1st MAW, as a ready force, remains committed to our host nation community, the Pacic region, and the world.1st MAW’s Focus for 2021It is without question that the year 2020 provided signicant and unparalleled challenges to 1st MAW operationally; however, the unit was able to pare signicant detrimental impacts by remaining vigilant while excelling at all requirements. In 2021, 1st MAW remains the Marine Corps’ tip of the spear in the Pacic, maintaining a forward posture and prepared to engage across the full spectrum of contingencies and crises. e 1st MAW’s focus remains maintaining the ability to “Fight Now” and keep the balance in the Pacic, while also continuing to battle the COVID-19 Pandemic and any operational implications it poses. In 2020, 1st MAW achieved several major milestones towards rebalancing the Pacic, including: successful MRF-D deployments to Australia, the continued inclusion of F-35’s into 1st MAW’s arsenal, experimentation with the expeditionary advanced base operations concept, successful integration with our naval partners, and paving the way for innovations and improvements to warghting techniques, practices, and technology implementations.e Pacic eater is unique and provides a challenging setting for Marine Corps’ and United States’ force projection capabilities. e diverse operating environment oers opportunities to rigorously test warghting concepts such as distributed C2, digital interoperability, and dynamic operational pictures provided by utilization of new and improved technologies. Furthermore, vast distances associated with operations in the Pacic theater demand a robust and resilient ability to conduct logistical support and C2 operations. As the United States closed the year that marked the 75th anniversary of historic Marine Corps battles in the Pacic during World War II, 1st MAW is honored to carry on the proud legacy of providing integrated aviation support to our ground brethren across the Asia-Pacic eater in any clime and place.A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer with the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 28th Bomb Wing, and a Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with VMFA-242 sit on the ﬂight line at MCAS Station Iwakuni, Japan, on 16 Dec 2020. The 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron is part of the Bomber Task Force that supports Paciﬁc Air Force’s strategic deterrence mission and its commitment to the security and stability to the Indo-Paciﬁc region. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with VMGR-152 deploys paratroopers with U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment during a joint training event with U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marines near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, on 11 Dec 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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62 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWING UPDATE2ND MAW CHERRY POINT2nd Marine Aircraft Winge year of 2020 proved to be a testament to the resiliency and dedication of the Marines and sailors of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW). e character of 2nd MAW personnel was made evident by the countless tasks that were completed to improve readiness and meet support requirements as members of II Marine Expeditionary Force’s (II MEF) Air Combat Element (ACE). During the year, 2nd MAW supported numerous Continental United States and world-wide contingencies and training exercises while providing the six functions of Marine aviation across the range of military operations and tackling a set of challenges that the force had not anticipated due to worldwide spread of the COVID-19 virus. Marine Aircraft Group 14Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) Headquarters remained combat ready and accomplished its primary mission: to conduct oensive air support, anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, assault support, and air reconnaissance operations in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) as well as joint and coalition forces while also conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron training in order to provide combat capable aircrews to operational squadrons. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252), “Otis,” continued to support Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force–Crisis Response–Africa (SPMAGTF–CR–AF) in both the European and African eaters with KC-130J Hercules aircraft. Team Otis maintained a forward presence for most of the year in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) by completing its fth consecutive year of this operational commitment. e squadron supported II MEF and 2nd MAW, all while conducting ights in support of the KC-130J Hercules Fleet Replacement Detachment and countless other training events and exercises, which included Emerald Warrior 20.1, MV-22B Ospreys with VMM-266, -162, -261, and -263 land during Exercise Deep Water 2020 at MCAS New River, NC, on 29 Jul 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS On 3 Nov 2020, Marines with HMH-461 prepare to transport a Humvee using a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSLCpl Carson Batterton, a ﬁxed-wing aircraft mechanic, salutes the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier II as he departs the staging area at MCAS Yuma, AZ, on 18 Feb 2021. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 63 2ND MAW CHERRY POINTExercise Fireball Eagle, and Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit (HAWK) Plus combined operator course. Later that year, team Otis sent a two plane Detachment for Training (DFT) to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, as part of DFT Distant Frontier. In total, VMGR-252 transported over 7,300 passengers, delivered almost 3 million pounds of cargo, and transferred 3 million pounds of fuel in the conduct of over 4,300 mishap-free ight hours. e “Tigers” of Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) successfully supported the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from January through July as the only AV-8B Harrier detachment to deploy in 2020. roughout the Middle East and Europe, the Tigers Detachment Alpha ew in combat operations in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR) and multi-national exercises, which projected the Nation’s power throughout the region, despite a worldwide pandemic. Meanwhile, VMA-223 supported Weapon and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 2-20, DFT under Canyon, and DFT Desert Rattler. Marine Unmanned Vehicle Squadron 2 (VMU-2) conducted 292 RQ-21A Blackjack sorties totaling 1,083 ight hours. VMU-2 also supported the 26th MEU with a detachment that returned in July. is included setting a notable precedent as the rst squadron to y the RQ-21A in the Strait of Hormuz, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for the MEU during transit and conducting route reconnaissance and surveillance surface contacts for the ship. After, VMU-2 supported enduring operations in support of Task Force Southwest within the Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR) while a detachment of VMU-2 Marines supported the Deep Field Exercise from Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, NC, allowing the squadron the opportunity to train in a joint environment while de-conicting with other aircraft and supporting other units on the ground. Finally, VMU-2 closed the year supporting WTI 1-21, providing aerial reconnaissance and surveillance for ground forces. Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (MALS-14) provided exceptional support to six xed-wing squadrons and various commands stationed on and around Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Cherry Point. MALS-14 provided support to SPMAGTF-CR-CC (Central Command), 26th and 24th MEUs, KC-130 Hercules support to SPMAGTF-CR-AF, and aviation logistics support for DFTs throughout the year. Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 (MWSS-271) Marines and sailors deployed in support of SPMAGTF-CR-AF and Operation SPARTAN SHIELD returned home, while support continued for the 22nd MEU CJTF-HOA. e squadron provided integral support to both MWSS-272 and -274’s cantonment construction sites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 10 June, the squadron conducted a Turnover of Authority (TOA) to MAG-14, in preparation for Marine Wing Support Group 27’s (MWSG-27) disbanding. A CH-53 transports a Humvee during a training exercise in Colorado Springs, CO, on 14 Jan 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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64 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orge “Blue Knights” of VMM-365 began the year embarked with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) deployed with the 26th MEU; the composite squadron maintained 30 aircraft on 2 amphibious ships through multiple combatant commands and ashore detachments. In total, they completed more than 200,000 hours of maintenance and achieved deployed MV-22 Osprey readiness of about 84%, the highest readiness across all Marine Corps eet squadrons, as recognized by the V-22 Joint Program Oce. In addition, the Blue Knights ew in excess of 4,500 hours, transporting over 5,900 passengers and 1.3 million pounds of cargo, in support of OIR, strategic deterrence, and maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet AOR. In 2020, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 (VMMT-204) produced 283 qualied MV-22 Osprey pilots and crew chiefs to operational forces within the Department of Defense and abroad. is represents the highest production level ever at any Fleet Replacement Squadron, despite also completing advanced maturation training requirements for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force crews during the stand-up of the V-22 Osprey community in Japan, an eort begun in 2019. As the MV-22 Osprey Type/Model/Series (T/M/S) lead, MALS-26 was able to adapt through the challenges created by the pandemic, overcome logistical support barriers, and mitigate ight line Marine Aircraft Group 26MAG-26 continued to provide assault support capabilities to operating forces at home and around the world in 2020. MAG-26 Marines and aircraft supported combat operations, cooperated with host nation forces as the ACE of forward-deployed MAGTFs, and provided force projection from U.S. Naval ships. e Group participated in multi-national exercises and conducted training across the United States.Around the globe, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263) executed missions consisting of in-depth training with U.S. Navy Seals, joint level training with U.S. Army paratroopers, and utilizing COVID-19 relief eorts. Specically, the “under Chickens” were called upon and took part in the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) COVID-19 Response Task Force, delivering 16 ventilators and 41 military personnel to Boston, Massachusetts. In May 2020, VMM-263 formed the ACE and deployed in support of SPMAGTF–CR–AF 20.2 while VMGR-252 attached to the ACE. Both squadrons operated from Moron Air Base, Spain, and Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, to provide a quick reaction force for the Mediterranean and North Africa. During the year, VMM-263 ew in excess of 2,100 ight hours, 800 sorties, and moved more than 10,000 pounds of cargo. In April 2020, VMM-263 was named the “Chesty” Puller Award recipient. readiness gaps. ese eorts enabled mission accomplishment, as MALS-26 completed approximately 67,500 maintenance actions comprising of nearly 175,700 maintenance man-hours and attaining an average ready-for-issue rate of 91%.Aligning with General David H. Berger’s eet force and readiness guidance, VMM-264 conducted its deactivation ceremony, and on 11 June, MWSS-272 conducted a TOA to MAG-26. During this time, MWSS-272 provided aviation ground support to home station while also exhibiting combat readiness and adaptability exceeding standards through WTI 2-20, Exercise Deepwater, and Aluminum Matting 2 Runway Project on Naval Air Station Grottaglie, Italy. During the Coronavirus Pandemic, the squadron provided exible and resilient support to MCAS New River with extended life support area for Coronavirus billeting and life support overow. Marine Wing Support Group 27e Headquarters Expeditionary Aireld section conducted an inspection in Grottaglie, Italy, for forces currently there maintaining equipment and matting. In March 2020, the plans section conducted a Post Deployment System Support in Iceland for future operations. e TOAs for MWSS-271, MWSS-272, Marine Wing Support Detachment 273 (MWSD-273), and MWSS-274 were complete by 11 June, A UH-1Y with HMLA-167 conducts M240D proﬁciency training on Bombing Target Range 11 on a tactical ﬂight out of MCAS New River, NC, 16 Jul 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSHMH-461 inserts Marines with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division who executed an aerial inﬁltration as part of Exercise Deep Water on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 65 2ND MAW CHERRY POINTand on 30 June, MWSG-27 conducted its deactivation ceremony under the command of Colonel D. Baker. Marine Air Control Group 28Marine Air Control Group 28 (MACG-28) remained heavily engaged in coordinating support for contingency operations, unit and service level training, and the integration of newly elded capabilities. e common thread amongst all of these eorts was a renewed emphasis on prociency across all warghting functions to prepare the force to ght and win against a peer adversary. During this time, deployments included Marine Air Control detachment for Deep Water, Marine Corps Recruit Depot sta augmentation at Parris Island for Task Force Commitment, 26th MEU, a platoon minus in support of III MEF Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 31st MEU, meteorological and air trac control services to the SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.2, North West Africa-Response Force 21.1, and SPMAGTF-CR-CC 20.2. e major training events that MACG-28 participated in were: Exercise Carolina Patriot TAV-B, Arctic Edge 1-20, Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 21.1, WTI 1-21, MAGTF Warghting Exercise 1-20, and National Training Center 21.2. is training continuum sought to rene perishable skills in amphibious operations and develop institutional knowledge required to conduct high-intensity combat operations in cold weather environments. Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 (MTACS-28) planned four major exercises during a global pandemic. e squadron provided the tactical air command center during a group-level mission rehearsal exercise and WTI course 1-21. e unit led the Marine air control detachment of 600 Marines and sailors that provided the Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS), while rening tactics, techniques, and procedures for contested environment operations and integrating MEF information group liaisons into current operations. e unit provided subject matter expertise to multiple operational planning teams and MEF and MAW exercises, training both battle stas on MACCS employment throughout the year.Overall, 2020 was an unprecedented, yet highly successful year for MACG-28. Despite having to overcome obstacles presented by a pandemic, MACG-28 showcased its ability to employ the MACCS across the range of military operations. Marine Aircraft Group 29For MAG-29, 2020 was a busy, yet very successful, year. e Group’s focus remained on readiness and warghting while continuing to train and develop tactics, techniques, and procedures in a cold weather environment. e “Warriors” of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HMLA-267) deployed a detachment with the 26th MEU, and also supported WTI 2-20, Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Exercise Raven 21-1, WTI 1-21, multiple combined exercises in North Carolina, a nationally covered “Salute to America” yover, as well as executed a DFT to Avon Park, Florida. Overall, the squadron executed over 2,500 sorties for over 3,800 mishap-free ight hours. HMLA-269 supported a wide range of operations across the country while also transitioning to the next generation of attack and assault support operations with the AH-IZ Viper and UH-IY Venom. In synchronous order and, without fail, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMH-269) supported the Exercise Deep Water—a training detachment with four H-1s to Salina, Kansas, in support of Exercise Jaded under—and supported WTI 1-21. HMH-461 also answered the Nation’s call by providing premier assault support and heavy-lift capability, both at home and abroad. HMH-461 participated in a cold weather DFT at Peterson Air Force Base (AFB), Colorado Springs, Colorado, supported two WTIs, provided 57 hours of frag support, and completed a detachment to VMM-365(REIN) for the 26th MEU. HMH-366 participated in a cold weather DFT at Peterson AFB. In June 2020, they deployed with SPMAGTF A CH-53K “King Stallion” conducts an external lift of a 4,000 pound concrete block at Marine Corps Outlying Field Camp Davis, NC, on 3 Feb 2021. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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66 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgDetachment Alpha, which allowed them to demonstrate worldwide heavy-lift and conduct assault support requests to Colombia, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Belize. e “Condors” of HMH-464 conducted a DFT to Savannah, Georgia, where large-scale air assault missions were completed in conjunction with elements of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). During the two training evolution, the Condors focused on executing dual site operations in preparation for the upcoming 24th MEU support. In March, HMH-464 was selected as the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Keith B. McCutcheon Marine Heavy Helicopter of the Year Award for their eorts in 2019. On 11 June, MWSS-274 transferred from MWSG-27 to MAG-29. In support of operations around the globe, MWSS-274 deployed 27 Marines to the SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.2, 5 Marines to Marine Forces Europe Africa, and a Marine to CJTF–HOA CJ-5. Meanwhile, the remainder of the squadron supported 2nd MAW with the construction of MCAS Cherry Point Expanded Life Support Area to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus and later supported WTI 1-21. In total, the squadron issued 234,722 gallons of fuel, produced 78,452 meals, dispatched 435 vehicles, drove 55,931 miles, and transported 2,377 passengers and 15.7 million pounds of cargo. By providing exceptional aviation support, MALS-29 supported two MEU detachments, a SPMAGTF deployment in support of Southern Command, and Service-Level Training Exercises (SLTEs), while also providing personnel and equipment for squadron level DFTs. Marine Aircraft Group 31During 2020, MAG-31 ghter squadrons either deployed or executed DFTs. MALS-31 supported squadrons in preparation for upcoming deployments, and one F/A-18 squadron, VMFA-251, was transitioned to a non-reporting status. VMFAT-501 continued to train replacement F-35B Lightning II pilots. MALS-31 supported squadrons in preparation for upcoming deployments. MWSD-273 supported MCAS Beaufort aireld operations while training to their core mission essential task list standards. In January 2020, the “Bengals” of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VMFA(AW)-224) deployed to the Pacic Command (PACOM) AOR as part of UDP 1-20. During this period the squadron supported SLTE 1-21, which combined Integrated Exercise and the WTI course. From January through March, VMFA(AW)-224 completed their last three months of UDP 1-21 and detached to MCB Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to support bi-lateral forward air controller (airborne) and close air support training with VMGR-152 and HMLA-367. Additionally, the Bengals integrated with the Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors in multiple large force exercises to showcase joint 4th- and 5th- Generation Fighter Integration. In September, VMFA(AW)-224 embarked to Naval Air Facility El Centro, California. The Bengals provided dual-support to SLTE 1-21 and embarked over 170 Marines and sailors with 14 F/A-18 Hornets to the Southwest United States. The “Hawks” of Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA(AW)-533) had a highly successful year and amassed more than 2,146 mishap free ight hours. VMFA(AW)-533 ew VMFA(AW)-224 F/A-18’s ready for takeoff to support SLTE 1-21. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSA load master with VMGR-352 SPMAGTF-CR-CC 19.2 observes an MV-22 assigned to VMM-365(REIN), 26th MEU, conduct an aerial refuel from a KC-130J Super Hercules in Bahrain. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 67 2ND MAW CHERRY POINTin support of two Marine Division Tactics Courses where they conducted a missile shoot consisting of numerous live Air-Intercept Missile-9M Sidewinder missiles. Later, the Hawks deployed in support of the UDP to the India-Pacic AOR. In addition, VMFA(AW)-533 successfully deployed to MCAS Iwakuni and executed operations in the INDOPACOM theatre to support the large scale, multi-national Exercise Keen Sword 21. VMFA-312 became a composite squadron by accepting its rst F/A-18D Hornet. VMFA-312 supported exercise Bougainville II in Hawaii while VMFA-312 participated in Operation DEEP WATER and later deployed to MCAS Iwakuni. The “Warlords” of Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501) qualied more pilots for the 7518 Military Occupational Specialty than any year previously. This production was driven by innovative optimization efforts by the operations department, tireless effort from an understaffed instructor cadre, and a performance unmatched in any service from the maintenance department. Despite training in the midst of a Global Pandemic, the Warlords ew more than 4,100 sorties and 4,900 ight hours between January and November without a single mishap, and they eclipsed sortie and hours production from the same period in 2019. Most notably, VMFAT-501 produced 73 qualied pilots, a 22% increase from the year prior. In addition, VMFAT-501 made signicant contributions to the future of the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II community by facilitating the stand-up of VMFAT-502, a second F-35 lightning II FRS. MALS-31 provided aviation logistics support operations for 7 organizational-level ying squadrons, 4 T/M/S, and 140 aircraft logging 11,107 ight hours. In addition, the squadron deployed 359 Marines and thousands of aeronautical assets across the globe in support of 14 separate detachments, including OPERATION SPARTAN SHIELD in Bahrain, Dynamic Force Employment to the Pacic Theater, and two unit deployments to Iwakuni, Japan. MALS-31’s total cost avoidance neared $47,072,513, utilizing beyond-capable maintenance interdiction and aviation rapid action teams. Additionally, Marines from MWSD-273 supported exercises and operations throughout the United States such as WTI and ITX. MWSD-273 was at the forefront of COVID-19 response establishing an expanded life support area cantonment site, providing the air station the capacity to quarantine 250 Marines and sailors and mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Conclusione Marines and Sailors of 2nd MAW continue to honor the Wing’s legacy by reigning supreme in global mission accomplishment. Despite eet wide constraints during the year, the Marines and sailors of 2nd MAW demonstrated relentless drive towards aviation excellence as it eectively pivoted between sequential operations, service-level exercises, community relations events, II MEF frag support, and combat readiness training. To account for an ever-changing environment, 2nd MAW will continue to challenge MAGs, squadrons, and Marines and sailors with unique training opportunities, deployments, and equipment advancements to guarantee we continue to lead the way—second to none. Adapting to the challenges associated with change and the process of continually learning is no small task—but it is one the Marines and sailors of 2nd MAW never shy away from. It is because of their relentless focus on mission accomplishment and the support of their families, that 2nd MAW will continue to conduct exemplary air operations. An AV/8B Harrier assigned to VMM-365(REIN), 26th MEU, prepares to conduct an aerial refuel from a KC-130J Super Hercules with VMGR-352. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSMarines unload gear from a KC-130J Super Hercules during Exercise Alexander the Great 2020 at Larissa Airﬁeld, Greece, Jan 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSAH-1W Super Cobras with HMLA-167 land after a ﬁnal ﬂight before the aircraft are deactivated. The aircraft were augmented to the 26th MEU and returned to the squadron to be deactivated. