2023Journal : simplebooklet.com

ARIZONAYuma Tom Miller SquadronCO – Col Chad Vaughnchad.vaughn@usmc.milXO – Col Billy McMillin, USMC (Ret)928-580-3131colusmcret@hotmail.comCALIFORNIACamp Pendleton – Mike Yunck SquadronCO – Col William Bartolomea XO – Col Patrick Gough, USMC (Ret)858-679-1755 ext 212pgough3775@aol.com San Diego—Marion Carl SquadronCO – Col Shannon Brown XO – Col Greg Goodman, USMC (Ret)858-361-9437gregory.l.goodman2@boeing.comPOC – Col Earl Wederbrook, USMC (Ret)858-577-1211earl@earlwederbrook.com COLORADORocky Mountain ChapterCO – Col Gary King, USMC (Ret)850-377-4703gakling18@gmail.comFLORIDAPensacola, Roy S. Geiger SquadronCO – Vacant XO – Col Joe Richards, USMC (Ret)850-516-2550jprichard46@gmail.comOrlando, John F. Bolt SquadronLtCol Tim Hill, USMC (Ret)407-356-7190timhillﬂorida@gmail.comXO – Col Rick Packard, USMC (Ret)407-463-6479richard.j.packard@lmco.comGEORGIAAtlanta – Henry T. Elrod SquadronCO – MSgt John Newport, USMC (Ret)mclwoodstock@hotmail.comXO – Drea Garciadreagarcia6@gmail.comHAWAIIKaneohe Bay Bruce Matheson SquadronCO – VacantMARYLANDPax River – John Glenn SquadronWebsite -mcaajgs.orgCO – Col Justin Eggstaffaero.eggs@gmail.comXO – Col Hank VanderborghtVanderborght22@gmail.comMASSACHUSETTSBostonCO – Col Joe Mahoney, USMC (Ret)617-786-0832jhmahoney@verizon.net POC – GySgt John Margie, USMC (Ret)508-690-1682jomargie@comcast.netNORTH CAROLINACherry Point – A. A. Cunningham SquadronCO – LtCol Anthony Ciseroanthony.cesaro@usmc.milNew River – Keith McCutcheon SquadronCO – Col Curtis Ebitz, Jr.curtis.ebitz@usmc.milOKINAWAMCAS Futenma – Joe FossCO – Col Brett Allison XO – Col Phil VanEtten, USMC (Ret)sumobuff@hotmail.comAT-LARGE SQUADRONSDevastate Charlie – Marine Air C2 SquadronCO – Col David Joseforskydavid.joseforsky@usmc.mil XO – Col Rey Masinsin, USMC (Ret)813-810-3271Rey.Masinsin@gd-ms.com POC – Col Curt Ames, USMC (Ret)540-295-5959Curtis.Ames@ngc.com 531 Gray Ghosts Squadron531 Gray Ghosts SquadronCO – Richard Elliotthrntphxr57@outlook.comSecretary – Roman Makuchn2uck@yahoo.com Treasurer – Rich Richardson ahr-amarine@md.metrocast.net Donald E. Davis – Marine Aviation LogisticsCO – Col Kevin McCutcheon, USMC (Ret)828-443-1560kevinmccutcheon76@gmail.comJohn R. Dailey SquadronWebsite-mcara.usCO – LtCol Jeff Buchanan, USMC (Ret)770-778-6576jbuch002@gmail.com XO – 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.comWASHINGTON, DCWashington, DC – Bransom-Capital SquadronCO – Col James Bardojames.bardo@usmc.milSQUADRONcontacts6 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org

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2023 Symposium 7 as a personal observation from attending numerous birthday balls this season and visiting with some operational units; this generation of Marines are not afraid, nor do they fear change and the challenges that come with that endeavor. When you see one or talk to one, give them a hard slap on the back and encourage them to continue to excel to help solve the problems that still need to be solved. • What has not changed is the driving force behind all these capabilities: Our Marines. is professional association is always mindful of their contribution to a history that is without peer. Our bond with our predecessors and successors has remained for over 50 years and will continue to do so far into our future. Marine aviation has always been, and will always be, an intractable part of our Marine Air Ground Task Force and this association was established to be give our members opportunities to remember, reect and honor those who have gone before us. So, as we celebrate 51 years of MCAA legacy I respectfully request we all commit ourselves to ensure MCAA and the benet of belonging to this premier professional association gains a renewed sense of commitment from all ranks and all partners who have made the “Big A” in MAGTF so successful in both combat and peace time. Bev and I will be watching from the wings, with pride and joy on a reinvigorated MCAA. Semper Fidelis and may 2023 nd you healthy, safe and successful.Lieutenant General Thomas L. “Stash” Conant, USMC (Retired) National CommanderMembers, as you attend this year’s MCAA Symposium I want to personally thank you and our MCAA Board for allowing me to serve as your National Commander during these past few years. I assumed the role with the assumption that I would be a “transition gure” until we could convince one of the former Deputy Commandants for Aviation to assume the billet. I failed in that aspect to convince any of them to take on the role and with great excitement and condence I will pass the title to Lieutenant General (Retired) Robert “Whaler” Walsh upon the completion of this symposium. Whaler is a great friend and one I have served with so I know he will excel in so many areas of pushing and pulling MCAA into a more robust future. Some thoughts as I depart the pattern and many were in the last Yellow Sheet.