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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68 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWING UPDATE3RD MAW MIRAMARIn the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, we “Fix, Fly, Fight” for a living. We train hard every day to be combat ready. e global threat picture continues to evolve, so the Marine Corps and this Wing will continue to evolve with it. As we design the force for the coming ghts, we acknowledge that the bedrock of innovation and operational excellence lies with the individual Marine and sailor. ey remain our number one resource as we focus on employing the Wing to its maximum capability. Leaders of all ranks and job descriptions continue to work toward the ultimate goal of mission readiness through determination and creativity. As the Marine Corps’ largest Wing, we employ combat power across the range of military operations that can answer the nation’s call and deliver lethality when and where others either cannot or will not. Our mission focus is building a more lethal force through resourcefulness and talent management. All Marines and sailors in this Wing play a key role in keeping us combat ready. We understand that the conicts of the past are not what we will experience in the future. e challenges that lie ahead can only be overcome by understanding who our next enemy will be. We will respect him. We will make him fear us. We continue to make good on our role as the Marine Expeditionary Force’s (MEF) hammer. Our Marines and sailors will continue to work toward employing our next generation platforms and our technology with the same lethality and violence that Marine Corps aviation has come to be known by. e year 2020 was scarred with a terrible pandemic in the form of COVID-19. We declared COVID an enemy, and while the ght rages on, we are winning. We have continued to focus on readiness and lethality in the face of this silent and deadly virus.Profound transition happened in 3rd MAW over the year 2020. While maintaining our readiness to ght, we have taken on structural and functional transitions across the groups and squadrons. Our Tactical Air (TACAIR) squadrons continue the march in their conversion from AV-8B and F/A-18 to the F-35 B and C Lightning II. e Marine Air Control Group (MACG) and Marine Wing Support Squadrons (MWSS) have seen substantial structural changes in pursuit of Force Design. We began the transition of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) from RQ-21 to the vastly more capable MQ-9. ese are exciting times to be sure.During 2020, the rst exercise of fth-generation aircraft from 3rd MAW, the F-35B Lightning II, integrating with a United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group. All four Marine Air Groups (MAGs) within the MAW conducted operational surges to demonstrate the ready posture of both current and legacy platforms, showcasing dramatic readiness improvements through initiatives including the CH-53E reset, the MV-22 Common Conguration-Readiness and Modernization, and Depot Readiness Initiative programs. At 3rd MAW, we maintained aggressive operational tempo and committed to performing integrated Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) training exercises, including two Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses, two Service-Level Training Exercises (SLTE 1-20 and 5-20), six Expeditionary Warfare Training Groups, Pacic Tactical Control Party Fire Exercises, a Mountain Exercise (MTX), and two Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training events. Opportunities to advance joint interoperability and naval integration were also realized in exercises Pacic Sentry, Iron Fist,Neptune Hawk, Red Flag, Northern Edge, and Northern Lightning. Importantly, and despite the scourge of COVID, the 3rd MAW Band was deployed physically and digitally, providing one of a kind musical support to wide military and civilian audiences. ey are truly the “Best of the West.”e Marines of 3rd MAW deployed around the world in scalable forces ranging from individual augments and site surveyors to task-organized force elements in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC), and southwest U.S. border support operations. While committed globally, 3rd MAW maintained a forward-deployed presence as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) assigned to the 11th, 13th, 15th, and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) while also providing squadrons and detachments to 1st MAW and III MEF as part of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) to enhance U.S. Pacic Command objectives.In July 2020, Marine Wing Support Group 37 (MWSG-37) was decommissioned. Each of the Marine Wing Support Squadrons (MWSS) within MWSG-37 was reallocated under the MAGs at their installation. e change streamlined Command and Control Structure and every Group is now capable of their own supporting functions.In December, 3rd MAW executed a regimental-size air assault in support of exercise Dawn Blitz/Steel Knight 20 with 1st Marine Division. In an impressive evolution employing aircraft across all Type/Model/Series (T/M/S), 3rd MAW executed ve of the six functions of Marine aviation, transporting over 1,394 passengers, 250,850 pounds of cargo, and delivering 56,950 pounds of fuel. During 2020, 3rd MAW accumulated 79,936 ight hours and 87,622 sorties in support of training, scheduled 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

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2021 Symposium 69 3RD MAW MIRAMARdeployments, and other contingency operations. Over the past year, 3rd MAW has been determined and relentless in its commitment to support the array of global missions of its deployed Marines and sailors, all while building readiness at home. In every clime and place, 3rd MAW Marines remain ready, as ever, to take the ght forward—and win.Marine Aircraft Group 11In 2020, MAG-11 continued to be dened by a year of transition. Confronted with the dual challenge of maintaining legacy platforms and training pipelines while simultaneously transitioning squadrons to next-generation aircraft, MAG-11 performed to the highest of standards. e March outbreak of COVID-19 undoubtedly aected MAG-11 as Headquarters and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 (MALS-11) handled the rst 3rd MAW COVID-19 positive case. MAG-11 developed sound procedures that were ultimately adopted by Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, I MEU, and Marine Corps Installations West. e year started with MAG-11 beginning its transition to fth generation TACAIR as the “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) continued their legacy of “rsts.” e Black Knights seamlessly transitioned out of the Marine Corps’ oldest F/A-18A++ Hornets as they accepted their rst F-35C Lightning II. e Black Knights were quickly declared Safe-for-Flight, ew their rst operational sortie in support of Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacic, supported WTI course 2-20 in squadron strength, and were declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) well-ahead of Headquarters Marine Corps’ aviation planned timelines. While transitions mark the dawn of a new chapter in Marine aviation, the operations of legacy aircraft at MAG-11 have been marked by no lesser achievement. In January, the “Vikings” of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 (VMFA(AW)-225) bade farewell to MCAS Miramar as they ew their nal ight as an F/A-18D squadron and prepared for their transition to the F-35B in MAG-13. e start of the year saw the “Death Rattlers” of VMFA-323 continuing their work-ups with Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) in preparation for the nal legacy F/A-18 carrier deployment. At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the “Snakes” quickly transitioned into deployment mindset as they quarantined pre-Composite Training Unit Exercise and then deployed at exercise end, spending May through December embarked aboard USS Nimitz and participating in training and contingency operations in U.S. Indo-Pacic Command and U.S. Central Command. e year 2020 brought the return of old friends as the “Aces” of MWSS-373 returned to MAG-11 after the deactivation of MWSG-37. e Aces continued their outstanding support to 3rd MAW and the Marine Corps as they assumed responsibility for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, COVID-19 quarantine mission for incoming recruits. e Aces also deployed in squadron strength to Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) for Service Level Training Exercise 5-20.Additionally, MAG-11 continued to support SPMAGTF-CR-CC tasking with a rotating detachment from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) while continuing to source logistical support for every exercise and deployment throughout the year. VMM-163 (REIN), 11th MEU, are staged aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS Marines with HMLA-469, MAG-39, 3rd MAW, conduct forward arming and refueling point operations during Exercise Venom Storm on San Clemente Island, CA, on 15 Jan 2020. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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70 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgVMFA-232 prepared for deployment at Red Flag–Alaska. MALS-11 fullled ground and aviation requirements for a myriad of exercises and also deployed detachments in support of SPMAGTF-CR-CC and Unit Deployment Program (UDP). Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) continued its mission to produce eet ready F/A-18 replacement aircrew. For the scal year, VMFAT-101 produced 26 Category I replacement pilots and 15 Category I replacement weapon systems ocers (WSO). is was the highest produced since FY14 for pilots and FY16 for WSOs. In October, the squadron implemented the 1000-level Training & Readiness syllabus as it transitioned from the legacy U.S. Navy (USN) F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron syllabus. Additionally, the “SharpShooters” conducted a squadron detachment to Boise, Idaho, in October in support of air-to-air training.Marine Aircraft Group 13MAG-13 provided oensive air support, anti-air warfare, and command and control of aircraft functions throughout 2020, leading the MAW in fth-generation aircraft transition. e MAG and its subordinate elements supported the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Immediate Reaction Force (IRF), executed work-up operations for the upcoming 15th MEU deployment, executed a combined force work-up operation in support of the United Kingdom and VMFA-211 deployment aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, and supported numerous training exercises. MALS-13 provided continuous aviation logistics support for twenty-six F-35B aircraft, ve RQ-21A Blackjack Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and twenty-six AV-8B Harriers engaged in an aggressive operational tempo. MALS-13 also functioned as the point of entry for all aviation logistics support for Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) aircraft including MV-22B, AH-1Z, UH-1Y, CH-53E, and F-35B T/M/S.In April 2020, VMA-214 assumed responsibility of the newly established DoD IRF. VMA-214 was required to be ready to deploy to any location on the globe on short notice. ey were called to execute a mission and successfully deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where they operated in support of contingency operations in the Central Command area of responsibility. is new mission displayed the readiness and responsiveness of Marine Corps tactical aviation.In August 2020, VMFA-211 deployed to the United Kingdom to participate in the combined training exercise, Crimson Warrior. e success of this exercise marked the rst opportunity for both U.S. and U.K. F-35 forces to execute combined operations from HMS Queen Elizabeth in preparation for their landmark combined deployment in 2021. Over the course of the year, VMU-1 continued to grow Marine Corps UAS capabilities by being the rst and only Marine Corps unit to y Group 5 MQ-9 aircraft. rough the fall of 2020, VMU-1 executed in support of combat operations as part of Joint Task Force Southwest. After a short pause, VMU-1 will continue operations in early 2021 to further the progress towards providing cutting-edge reconnaissance platform capabilities for the Marine Corps.roughout the year, MAG-13 and its subordinate units participated in numerous exercises, including Red Flag, Integrated Training Exercises (ITX), Steel Knight 21, Summer Fury 20, Winter Fury, WTI courses, and Pacic Blitz to achieve objectives of enhancing combat prociency, pursuing major training goals, and continuing to lead from the front in readying the 3rd MAW for continued legacy sundown and F-35B transition.A VMGR-252 KC-130J lands at Camp Branch, WV Camp Branch is a dirt-strip landing and drop zone in Southern WV, capable of hosting joint training for many different types of aircraft and personnel. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD Sgt Milton Grant, crew chief, VMM-268, MAG-24, ﬁres an M240B machine gun during a tail gunnery exercise over the Paciﬁc Ocean, near the island of Oahu. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 71 3RD MAW MIRAMARe “Black Widows” of MALS-13 remained vigilant through the challenging times and continued to provide expeditious support to every squadron across MAG-13. MALS-13 Marines maintained a strong presence on every exercise and deployment; always ensuring the highest level of support was provided and that the mission was accomplished.e year 2019 and 2020 were exceptional ones for MWSS-371. e squadron performed the full spectrum of Aviation Ground Support, providing superior support services to aviation operations, deployments, projects, and exercises. MWSS-371 conducted countless Forward Arming and Refueling Points to provide fuel, and reghting support to squadrons conducting eld carrier landing practices, pre-deployment qualications, and aviation training exercises. Furthermore, engineering support was provided to numerous projects ranging from Arizona, California, and Washington to Palau, Alaska, and Iraq.Marine Aircraft Group 16MAG-16 provided MAGTF commanders with unmatched assault support by realizing gains in aviation readiness and by extension, advancements in pilot and aircrew prociency and capabilities. MAG-16 sourced tiltrotor transport and heavy lift assets for the ACE for SPMAGTF-CR-CC, UDP, and the 11th MEU, while supporting exercises SLTE, MTX, WTI courses, and Steel Knight 21. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (VMM-163) completed their 11th MEU deployment, nishing with support to Exercise KAMANDAG at Subic Bay, Philippines. VMM-165 completed their pre-deployment training requirements and deployed to support the 11th MEU. VMM-166 returned to MCAS Miramar from a successful deployment with SPMAGTF-CR-CC, and immediately returned to training, supporting Steel Knight 21 in December. VMM-362 completed their pre-deployment training requirements less than one year after attaining a full operational capable status, and deployed to serve as the ACE on SPMAGTF-CR-CC. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) returned to MCAS Miramar after completing a successful UDP deployment in early December. HMH-462 completed several detachments for training and various cross country training events, while supporting SLTEs and feasibility of support requests. HMH-465 completed their pre-deployment requirements and have recently deployed to support the UDP after completing various detachment for training, feasibility of support requests, and SLTEs. HMH-466 completed several detachments for training and various cross country training events, while supporting SLTE and feasibility of support requests as well.MALS-16 continued to provide support to every squadron across MAG-16. MALS-16 detachment representation could be found with every major unit exercise, West Coast MEU, SPMAGTF, UDP, and WTI course.MWSS-374 rejoined the MAG early in the year and quickly proved their merit by successfully recovering two aircraft after mishaps that led to one crash and one emergency landing. eir eorts during this high visibility operation led to seemingly zero negative communication leakage and a positive armation of Marine Corps aviation competency within the public sphere. From October through November 2020, MAG-16 executed a distributed version of SLTE 1-21. In total, roughly 1400 personnel were deployed across six battle positions due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. e battle sta worked from a deployed site on station while a Bravo command established themselves at a forward position in Twentynine Palms, California. e SLTE culminated with a deployment of aircraft to Bridgeport in support of MTX demonstrating MAG-16’s ability to successfully execute MAGTF support in a highly distributed and consistently evolving environment. Marine Aircraft Group 39MAG-39 worked to transform Marine aviation with H-1 and MV-22 capabilities in support of the Commandant’s vision for distributed maritime operations. MAG-39 led a community-wide Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) Priorities Working Group to adapt to the Commandant’s Planning Guidance, impacting equipment prioritization, future ordnance resourcing, and training progression. MAG-39 experimented with new warghting concepts in support of sea denial, sea control, and expeditionary advanced base operations through three large-scale MAG exercises: Viper Storm, Venom Storm, and Trident Storm. Every squadron of MAG-39 played a key role of innovating in support of naval expeditionary operations. e MAG Headquarters Squadron supported nine squadrons while executing warghting command and control operations during SLTE 2-20.MALS-39 continued to set the example for aviation logistics and MV-22 Ospreys and KC-130J Hercules are parked during Marine Rotational Force - Darwin trans-Paciﬁc ﬂight, Cassidy International Airport, Kiribati. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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72 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgsustainment for the Marine Corps by deploying nearly 25 percent of their squadron in support of MAG-39 and other global requirements. e “Hellhounds’” eorts in additive manufacturing, maintenance inspections of MAG-39 squadrons, and inventory management of parts also positively impacted readiness. e “Vipers” of HMLA-169 participated in multiple MAGTF exercises, beginning with Summer Fury 20 in July. e Vipers then supported SLTE 1-21 from September to November. In December, the Vipers supported 1st Marine Division Exercise Dawn Blitz/Steel Knight 21 and chopped a detachment to MCAS Miramar for the 11th MEU.HMLA-267 began 2020 with SLTE 2-20 in January and February, and took part in SLTE 5-20 in June. Taking a detachment to El Centro, California, the “Stingers” supported Summer Fury 2020 from a location that greatly reduced the ight time required to support operations and increased the number and frequency of sorties provided. In November, the squadron deployed to Okinawa, Japan, while their 15th MEU deployed on naval ships.e “Gunghters” of HMLA-369 started the year in Okinawa, and while deployed, conducted the rst live air ordnance evolution on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. After their return to MCAS Camp Pendleton in mid-June, the Gunghters conducted operations in support of Dawn Blitz/Steel Knight 21 in November and December.e HMLA-469 “Vengeance” conducted a Deployment for Training to MCAS Yuma in January as part of their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation. In June, the squadron departed for Okinawa, Japan, in support of the UDP and 31st MEU.Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 (HMLAT-303) sustained excellent performance by maintaining the highest aircraft readiness of any squadron in the Marine Corps while training of over 100 replacement air crew, series conversion, refresh syllabus, and crew chief aviators. In May, the “Knightriders” of VMM-164 conducted a change of operational control to the 15th MEU, and deployed in November. is was the rst MCAS Camp Pendleton MEU ACE in several years.VMM-364 maintained the highest maintenance readiness rate of any operational VMM in the Marine Corps and supported SLTE 1-21 and Exercise Dawn Blitz/Steel Knight 21. e “Purple Foxes” were recognized as the 2019 Marine Corps Aviation Association VMM of the Year.MAG-39 welcomed the “Diamondbacks” of MWSS-372 back to the MAG in June. ey supported Summer Fury by providing refueling, arming, and de-arming of aircraft. In October, the Diamondbacks sent a detachment of Marines to support SPMAGTF-CR-CC 21.1.Marine Air Control Group 38Marine Air Control Group 38 (MACG-38) connected the air and ground elements of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) by employing its task-organized Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) during scores of service and joint-level exercises as well as in support of real-world operations across the globe. In addition to supporting these exercises and operations as a group, the squadrons and battalion of MACG-38 further distinguished themselves through the following actions and activities:e 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense (3rd LAAD) Battalion successfully conducted their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation. Batteries conducted Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) and convoy operations throughout Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. During Summer Fury 20, 3rd LAAD conducted convoy operations, defense of maneuver units, point defense, and a broad defense in depth in support of 7th Marine Regiment, which spanned over the central and southern portion of the area of operations. 3rd LAAD Marines assigned to the SPMAGTF 21.2 section participated in the Compact Laser Weapon System/ Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control New Equipment Training in Yuma, Arizona, as part of a pre-deployment training. 3rd LAAD Bravo Battery also supported the National Training Center Rotation 20-10 at Fort Irwin, California. During the conduct of the training evolution, Bravo Marines attached to Mechanized An MV-22B Osprey assigned to MAG-16 departs the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) as part of routine training in the eastern Paciﬁc Ocean. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSMarines with VMGR-352, attached to SPMAGTF-CR-CC-19.2, pose for a photo during a tactical air drop in an undisclosed location. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 73 3RD MAW MIRAMARInfantry Battalions and provided surface-to-air weapons red in support of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s scheme of maneuver.Marine Air Control Squadron 1 (MACS-1) Tactical Air Operations Center Detachment began testing components of their new radar system as part of a Radar Program Oce test. On 31 May, the preliminary Limited Technical Inspection was done as the rst step to test the maintenance status of the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system. MACS-1 Marine Air Trac Control Detachment A increased their training and readiness by conducting 144 Assault Landing Zone operations, over 1,200 tower operations, and completed a signicant amount of pre-deployment training, qualifying 13 Marine Air Trac Control Mobile Team (MMT) members. MACS-1 supported Summer Fury 20, providing two MMTs to support Forward Arming and Refueling Point operations. During SLTE 1-21, they employed a tower team with a Tactical Air Navigation system, and an air surveillance detachment to Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, in order to provide Air Trac Control, meteorological, oceanographic, and air surveillance services to MAG-16 and 4th Marine Regiment, as well as early warning services to elements within the FMF to enhance combat readiness in preparation for SPMAGTF-CC 21.1. MACS-1 Marines also conducted a successful six-month deployment to Camp Humphries, located in South Korea, to support real world contingency operations.Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38 (MTACS-38) conducted a Logistics Readiness Evaluation in which the S-4 was responsible for seven of the nine functional areas: Maintenance Management, Unit User Account Manager, Container Management, Utilities, Ordnance, Motor Transport, and Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives. Noteworthy areas included Utilities and Container Control, which both received 100 percent from the inspection team as well as Motor Transport, which received a 95 percent. During Summer Fury 20, MTACS-38 provided eater Battle Management Core Systems to the MAW in order to develop and execute Air Ta sk in g Or de rs i n su pp o rt o f t he e xe rc is e.Marine Air Support Squadron 3 (MASS-3) provided Direct Air Support Center (DASC) capabilities for control of aircraft in support of the FMF while participating in several operations and exercises. MASS-3 participated in Summer Fury 20, SLTE 1-21, and Dawn Blitz/Steel Knight with DASC capabilities and airspace management. ey integrated closely with 4th Marine Regiment at SLTE 1-21 by providing a DASC for airspace management as well as providing two Air Support Liaison Teams. In addition to the exercises MASS-3 supported, they also provided Air Support Elements to the 15th MEU and 11th MEU. Marine Wing Communications Squadron-38 (MWCS-38) earned First Place in Service and Second Place internationally during the 7th Annual Army-hosted Network Enterprise Technology Command Low Power High Frequency competition that included diverse participation from over 40 teams and agencies from across the DoD. MWCS-38 conducted Red Lightning University, a squadron-level training that maximized classroom academics and practical application to baseline tactical and technical prociency in preparation for winter series exercises and contingency operations. MWCS-38 provided detailed communications instruction to 250 students from MWCS-38 and MWCS-48 over a two-week period. MWCS-38 also embedded a communication detachment aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth to support the rst ever Marine Corps deployment aboard an allied nation aircraft carrier. Looking Forwarde 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is committed to warghting innovation that will provide us with a competitive advantage over our enemies. We will continue to out-x, out-y, and out-ght our adversaries in warghting development. We cannot know everything about the future operating environment but if we hold true to what makes us Marines, we will be ready when the time comes. It does not matter if 3rd MAW personnel are ying the aircraft, xing them, or providing critical supporting functions, they possess the requisite skills, determination, and grit that will make them successful regardless of what the enemy attempts to do. We possess robust capabilities that can be custom tted to any problem set. We have demonstrated that we can move on short notice and deploy our forces to combat on a moment’s notice. When the word comes, 3rd MAW is ready to x, y, ght, and win.LCpl Jonathan Contreras, a ﬁxed-wing aircraft mechanic directing an F/A-18D Hornet for ﬂight as a part of unit-level training (ULT) at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on 5 Mar 2020. VMFA(AW)-242 transitioned directly into ULT after supporting Exercise Cope North 20. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSOspreys with VMM-161. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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74 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWING UPDATE4TH MAW NEW ORLEANS4th Marine Aircraft Winge mission of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW) is to augment, reinforce, and sustain the active component as an operational aircraft wing under a Total Force construct.Currently, 4th MAW is comprised of approximately 7,000 Marines and 148 aircraft assigned to four groups and 19 squadrons. Personnel conduct daily distributed operations from 18 sites in 14 states with rotary- and xed-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial systems to include AH-1W SuperCobra, UH-1Y Venom, CH-53E Super Stallion, MV-22B Osprey, KC-130T/J Hercules, F/A-18A-C Hornet, F-5F/N Tiger II, UC-12W Huron, UC-35C/D, and RQ-21A Blackjack. As a fully operational MAW, 4th MAW functions by integrating three core capabilities in support of the Marine Corps’ Total Force: aircraft operations, aviation ground support and aviation command and control. During Fiscal Year 2020, within all of its groups, 4th MAW deployed units, detachments and individual augments across the range of military operations in support of ve combatant commands; including supporting Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) operations, joint requirements, and service-level operations and training exercises. To this end, 4th MAW generated signicant progress in accordance with the Aviation Plan Reserve Integration Strategy. is progress focused on: continuing the development of reserve squadrons as Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775), -773 and Marine Unmanned Aerial Squadron 4 (VMU-4) continued progress toward Full Operational Capability while Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234’s (VMGR-234) and -452 continued transitioning from the KC-130T Hercules to the KC-130J Hercules.As an operational Reserve, 4th MAW stands ready for real-world emergent and preplanned requirements. In order to do so, Headquarters Marine TOPAircraft attached to VMFT-401 are staged on the MCAS Beaufort, SC, ﬂight line on 14 August 2020. These aircraft are participating in Marine Division Tactics Course aboard MCAS Beaufort, SC. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSBOTTOMA Marine with MWCS-48, MACG-48, 4th MAW lowers an antenna for a communication exercise at Naval Station Great Lakes, IL, on 12 Aug 2020 in preparation for an upcoming readiness evaluation. This exercise will increase Reservist’s proﬁciency and ability to support the active component whenever and wherever they are needed. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 75 4TH MAW NEW ORLEANSCorps (HQMC) Aviation Plans and Policies, Marine Forces Reserve, Marine Forces Command, and 4th MAW routinely review applicable policies and authorities to determine how 4th MAW capabilities can most eectively be employed to support the combatant commanders’ operational requirements. As an integral part of the Marine Corps’ Total Force Generation Process, 4th MAW works closely with the active component in ensuring a systematic, service-wide approach to selecting, resourcing, and preparing units for deployment. 4th MAW’s process consists of pre-deployment scheduling, training plan development, training plan execution, assessments, reporting, trend reversal, and certication. By doing so, 4th MAW is ready and able to fully integrate with active component aviation forces engaged in combat operations. In 2020, 4th MAW’s lines of operation served to facilitate the ecient and eective synchronization of core capabilities in support of the Total Force by working to reduce the impact of high operational tempo on the active component. is was achieved by aligning essential resources in order to rapidly reset or ret units and detachments as well as redirecting training to appropriate mission sets as dictated by the current threat environment and higher headquarters. Specically, 4th MAW’s contributions included deploying over 500 Marines with units or as individual augments in support of SPMAGTF operations, exercises, and training worldwide and ying over 19,222 total hours. For example, 4th MAW provided signicant support to Marine Forces Central Command: to include sourcing a UC-35D detachment from Marine Transport Squadron Andrews (VMR Andrews), a Battleeld Command Control Coordination Team (BC3T) from Marine Air Control Squadron 24 (MACS-24), a Deployable Joint Command and Control Team (DJC2), and members of the Aviation Command and Control Team for duty as battle directors and liason ocers to the United States Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Air and Space Operations Center, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.LCpl Jacob Stanley, an avionics Marine with HMLA-773, MAG-49, 4th MAW, performs maintenance on an AH-1W SuperCobra at NAS JRB, New Orleans, LA, on 25 Sept 2020. This last remaining “Whiskey” aircraft is being prepared for its Sundown. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S MARINE CORPSAn RQ-11B Raven operated by Marines with SPMAGTF-SC is ready to go during a ﬁeld exercise (FEX) at Camp Lejeune, NC, on 11 Jun 2020. The FEX provides the Marines and sailors the opportunity to stay proﬁcient with their equipment and reﬁne their tactical skill sets. SPMAGTF-SC is poised to conduct crisis response, general engineering training, and theater security cooperation alongside partner nation militaries in Latin America and the Caribbean. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S MARINE CORPS/4TH MAWTo provide various capabilities to numerous Global Force Managament requirements, 4th MAW sourced Marines out to the UC-12 Huron detachment from VMR Belle Chasse to SPMAGTF–CR–AF (Crisis Response–Africa), Individual Augment support to SPMAGTF –SC (Southern Command), SPMATF–SC deployment support team, and Individual Augment Support to Task Force South West II MEF.Fourth MAW also participated in support of multiple combined, bi-lateral, and joint exercises in various combatant commander’s area of operations. e scope of this exercise support ranged from individual augments to the sourcing of large detachments. rough participation in exercises such as Emerald Warrior (Florida), Red Flag Rescue (Arizona), Roving Sands in New Mexico, Pacic Sentry in Korea, Arctic Challenge in Norway/Sweden, Jaded under in Mississippi, Red Flag Rescue in Arizona, Key Resolve in Korea, and Combined Command Post Training (CCPT) in Korea, 4th MAW Marines and sailors supported the active component, our sister services, and our international partner nations. In addition to these diverse theater-wide exercise contributions, 4th MAW also provided critical support to Marine Corps service-level training exercises to

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76 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orginclude the Integrated Training Exercise (ITX), Marine Corps Special Operations Command’s (MARSOC) Exercise Raven, the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course, and various Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) adversary support objectives for the Fleet Marine Forces.Additional exercise support was provided by MAG-49 as HMLA-773 and HMH-772 sourced support to Exercise Raven. VMGR-234 also provided aerial refueling support to Raven training exercises. Exercise Raven is a MARSOC mission rehearsal and certication exercise designed to evaluate MARSOC Marines in the full spectrum of operations while immersing them in an environment simulating their deployed area of operations. Fourth MAW also provided continental U.S.-based support to Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses 2-20 and 1-21. During WTI 2-20, MACG-48 provided the entire MACS agency, which enabled the active component to support competing requirements; unfortunately, this support was cut short due to COVID -19. Additional augmentation for WTI consisted of KC-130J Hercules refueling support from VMGR-234 and -452, tilt-rotor support from VMM-764, xed-wing support from VMFA-112, rotary-wing support from HMLA-775, and adversary aircraft from VMFT-401. As Marine aviation’s only adversary ghter squadron, VMFT-401, based at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, provided “Red Air” xed-wing threat proles. ey also ew in support of Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force ghter squadrons that were preparing for deployment.e Marines of 4th MAW assumed the main eort at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD) supporting Task Force Resolve. Due to the COVID–19 This aircrew ferried a Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules tanker from the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, GA, to its new designated squadron, VMGR-452, MAG-49, 4th MAW, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, NY, on 28 May 2020. This is one of the ﬁrst Super Hercules to be assigned to VMGR-452. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. AIR FORCE

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2021 Symposium 77 4TH MAW NEW ORLEANSpandemic, MCRD required additional personnel and troop handlers. MAG-41 provided 240 Marines in support of Training and Education Command (TECOM) requirements.In addition to exercise and training support, frag relief and dedicated mission support was regularly provided to combatant commanders, 1st MAW, 2nd MAW, 3rd MAW, I MEF, II MEF, III MEF, TECOM, and Navy, Army, and Air Force units in the form of logistical support runs, rotary- and xed-wing aerial refueling support, parachute operations support, close air support, and community relations events support. is support included 152 KC-130T/J Hercules frags, three MV-22B Osprey frags, and three AH-1W SuperCobra and UH-1Y Venom frags.Reserve pilots assigned to MATSG-42 based in Pensacola, Florida, provided over 3,000 sorties and 4,500 ight hours in instructor pilot augment support to several Marine Corps Fleet Replacement Squadrons and the Naval Air Training Command’s primary and advanced ight training squadrons.In summary, the 4th MAW routinely provides operational tempo relief for the active component, providing responsive, short notice aviation support for Fleet Marine Forces and the TECOM. roughout the year, 4th MAW consistently demonstrated the ability to source both planned and emergent requirements in support of the Marine Corps’ Total Force. is ability to seamlessly integrate with the active component, whether in support of daily training operations or as part of a larger force in support of contingency operations, highlights the unique capabilities inherent in 4th MAW. As Marine aviation prepares for the future, 4th MAW will continue to stand ready as an aviation force, decisively shaped, trained, and ready to answer our nation’s call for Total Force Reserves.