• It should not go without mention that the United States Marine Corps now has the youngest eet of Type Model Series aircraft across the Force. is is the result of visionaries who served as our Deputy Commandants of Aviation, supported by numerous Commandants, who were driven to bring the Corps into the 21st Century with a wide range of upgraded Tactical Aircraft, Helicopters, Tilt-Rotors, KC-130S, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Weapons, Maintenance Procedures, and last of all Operational Excellence as evident in over 20 years of combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. ere was also a steady state of routine support for our MEUs, MAWTS-1, and numerous individual deployments, training, and experimentation support to our MEF Commanding Generals. • e 4th Marine Aircraft Wing contributed as much as anyone to help our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings keep the pace of never-ending deployments and new missions. Behind all of this was remarkable work by our Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) to keep up with provisioning the force with outstanding training products in both ocer and enlisted ranks that then joined the operational forces. Not to be out done the myriad number of Training Command Schools that contributed to the initial MOS training of those we could simply not do without…our enlisted maintainers and suppliers or simply our aviation logistics community.• ere is a raging debate on the future of the Marine Corps going on and that is an indication of a healthy professional institution. As your National Commander I will say what I was always taught since day one of my Marine Corps existence; we have one Commandant and one Commandant only. Others have the right to state their opinions, but that is simply what they are…opinions. We have gone through such events numerous times in our 247 years of existence. I will state this COMMANDER’ScallLeadership & Board of Directors NATIONAL COMMANDER LtGen Thomas L. Conant, USMC (Ret)PRESIDENT, MCAACSLtGen Robert S. Walsh, USMC (Ret)DEPUTY CMDR, WESTLtGen Terry Robling, USMC (Ret)DEPUTY CMDR, EAST MajGen Jon Gallinetti, USMC (Ret) TREASURER Col Chris Boniface (Ret)ADJUTANT Col Paul Fortunato, USMC (Ret) SERGEANT MAJOR SgtMaj Bill Oldenburg, USMC (Ret)LEGAL COUNSEL Col Art White, USMC (Ret)PREVIOUS NAT’L CMDRS LtGen Jon Davis, USMC (Ret)LtGen Keith Stalder, 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)GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE LEAD Col Paul Croisetiere, USMC (Ret)MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LEAD Col Michael Orr, USMC (Ret) STRATEGY COMMITTEE LEADBGen Kevin Killea, USMC (Ret)AUDIT COMMITTEE LEAD Col Al Sullivan, USMC (Ret) AT-LARGECol Ben Mathews, USMC (Ret)Col John Ostrowski, USMC (Ret)MCAA StaffEXECUTIVE DIRECTORCol John Rader, USMC (Ret)EVENTS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH Kelly Rupp EDITOR AND PUBLIC OUTREACH Kristina Bitancurt FINANCIAL AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Debbie Martin «MARINE CORPS AVIATION ASSOCIATION«HEADQUARTERS 715 Broadway Street Quantico, VA 22134703-630-1903

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8 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgHONORARYchairmanGeneral James F. Amos, USMC, was the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps. A Naval aviator by trade, General Amos held command at all levels from Lieutenant Colonel to Lieutenant General. Most notably he commanded the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in combat during Operations Iraqi Freedom I and II from 2002-2004, followed by command of the II Marine Expeditionary Force from 2004-2006. He subsequently served as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and as the Deputy Commandant, Combat Development, and Integration from 2006 to July 2008. General Amos was promoted to the rank of General and assumed the duties of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on 2 July 2008. On 22 Oct. 2010, he assumed the duties of Commandant of the Marine Corps.We had the great pleasure of interviewing General Amos as we talked about his career, his favorite and most challenging moments, words of advice, and nally retirement life. He oers details of the twists and turns of his career that people may not know about, as well as advice for current and future Marines. We began the interview with questions about his career and how he became the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps:“My father was a navy pilot, he was a seaplane pilot, so I grew up always wanting to y. I didn’t know if I could, but I always knew that I wanted to. I hung around airplanes and the very rst merit badge I got as a boy scout was the aviation merit badge. In college I majored in nance and tried not to be a complete knucklehead, but I knew my focus was to get my degree and end up in the service and ying. So that was always my driver. I joined the Marine Corps and ew ghters for about seven or eight years but in 1978 I got out of the Marine Corps to go work for an airline company. I didn’t get out (of the Marines) in 1978 because I didn’t like it, I loved it, I got everything I ever wanted out of it, I got to do things I never thought I would get to, and I thoroughly loved the Marine Corps. I got furloughed eventually so I contacted the Marine Corps, and they said I could come back. When I came back in, I was a Major and didn’t even know how to put my oak leaves on my uniform. When I came back in even as a ight instructor I loved it, I loved the challenge. I committed to staying. I went back to ying phantoms in Hawaii and it felt good to get back into it. My only