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78 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgThe Tenth Army aviation planning staff for the assault on Okinawa, Japan, called OPERATION ICEBERG, evaluated that the primary Japanese threat was from the enemy air bases on Kyushu, the southernmost main island of Japan, because it was within easy range of the Okinawa. The Japanese deployed their main air strength, the 5th Air Fleet (which consisted of the eight elite aviation units remaining in the Japanese Navy), and the Imperial Japanese Army’s 6th Air Force, with a combined initial strength of about 1,815 aircraft. The planners also realized that the Japanese would throw everything they had within reach of the invasion ﬂeet, including the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps, which had taken such a heavy toll on Allied ships during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. e planning sta recognized that a separate joint land-based air force should be created to deal with the threat. Designated as the Tenth Army, Tactical Air Force (TAF), it would be a direct subordinate task group under Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner, the commanding general of the expeditionary troops—the Tenth Army. e TAF was activated at Schoeld Barracks Army Base on Oahu, Hawaii, in December 1944, under the command of Major General Francis P. Mulcahy, USMC, who was duel hatted as the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Air Wing. e TAF’s mission, according to Mulcahy, was to achieve “air defense of the objective area, in conjunction with the Navy’s eet aircraft.” During the course of the campaign, the TAF employed: • Four Marine Air Groups (MAG-31, -33, -22, and -14)• Twelve Marine ghter squadrons (VMF); each with twenty-four F4U aircraft • ree Marine Night Fighter Squadrons (VMF(N)-533, -542, and -543; each with twelve F6F) • Two Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadrons (VMTB-232 and -131)• Army 301st Fighter Wing (318th, 413th, and 507th Fighter Groups)• Ten Army ghter squadrons• Four Army Bomber Groups (41st Bomber Group (M), 494th Bomber Group (H), 319th Bomber Group (L), 11th Bomber Group (H))Tactical Air Force, Tenth ArmyOPERATION ICEBERGBY COLONEL DICK CAMP, USMC (RET)

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80 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgplanes during the hours of darkness. ese night CAPS were assigned to VMF(N)-542 and -543. After the rst kamikaze attacks, Wallace’s ADC was ordered to maintain a continuous two-plane daylight CAP over each of three picket ships stationed northeast of the TAF airelds.“Initially,” Wallace said, “there were some problems with communications with the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade and coordination with the ship’s anti-aircraft guns. ey would shoot indiscriminately. ey shot down some of our planes. We had to ask the ground commanders to have their people refrain from shooting at aircraft unless they were specically ordered to. ey would shoot at anything. One LST [landing ship, tank] that was unloading and damned if they didn’t shoot down one of our planes that was coming in to land. Admiral ‘Terrible’ Turner red the commander on the spot and sent him home that night!” OPERATION ICEBERG On 18 March 1945, Task Force 58 launched the rst Navy and Marine ghter sweeps against three Kyushu airelds, catching the Japanese by surprise. Strike reports indicated extensive damage to facilities, 102 enemy planes shot down (14 by Marines), and 275 enemy planes destroyed on the ground. e Japanese retaliated the next day. At 0708, a Japanese dive-bomber dropped two 500-pound bombs on USS Franklin (CV-13), which severely damaged the aircraft carrier and killed over 700 men, including 65 Marine aviators from VMF-452 and -214. During the next four days, the kamikaze struck ferociously against the Task Force as it steamed toward the objective. Four carriers, USS Yorktown, Intrepid, Wasp, and Enterprise, were damaged. On 1 April, which happened to be Easter Sunday, the main landings took place, which were essentially unopposed. By 1230, the undefended airelds at Yontan and Kadena, Okinawa, were in American hands and Mulcahy was champing at the bit to go on land. “I suggested to General Buckner that it was time for us to go ashore. He seemed kind of reluctant about it, but I told him, “If we don’t get o this ship, there isn’t going to be any air support around here for some time…we can’t bring those planes in until we get established. We got ashore the next day.” Mulcahy established the TAF headquarters between the two airelds. “Bill Wallace and I and a few of my sta…went in there and looked around for a place we could set up as soon as we could…and we didn’t have to go far.” e site was ideally located 2,000 yards southeast of Yontan Aireld and 4,000 yards north of Kadena Aireld, code named Ruby Base. Wallace initially established his Air Defense Control Center (ADCC), call sign, “Handyman,” in three specially equipped amphibian tractors and later in an abandoned farmhouse. Handyman was tasked with the following objectives: • Control all ghter aircraft assigned to TAF in execution of all assigned defensive and oensive missions.• Assume control of air defense, including anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) and searchlights from commander, Air Support Control Units on order [control exercised through the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade.• Establish and operate ve early warning squadrons.• Furnish ghter aircraft for oensive missions as directed.• Furnish direct defense of the area in conjunction with eet aircraft.• Be prepared from time of initial establishment for emergency assistance to shipborne Air Support Control Units in handling carrier aircraft forced to land ashore.• Furnish escort aircraft as directed.e primary emphasis of Handyman was the protection of the landing force from kamikaze attacks. Kamikaze (Divine Wind)“Please congratulate me. I have been given a splendid opportunity to die.” —Isao Matsuo, kamikaze pilot.e two headquarters were still under construction when the Japanese initiated its rst of ten major air attacks, designated Kikusui (“Floating Chrysanthemum”) Operations Number 1 through 10, which were carried out from 6 April to 22 June. e commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacic Fleet reported that “26 ships were sunk and 164 damaged by suicide attacks during this period.”

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2021 Symposium 81 On 6 and 7 April, the Japanese launched Kikusui 1, which consisted of 695 aircraft, including 355 kamikaze pilots, in a massive aerial strike against the invasion eet from bases on Kyushu. e early warning radar picket ships that were deployed o the coast of Japan picked up the incoming attackers in time to alert the CAP. e intruders had 288 aircraft shot down, and another 39 were accounted for by ships’ antiaircraft guns. e kamikazes sank six ships and heavily damaged ten others. One sailor described a kamikaze attack, saying, “e kamikaze came out in force, determined to sink our ships that were waiting at their battle stations on full alert. ey came like a swarm of locust[s], at all angles and attitudes. e Destroyers on the Radar Picket Line were the rst to be subjected to the onslaught.” Boatswains Mate First Class John Chapman witnessed the attack: “ere were probably 45 planes in the air…you knew they were going to dive on you…you could be ring on the aircraft, and they’d come right on.”On 7 April, MAG-31—VMF-224 “Fighting Wildcats,” VMF-311 “Hell’s Bells,” VMF-441 “Black Jacks,” and VMF(N)-542 “Tigers”—landed at Yontan. A VMF-311 pilot took time before landing to shoot down a twin-engine bomber, with the Allied reporting name, “Betty.” e next day, six Corsairs from VMF-224 “splashed” three kamikazes attacking the destroyers on the radar picket line. Two days later, on 9 April, the runway on Ruby Base was considered ready for ghter operations. Marine aviators were ordered to move from their carriers to Ruby Base. Pilots from VMF-312 “Checkerboards” were the rst to land their Vought F4U-1D Corsairs on the eld. e squadron was soon followed by VMF-323 “Death Rattlers,” VMF-322 “Fighting Gamecocks,” and a single night ghter squadron, the “Night Hawks” of VMF(N)-543. e Marine squadrons based on Kadena were assigned to MAG-33.Major George Axtel (later lieutenant general) recalled, “We were one of the rst aviation units to be land-based at Kadena. We launched from the carrier (USS White Plains (CVE-66)) that transported the squadron within 100 miles of Okinawa, the ninth of April. Twenty-four aircraft took o in atrocious weather—300-400 feet ceiling in heavy rain topping in excess of 25,000 feet. We were assigned to combat ghter stations under control of the picket radar destroyers.” Axtel’s squadron had the distinction of being the highest scoring squadron in the Okinawan campaign with just over 124 Japanese planes shot down. In recognition, it was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Commendation.Radar Picket Ships e radar picket ships had the role of providing an early warning of impending air attacks to the main eet. e ships assigned to the 16 picket stations, 20 to 100 miles from Okinawa, bore the brunt of over 1,500 kamikaze attacks in the months of the operation. It was an extremely hazardous duty, especially for radar Picket Stations One through Four. ey were positioned in an arc about 30 miles north of Okinawa—the ight path which enemy planes from Kyushu were most likely to y. Out of 101 destroyers assigned to radar picket stations, 10 were sunk and 32 were damaged by kamikaze attacks. e 88 Landing Craft Support (Large) assigned to picket stations had 2 sunk and 11 damaged by kamikazes, while the 11 Landing Ship Medium (Rocket) had 3 sunk and 2 damaged. Over 3,000 sailors were killed and 6,000 were wounded.A Corsair shoots projectiles during a mission on a Japanese stronghold. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSMarines of VMF-323 with General Mulcahy (standing center) in 1945. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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82 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgKikusui TimeOn 12 April, the Japanese launched Kikusui 2, almost 500 planes including 185 kamikazes as well as the Ohka (Cherry Blossom), code named, “Baka,” by the Allies, which was a rocket-powered human guided kamikaze attack aircraft carried by a “Betty” or “Lily” bomber. USS Mannert L. Abele, a destroyer on the radar picket line, was sunk and another destroyer was damaged. e TAF airbases—Kadena and Yontan—were worked over by Japanese artillery, nicknamed, “Kadena Pete,” and by air attacks. Four Japanese planes that bombed and strafed Yontan were engaged by AAA re and destroyed. Kadena was hit by four bombs, which damaged ve Corsairs. Four pilots from the Checkerboards tangled with 20 Zeros and 4 single-engine bombers. In a 45-minute dogght, they shot down 8 of the enemy aircraft. An hour later, another TAF formation shot down four more. e pilots reported that the enemy’s evasive tactics “do not tend to indicate that the yers were top-ight ghter pilots.” Some pilots had as little as 100 hours ight time. Surprisingly, four Japanese pilots bailed out during the battle. e Japanese returned in a mass raid on 15 and 16 April for Kikusui 3 with 498 aircraft, including 228 kamikazes. A TAF nine-plane CAP from VMF-323 shot down six. Lieutenant Dewey Dunford was scoring hits on a Betty bomber when it let loose a Baka “ying bomb.” Startled, Dunford radioed, “Look, you guys, it was carrying a papoose!” VMF-311 downed three Japanese bombers nicknamed, “Vals,” that were approaching the radar picket line. Finally, just before noon, four divisions from the “Blackjacks” of VMF-441 came to the rescue of USS Laey (DD-724), which had been severely damaged by ve kamikazes. e Blackjacks waded into a ight of 25 Japanese planes, shooting down 17, while losing one of their own. TAF pilots enjoyed a good day on 22 April. Marines shot down almost 34 enemy planes. Axtel, ying with VMF-323, shot down 5 planes in 15 minutes, becoming an Ace, and his executive ocer, Major Jeerson D. Dorroh, was credited with 6, all within 20 minutes. Lieutenant Jerry J. O’Keefe got a scare when his 5th victim tried to ram him. It swerved at the last minute and plunged into the ocean. A 7-plane patrol from the Death Rattlers intercepted a gaggle of 39 kamikaze planes and shot down 25 “in as many minutes…three pilots who had never scored previously emerged as aces,” according to John A. De Chant in Devilbirds: e Story of United States Marine Corps Aviation in World War II.e 28th of April turned into a real fur-ball. Five Marine squadrons from Yontan and Kadena destroyed over 35 planes, with Axtel’s Death Rattlers, claiming the lion’s share with over 14. VMF-311 was a close second with 13 shots. General Buckner sent his thanks to Mulcahy for “decontaminating the atmosphere and turning 35 more Jap aviators over to the tender mercies of the attraction of gravity.” Mulcahy, in turn, sent Wallace congratulations: “Not only brilliant work by ghter pilots but excellent command control and most ecient reservicing by ground personnel were admiration and inspiration to all.”Robert Sherrod noted in, History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II, “At the end of April the two Marine groups could count 143 3/4 enemy aircraft shot down. Day CAP sorties amounted to 3,521, night ghter 221 (8 kills)…four Marine pilots had been killed in action, 9 others were missing. Six were killed in operational accidents.” Bottom Of The BarrelBy the beginning of May, the Japanese air eets were running out of aircraft and experienced pilots. ey were forced to comb the home islands for any planes capable of taking to the air. e only ones exempted were those planes reserved for the “last stand,” the invasion of the home islands. Trained pilots were also held in reserve, forcing the Kamikaze Corps to use men who barely had the ability to take o, y level, and dive on a target.e kamikaze attacks did not stop. Kikusui 5 through 8, comprising over 550 aircraft of all kinds, were launched during May, and Kikusui 9 and 10 launched over 3 through 7 June, and 21 through 22 June, respectively. Wallace’s ADCC continued to plot the hundreds of raids for TAF aircraft intercepts. A CAP of 9 planes from VMF-224 downed 12 enemy aircraft, while a 13-planed CAP from VMF-323 intercepted 36 Japanese planes and bagged almost 25. e most sensational intercept was made by First Lieutenant Robert R. Klingman in an F4U Corsair. Klingman was ying wingman in a division led by Captain Kenneth L. Reusser when they spotted a Japanese two-seater ghter plane that the Allies nicknamed “Nick,” at 25,000 feet away. e Marines pursued, but two of them had to drop out after reaching their ceiling—at this point the enemy plane was at 38,000 feet. Reusser and Klingman continued the chase. Reusser used all his ammunition in damaging the Japanese plane, leaving Klingman to nish him o. As he bore in, he found that his guns had jammed. Exasperated, he decided to use the only weapon left—his propeller! His rst pass almost severed its rudder and sawed into the rear gunner’s cockpit. A second pass cut the rudder completely o and damaged the right stabilizer. Finally, a third time cut o the stabilizer, sending the Nick into a spin that caused it to lose both wings.Klingman made a dead-stick landing at Kadena with part of his propeller missing and his wing, engine, and fuselage full of bullet holes from the rear gunner and pieces of the Nick in his cowling. Two days later, the incredibly lucky pilot bailed out of his aircraft and was picked up by one of the picket ships. For his feat of airmanship, Klingman was awarded the Navy Cross—and invited to dinner by Admiral Turner, who said he needed some luck!Giretsu Kuteitai (Heroic Paratroopers)Night ghter pilot, Bruce Porter, had just returned from a mission and was in his tent when the eld telephone beside his rack began ringing. He grabbed the handset and heard a frantic voice shout that all hell was breaking out on the ight line: “Japanese are landing planes on our runways!” Sergeant Leroy Halle was on duty in the Yontan eld tower. “At 2225, as ack-ack broke…we ducked behind the sandbags. Tracers were cutting right over our heads. A bomber was coming in at treetop level. It burst into ames 500 yards away. I didn’t know the bomber was carrying a suicide squad until daylight.”

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2021 Symposium 83 On the night of 24 May 1945, 12 Mitsubishi Ki-21 heavy bombers, which were referred to by the Allies as “Sally,” were each carrying 14 commandos as they attempted a suicide raid on the TAF aircraft at Yontan and Kadena. Four aircraft aborted the mission with engine problems, four were shot down by defending ghts, one shot by anti-aircraft re, and two crash-landed. Only one managed to make a wheels-up landing. An estimated dozen commandos survived and immediately began to destroy parked aircraft. “I heard several explosions and could hear small arms popping o,” Porter recounted. “I saw many lines of tracers ying across the runways and on the ight line and tent camps.” e commandos wreaked havoc in the MAG-31 dispersal area. Two U.S. servicemen were killed and eighteen were wounded. In addition, 9 aircraft were destroyed, 29 were damaged, and a 70,000-gallon fuel dump was burned. All 69 Japanese commandos were killed.Kikusui 9 and 10 were launched with less then half their normal complementary number of kamikazes: 50 and 45 aircraft, respectively. Occasional pilots bent on suicide continued to plague the TAF right up to the end of the war. e last plane shot down by a Marine night ghter was on 8 August. During the struggle for dominance over the Okinawan skies, Mulcahy’s airmen shot down almost 650 Japanese planes. Axtel, with VMF-323, led the TAF with almost 125 enemy planes destroyed. e TAF was dissolved on 13 July 1945.Reference:De Chant, Capt John A. Devilbirds: e Story of United States Marine Corps Aviation in World War II. New York: Harper, 1947.TOP LEFTThe aftermath of kamikaze hits to USS Saratoga. on 21 Feb 1945. The ship’s deck log records the incident as: “six Mitsubishi A6M Zero “Zeke” ﬁghters, with two bouncing off the water into the starboard side, one hitting the ﬂight deck forward, the fourth hitting a large crane and the last two being shot down by AA ﬁre. In addition, three bombs from these planes exploded inside the hull.” The loss was catastrophic: 123 of the crew were lost or missing. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSCorsairs taxing on Okinawa, 1945. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSWilliam Jennings Wallace: CO of MAG-22 and -23 (Air Defense and Fighter Command) during World War II. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSThe transmitter, keyer and radar scopes of the 270 DA radar unit of Marine Air Warning Squadron 6 (AWS-6) is hidden under trees and protected by sandbags in this station, located on top of a hill overlooking the East Coast of Okinawa, Ryukyu Retto, near Awase Airﬁeld. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPSFour U.S. Marine Corps Goodyear FG-1DCorsairs of Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-323 “Death Rattlers” on a rocket strike against Japanese positions south of the front lines on Okinawa. The “Rattlers” were assigned to 2nd MAW and commanded by Maj George C. Axtell. PHOTO COURTESY: U.S. MARINE CORPS

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2021 Symposium 85 NEWmembersDONATIONSMaj David T. BaileyLtCol Matthew J. BaumannMs. Lauren E. BrownMaj Michael R. CarielloMaj Nathanielle CarpenterLtCol Jack G. ChildsSgt Allen C. DodsonLtCol James C. FordMaj Rob GibsonSSgt Dalton S. GlissonCol Clarence T. HarperWelcome New MembersMr. Lyle G. HenschellSgt Joseph E. JacobsSSgt Richard J. KeeneyMr. Donald A. MacaulayLtCol William M. MooreCapt Robert A. MunsonSSgt Je PendergistCapt Nicholas P. PetredisLtCol David O. SaxtonMr. Scott SimsMaj Benjamin J. VigilDonations in Memory of / in Honor ofCol Olen S. AkersIn Memory ofWilliam “Bill” Johnson and LtCol Hardy StennisIn Honor ofCol Claude “Bud” DeeringLtCol Wm A. AllansonIn Memory ofLtGen Chuck Pitman and Capt John AliyettiAileen BlancIn Memory ofRichard “Dick” Blanc and Claire GregorcykCol William T. BridghamIn Memory ofLtCol Bob ColemanR.L. ButtereldIn Memory ofCol J. P. MonroeCol Je DavisIn Memory ofLtCol Ben “Chili” PalmerLtCol Stephen J. DyroIn Memory of Paul Joseph Riding “Hood”Col William R. JonesIn Memory of Col J. P. MonroeCol Fleet LentzIn Memory of Col Hank “Clipper” Ivy, LtCol Fred “Razor” Schober, and Maj Bill “Suitcase” SimpsonCol Bud LewisIn Memory ofB. Jo LewisCol Darwin D. LundbergIn Memory ofCol J.P. MonroeMr. William A. McVeyIn Honor ofDaryl McClungGen William L. NylandIn Memory of Col J. P. MonroeCol James W. OrrIn Memory of Col J. P. MonroeCol Larry OutlawIn Memory of Col J. P. MonroeCol Eric J. SteidlIn Memory ofLtCol David C. WeirCol Eleanor M. WilsonIn Memory of Col J. P. MonroeGroup Level — $500 – $999Col Darwin D. LundbergSquadron Level — $100 – $499Col Olen S. AkersAileen BlancCol William T. BridghamR.L. ButtereldMr. Cecil L. CaviezelCol Je DavisLtCol Stephen J. DyroCol John A. GagenCol William R. JonesCol Peter LeeCol Fleet LentzCol Bud LewisMr. William A. McVeyGen William L. NylandCol James W. OrrCol Larry OutlawCol Gaines L. WardCol Eleanor M. WilsonDivision Level — $25 – $99LtCol Wm A. AllansonCol Michael R. CatheyMr. John K. FrenchCol James M. MutterCol Laura J. SampselGen Joseph J. Went$20Eric J. Steidl

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86 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org2021 Skyhawker ReunionGold Coast Hotel and Casino, 4000 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89103.How to Register: To get these rates ($30/nite Sunday thru Thursday and pop up to $60/nite Friday and Saturday nites), you need to refer to being part of the USMC Skyhawker Reunion, Reservation ID: ASK1C11. Without this ID, you will NOT get our special rate whether you reserve online or on the phone. To reserve online, go to the hotel website at www.goldcoastcasino.com/groups or call the hotel’s Room Reservations Department direct at 888-402-6278. Note: The online form for reservations will not execute if you use ‘auto-ﬁll’! Type all entriesRoom Rates: For the reunion they will be $30/night Sunday thru Thursday and pop up to $60/night Friday and Saturday nights. A county room tax of 13.38% will be added each nite. And ﬁnally, a (lower than average for Vegas) Resort Fee of $25.99, plus tax, per room per day will also be added to your room charges. All in all, expect to be paying a total of about $70-$102 for each room night, still quite reasonable. The reunion is also receiving free hotel parking, valet (tips appreciated), surface and/or garage.Deposit: First night’s room and tax will be charged at the time of booking. Note that your emailed hotel registration receipt will show the grand totals for your entire stay, not just the deposit.General Reunion Schedule (tentative): Thursday: Registration check in all day in Ballroom; Ready Room hospitality 13-1700. Welcome Reception 19-2300.Friday: Touring Day! We expect to proceed by bus to Nellis AFB for a Memorial Service at the base chapel 09-1030; followed by a tour of the Petting Zoo/Secret Gear Museum 1030-1200; lunch at O’Club 12-1330; Buses home for those desiring a shorter day; Visit to Draken International on the Nellis Flight Line 14-1600; buses home; mini-reunion squadron gatherings for dinner; Ready Room hospitality 20-2300. Draken, BTW, has an impressive mini air force on the Nellis ﬂight line…not the least of which are a dozen A-4’s (plus Mirages, Cheetahs and L-159’s, etc.)! Should be a great tour!Saturday: Optional tours as possible and desired; a trip out to Creech AFB where the USAF worldwide drone operations center is located; possible Las Vegas museums of interest--Mob Museum, Neon Museum, National Atomic Testing Museum, as well as unique formula racing, real bulldozing etc.; mini-reunion squadron gatherings for brunch/lunch; Ready Room hospitality 13-1700; Farewell dinner or reception (TBD) 19-2300.Sunday: Ready Room hospitality 10-1200, ﬁnal kiss-offs.The Distinguished Flying Cross Society Biennial Reunion Washington DC from 23-26 September 2021. The theme of the convention will be “Riders on the Storm — Desert Storm.” Desert Storm DFC recipients will be honored at the event, and appropriate honors will be rendered for their achievements at the Gala Banquet.Reﬂecting the Desert Storm theme, the speakers include DFC Society member General Richard Cody, USA (Ret), former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, who led the ﬁrst night Apache helicopter strike that took out Iraqi early warning radars, and Lieutenant General David Deptula, USAF (Ret), the principal attack planner for the Desert Storm coalition air campaign. Two additional speakers will be Vice Admiral David Buss, USN (Ret) and Lieutenant Colonel Ted Herman, USMC (Ret), Both are DFC Society members who were awarded DFCs for Desert Storm missions. POC: Warren Eastman, weastman@dfcsociety.org, PH: 760-985-2810READ &initial

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2021 Symposium 87 ARIZONAYuma Tom Miller SquadronCO-VacantXO - Col Billy McMillin USMC (Ret)928-580-3131colusmcret@hotmail.comOKINAWAMCAS Futenma - Joe FossCO - Vacant XO - Col Phil Van Etten, USMC (Ret)sumobuff@hotmail.comCALIFORNIACamp Pendleton – Mike Yunck SquadronCO - Col William BartolomeayXO - Col Patrick Gough, USMC (Ret)858-679-1755 ext 212patrick.gough@pklservices.comSan Diego—Marion Carl SquadronCO—Col Scott Koltickscottmkoltick@gmail.comXO - Col Greg Goodman, USMC (Ret)858-361-9437gregory.l.goodman2@boeing.comPOC- Col Earl Wederbrook, USMC (Ret)858-577-1211earl_wederbrook@raytheon.comCOLORADORocky Mountain ChapterCO – Maj Michael Dukes, USMC (Ret)Michael.dukes@rocketmail.comFLORIDAPensacola, Roy S. Geiger SquadronCO—VacantXO - Col Joe Richards, USMC (Ret)850-516-2550jprichards46@gmail.comOrlando, John F. Bolt SquadronLtCol Tim Hill, USMC (Ret)407-356-7190timhillﬂorida@gmail.comXO - Col Rick Packard, USMC(Ret)407-463-6479richard.j.packard@lmco.comHAWAIIKaneohe Bay Bruce Matheson SquadronCO - VacantMARYLANDPax River – John Glenn SquadronCO—Col Justin Eggstaff Aero.eggs@gmail.comXO- Col Hank VanderborghtVanderborght22@yahoo.com MASSACHUSETTSBostonCO - Col Joe Mahoney, USMC (Ret)617-786-0832jhmahoney@verizon.netXO—VacantPOC - GySgt John Margie, USMC (Ret)508-690-1682jomargie@comcast.netNORTH CAROLINACherry Point – A. A. Cunningham SquadronCO – LtCol Gregory DemarcoGregory.demarco@usmc.milNew River – Keith McCutcheon SquadronCO—Col Curtis Ebitz, Jr. Curtis.ebitz@usmc.milWASHINGTON, DCWashington, DC – Bransom-Capital SquadronCO—Col John Barranco John.barranco@usmc.milAT-LARGE SQUADRONSDevastate Charlie – Marine Air C2 SquadronCO - Col Scott Gondek, MACG 48 CO847-688-7129 ext. 201scott.gondek@usmc.milXO- Col Rey Masinsin, USMC (Ret)813-810-3271reymasinsin@gmail.comPOC - Col Curt Ames, USMC (Ret)540-295-5959curt.ames@me.com531 Gray Ghosts SquadronCO - Rich ElliottXO - LtCol Rich Richardson, USMC (Ret)Donald E. Davis– Marine Aviation LogisticsCO - Col Laura Sampsel, USMC (Ret)808-375-4172POC - Col Kevin McCutcheon, USMC (Ret)828-443-1560John R. Dailey SquadronCO - Buck Buchanan770-778-6576jbuch002@gmail.comXO - Jim Brubaker407-325-4518burbakerjr@earthlink.netRobert “Guy” Robinson SquadronCO - MSgt Kevin Bonner, USMC (Ret)808-551-7701jkbonner@sbcglobal.netSOUTH CAROLINABeaufort – The Great Santini Squadronthegreatsantinisquadron@gmail.comCO - LtCol Allen E. Szczepek, Jr. allen.szczepek@gmail.comXO - Maj John “Simple” Simpson, USMC (Ret)(843) 812-7197jwsimple@comcast.netTEXASDallas/Ft. Worth – Bob Galer SquadronVacantCorpus Christi – John Smith SquadronCO - VacantXO - VacantVIRGINIANorfolk – Darden-Schilt SquadronCO -VacantXO - Col Mike Soniak, USMC (Ret)757-574-3717msoniak@cox.netQuantico – Nighthawk SquadronCO—Kevin Wild, USMC (Ret)Khw7562@gmail.comXO—Damien MarshDamienmarsh@ﬂymarines.usWASHINGTONSeattle– Richard C. Mangrum SquadronLtCol Art Crowe, USMC (Ret)425-284-1455mangrumsquadron@gmail.comSQUADRONcontacts

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88 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgAlthough ﬁrst chartered in 1972, the genesis of the organization dates back to World War I with the First Marine Aviation Force Veterans. As a result, sharing the legacy and heritage of Marine aviation and bringing aviation Marines, both active duty and retired together is at the core of our mission.MCAA promotes and recognizes professional excellence in Marine aviation, supports the fraternal bond of its membership, preserves Marine aviation heritage, and safeguards the future of Marine aviation through awards programs, events and publications.MCAA currently has 53 corporate members. A large part of our membership comes from the aerospace industry. Through our corporate membership and generous donations, we support numerous awards, scholarship programs and the Semper Fi fund. MCAA also supports aviation memorials and aircraft museum restorations. Although ﬁrst chartered in 1972, the genesis of the organization dates back to World War I with the First Marine Aviation Force Veterans. As a result, sharing the legacy and heritage of Marine aviation and bringing aviation Marines, both active duty and retired together is at the core of our mission.MCAA promotes and recognizes professional excellence in Marine aviation, supports the fraternal bond of its membership, preserves Marine aviation heritage, and safeguards the future of Marine aviation through awards programs, events and publications.MCAA currently has 53 corporate members. A large part of our membership comes from the aerospace industry. Through our corporate membership and generous donations, we support numerous awards, scholarship programs and the Semper Fi fund. MCAA also supports aviation memorials and aircraft museum restorations. 715 Broadway Street, Quantico VA703–630–1903In This Issue The Super GaggleBeyond Aviation Ordnance Final ApproachSUMMER 2019The Magazine of Marine Aviationwww.ymcaa.orgTheIn This IssueMarine Aviation’s First Medal of Honor RecipientsOPERATION TAILWINDThe Battle to get Marine Aviation on CarriersFall 2019/Win ter 202 0The Magazine of Marine Aviationwww.ymcaa.orgTheIn This IssueGeneral Christian SchiltOPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (Part One)An Unexpected LayoverSpring 2021e Magazine of Marine Aviationwww.ymcaa.orgTheMARINE CORPS AVIATION ASSOCIATIONwww.ymcaa.orgHONORING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN MARINE AVIATIONIn This Issuee 2020 Aviation Award WinnersBats, Nighthawks, & AirmanshipOPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (PART TWO)2020sponsored by