goal was to (and I wasn’t sure if I could because the Marine Corps is pretty unforgiving when you get out and come back in, it is the road less traveled, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody but it just worked out for me) become a squadron commander and that was the extent of it, if I could just be a squadron commander I could then move on to the next part of my life and really feel good about it. As it turned out, through a series of things, I ended up commanding an F-18 squadron in Beaufort and we got brand new F-18s and took them aboard the eodore Roosevelt, joined carrier air wing 8 and that was an exciting time in my life. I had to get my act together if I was going to be the commanding ocer so that was a particularly rewarding time in my life, and I loved it. Eventually I was selected for colonel and went to assignment in Quantico. And then I was selected to command MAG 31 in Beaufort. I absolutely loved being a group commander. ey say it will never get any better than being a squadron commander so you might as well get out after being a squadron commander but that’s not the case. I absolutely loved being a group commander. The 2023 Honorary ChairmanGeneral James F. Amos“ My advice is to hunker down, do the very best you can and always remember who you are. Remember what you do for the nation and what you represent. Always keep your honor clean.”

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2023 Symposium 9 Did you ever see yourself becoming the Commandant of the Marine Corps? At the end of my group command, I put in my retirement papers. I ended up getting selected for Brigadier General, they rejected my retirement papers. e second time I put in my retirement papers was when I was leaving the 2nd Marine expeditionary force. I had gone to wars, got promoted to three stars, went to Camp Lejeune and took command of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force and I loved it. So, I put in my retirement papers six months before my change of command, and they got rejected. I got orders to Quantico. I was selected to be Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and got four stars. As I approached the end of my second year as assistant commandant, I put my retirement papers in to the Secretary of the Navy. at was the third time I tried to retire, and he said, “General, I am going to nominate you to be the next commandant of the Marine Corps” … Eectively all three of my retirement attempts were rejected. ere was never any aspiration to be a general ocer. None. In fact, I probably had talked to maybe one general ocer in my life, I just didn’t know them and in fact I don’t think I wanted to know them. My aspirations were to become a squadron commander, which I had to work at. e Vice Chairman of the Joint Chief of Sta called me on a Monday night and asked what I want to do with the rest of my life. I said what do you mean, retire? He asked what I thought about being the commandant and I said, “I think that's a bad idea.” Why was that? e Marine Corps has over 200 years of doing business one way, and I don’t want to change that. I didn’t have any aspirations of breaking any glass ceilings or anything like that, I just wanted to move on. e secretary of the Navy asked me, and I said I would get back to him. I came back to him with a letter, saying I don’t want this job. And it wasn’t because I didn’t think I would like it, I just had so much regard for the Marine Corps, and I didn’t see any reason to change the way we’ve done business. I know that sounds terrible like I’m stuck in the cavemen days, but I didn’t see any reason to change it. So, I wrote the Secretary of the Navy a letter and I gave it to him, and he came back and said “I’m mildly interested in what you want to do General, I am going to send this nomination package through.”ere was NO aspiration and it happened. I loved every minute of it, well almost every minute. ere were some minutes I didn’t love but once it happened it was serious business, and you better lower your shoulder. Would you recommend your journey to new Marines? I did travel the road less traveled. I do not recommend it, it’s too hard. Don’t get out and think you are going to come back in, that is 12 miles of bad highway. Of all your different positions and experiences, which was the most fun? Why? It's interesting because this week we just celebrated the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. I was the air wing commander there and so that's the one that probably is the most gratifying. When you think about all the stu you did when you were a young guy growing up and training and you became more senior, you start thinking about OK this is for real, this is life and death. We ended up with (depending on what number you're looking at) I think a little over 420 airplanes in the air wing in Iraq and that was a pretty sizable amount. It was hugely gratifying for me and I enjoyed it, it was challenging and I was very proud of the performance of the air wing. I think that they carried the day on more than one occasion and made things happen all the way to Baghdad. Professionally, I thoroughly enjoyed every day, when I got up early in the morning there was a lot to do, it was all consuming and it was real world. People's lives were at stake, right, so you know that's the one that just stands out in my mind. Gen. James Amos exchanges the Battle Colors of the Marine Corps with Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford before an audience of service members during the commandant passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, Friday, 17 Oct. After 44 years of honorable service to the Corps, Gen. James Amos passed his rank of commandant to Gen. Joseph Dunford.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. CLAYTON FILIPOWICZ

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10 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWhat was the most challenging? Why? I think probably the most dicult was my four years as the Commandant. When you're a service chief there's so much that you're dealing with. I'll tell you it was hugely gratifying but there was I think almost never a day where you weren't just dealing with heavy important things that would impact the Marine Corps for decades. An example of one of those challenges? Probably within my rst 30 or 45 days (Secretary Bob Gates) called me down to his oce in front of all the senior leaders in the Department of Defense with the intention of canceling the Marine F-35B program. I spent the next 40 minutes talking to him about why the nation needed it and then why the Marine Corps needed it and we came out of it and we're ying F-35Bs today. So all those things were just challenges, you know. en Congress passed the Sequestration Law…Congress passed a law that says in two years we will mandatorily reduce the budget for the Department of Defense. For two years we planned in the Marine Corps for how we would live if sequestration really came about, now it was law so there's no reason to think it's not going to come about, but the Secretary of Defense was telling us it's not going to happen you just keep doing what you're doing. We were busy in Afghanistan and Iraq and then all of a sudden we got a new Secretary of Defense, he came in and he said, “what part of congressional law don't you understand.” He's talking to all the service chiefs and he said within 30 days I want each chief to come into my oce and tell me how he's going to live with sequestration. We put two years of work into how we could live with that, I didn't want to live with it, and I was hoping we wouldn't have to, but those are the kinds of things that the service chief deals with. Every day was that way, they had stu going on around the world, you know real world stu so that was denitely the most challenging job. I'll tell you why you never nd a service chief after four years ...you say would you like to stay another two years and they go absolutely not! You've ridden hard, riding the horse really hard, for four years and you do the best you can and then you're ready to pass this to somebody else. So that's the most challenging. What pressures did you feel as the rst Commandant that was an aviator? You feel the pressure because the Marine Corps is infantry focused, we’ve always had a ground ocer be the Commandant of the Marine Corps and I had zero intention of breaking that sequence of events. I was a believer in it, and I was very happy just being a group leader. I spent a lot more time with the infantry units than I did with the aviation units because I knew the aviation units and I just wanted the young infantry men to know they were the currency of the current ght in both Iraq and then Afghanistan. ey were the ones who were doing all the heavy lifting, they were the ones who were out there stepping on IEDs and losing limbs. So, I had a lot of sympathy in my heart for the young 0311s and so I tried to focus on them an awful lot when I was the commandant, but you do feel the pressure. You are always thinking okay, I wonder what they are thinking now, you know, but then after awhile you just go you know what, I am just going to do the best I can, someone else might be able to do it better but while I’m the Commandant I am going to do the very best I can. You may not agree with it, Lt. Gen. Amos enjoys a laugh with Gen. James T. Conway as he is pinned a four-star general by his wife, Bonnie, daughter, Jaymie and son, Joshua, during a promotion ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington 2 July 2008. The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, right, stands alongside his wife, Bonnie, while addressing Marines and Navy personnel deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, 24 Dec. 2013. Service members from Combat Logistics Battalion, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, and Marine Headquarters Group gathered for the engagement. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. MALLORY S. VANDERSCHANS

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2023 Symposium 11 you may be disappointed or don’t like it, but I’m going to do the very best I can. I think I did right up until the very end and that’s what you take solace in. If you have one word of advice for new Marines, what would it be? We are such a unique organization, and we value our history, we value our rich history. It tells who we’ve been in the past and what we’ve done in the past. We don’t ever want to lose that as we build Marines and move forward. We never want to lose our identity and I am not talking about just walking down the street with swagger in our dress blues, I am talking about who we really are and what we do for the nation. at’s what I used to tell the young Marines, don't ever lose sight of who we are and what we do. In that vein, we have a responsibility to continue that legacy and that heritage. You know people talk about boot camp and ocer candidate school not being as hard as it used to, I don’t agree with that. I think we still make Marines the way we used to. We still do exactly what we’ve always done, and we are going to continue to recruit those kinds of young men and women. My advice is to hunker down, do the very best you can and always remember who you are. Remember what you do for the nation and what you represent. Always keep your honor clean. I think the Marine Corps has a bright future, I think we have a lot going on (to include forced design 2030) but the Marine Corps will always be that wonderful institution that is unique to our nation, and we just don’t want new Marines to forget that. After such an eventful and successful career, how are you liking retirement? I do only things I want to do and work for people and organizations that only I want to work for to include starting my own LLC and serve on several boards of directors and working on startup companies. I get a lot of gratication from helping startups. My wife and I traveled to Antarctica, and I get a fair amount of time o but also stay busy. I spend a lot of time on current events. I don’t want to become some old fuddy duddy who sits in a chair and drools out the side of his mouth. I enjoy doing what I am doing now. e business world was never something I was involved in before, I certainly dealt with budgets, our budget when I left the Marine Corps was 36 billion dollars and so I understand money but when you go to business it’s a whole new world and I enjoy learning that and contributing where I can. I have met some wonderful people and enjoy putting on a business suit and walking in a boardroom and talking to everybody. Lots of time playing too. Thank you to General Amos, our 2023 Honorary Chairman! Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, second from left, disembarks an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft as he arrives at Forward Operating Base Zeebrugge, Helmand province, Afghanistan, 17 July 2012. Amos conducted a battleﬁeld circulation throughout the Regional Command (Southwest) area of operations in Helmand province. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. MALLORY S. VANDERSCHANSThe 35th Commandant of the Marine corps, Gen. James F. Amos, addresses Marines with 5th Marine Regiment and 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., 18 April 2013. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. MALLORY S. VANDERSCHANS

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12 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgCAPTAIN JACOB D. GILLESPIEMASTER SERGEANT NABIL GUERRACAPTAIN L RAYMOND T. RICKENBACHSTAFF SERGEANT ADONIS A. RODRIGUEZADAMESVMFA-121, MAG-12, 1ST MAWCHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 ORLANDO GARCIASERGEANT JOSHUA A. KUEKERVMA-542, MAG-14, 2ND MAWMALS-31, MAG-31, 3RD MAWVMGR-252, MAG-14, 2ND MAWMWSS-272, MACG-28, 2ND MAW MACS-2, MACG-28, 2ND 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 AWARDThe MCAA Awards Program is one of the largest aviation-based awards programs in the country and at the core of our mission. The Aviation 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 Feb. 1962, as the ﬁrst American to orbit Earth. Glenn was selected out of a ﬁnal roster of over ﬁve hundred highly qualiﬁed candidates to become one of the seven original Project Mercury astronauts. He was the only Marine in the group and spent over three years preparing for his Friendship 7 ﬂight. Much like Alfred A. Cunningham, “The Father of Marine Corps aviation,” Glenn embodied the ethos of a Marine; we see that same commitment throughout Marine Corps Aviation history and in our young Marines today. Every prestigious Aviation Award is named in honor of a Marine who made noteworthy contributions in their ﬁeld, with two exceptions: the Commandant’s Aviation Award and the Silver Hawk Award. The 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. We are privileged to recognize our 2023 Award Recipients in Dallas, and we look forward to watching them as they continue to forge their paths of excellence in defense of our Nation’s defense. The 2023 MCAA Aviation Awards

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Marine Aviator of the YearCaptain Jacob D. GillespieHMLA-369, MAG-39, 3RD MAWProfessional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as AH-1Z Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Pilot Training Ofﬁcer for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, from Jan. 2022 to Dec. 2022. Captain Gillespie’s meticulous and resourceful planning as the squadron action ofﬁcer for Balikatan 22 directly contributed to furthering national strategic interests within the Indo-Paciﬁc and greatly enhanced H-1 capabilities and sea-basing options during distributed maritime operations. As the senior ofﬁcer in the operations department during the ﬁnal month of the squadron’s deployment, Captain Gillespie effectively synchronized the staff and liaised with higher headquarters to support national-level tasking and conduct a successful redeployment. Throughout this period, Captain Gillespie developed and supervised detailed training plans that led to the completion of over 600 AH-1Z Training and Readiness events and enabled the squadron to accomplish all assigned tasking and objectives. Captain Gillespie’s utmost professionalism, outstanding tactical acumen, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.14 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 Raymond T. Rickenbach VMFA(AW)-533, MAG-31, 2ND MAWProfessional achievement while serving as Weapons Systems Training Ofﬁcer, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from Jan. to Dec. 2022. During this period, Captain Rickenbach performed his duties with an admirable sense of purpose and initiative. He completed the Navy Fighter Weapons School and Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, enabling him to develop an annual training program that produced combat qualiﬁcations and elevated squadron tactical performance standards. While deployed in Japan for most of 2022, he unselﬁshly trained aircrew in Marine Aircraft Group 12, coordinating multiple group-level training events, enabling both F/A-18C/D and F-35B aircrew to enhance proﬁciency in ﬁghter integration tactics and produce high-level aircrew qualiﬁcations and designations. A superb tactician and teacher, he enthusiastically led his aircrew to the highest standards of brieﬁng, execution, and debrieﬁng in all events. Captain Rickenbach’s professional ability and personal initiative reﬂected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of naval aviation, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.16 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 YearChief Warrant Ocer 2 Orlando GarciaVMM-263, MAG-26, 2NDMAWProfessional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as the Maintenance Material Control Ofﬁcer, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, from Jan. to Dec. 2022. Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer 2 Garcia’s skillful leadership and management was an integral part of the squadron’s success from work up through deployment. He adeptly managed resources and personnel through disaggregate locations and harsh environments with a strained supply line to ensure aircraft readiness that saw close to 100% mission success. His foresight minimized aircraft down time for major maintenance, reduced operational impacts of logistical limitations, and was critical in maintaining the high operational tempo set by the squadron. Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer Two Garcia directly enabled the squadron to conduct over 5,200 ﬂight hours and 3,200 sorties, being supported through more than 136,800 maintenance man hours and 33,800 maintenance action forms completed with several Planning and Estimate Repairs. Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer 2 Garcia’s exceptional ability, initiative, and loyal dedication reﬂect credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.Earle Hattaway Award 17Rolls-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 YearCaptain Michael R. BurkeMACS-2, MACG-28, 2ND MAW For meritorious service while serving as Company Commander, Air Defense Company Alpha, Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Under his capable leadership, Captain Burke’s air defense company supported Red Flag Nellis 22-2 and Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-22, both of which are large-scale, joint exercises that are critical readiness enablers for the entire joint force. Captain Burke then led an operational deployment to United States European Command where his expertise was directly responsible for the successful execution of short-notice, real-world tasking that directly supported combined and joint operations within Eastern Europe. His efforts ensured the successful execution of more than 1,700 cumulative hours of air surveillance supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Enhanced Air Policing mission, conducted from multiple geographic sites in support of a named operation. By his unmatched dependability, perseverance, and devotion to duty, Captain Burke is a truly deserving recipient of the 2023 Marine Corps Aviation Association Robert F. Gibson Aviation Command and Control Ofﬁcer of the Year Award.18 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 Matthew G. GlavyDEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR INFORMATIONLieutenant General Glavy was commissioned in May 1986 through the United States Naval Academy. Upon receiving his wings in September of 1988, he was selected to ﬂy the CH-46 Sea Knight. Assignments in the Operating Forces include: Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Embark Ofﬁcer, HMM-261 (REIN); Aircraft Maintenance Ofﬁcer, and Executive Ofﬁcer, HMM-265 (REIN); Current Operations Ofﬁcer, G-3, 1st MAW; Commanding Ofﬁcer, HMM-265 (REIN); Commanding General, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Space Command.Assignments in the Supporting Establishment include: Platoon Commander, Ofﬁcer Candidate School; Operational Test Director, White House Liaison Ofﬁcer, Presidential Command Pilot and Commanding Ofﬁcer, HMX-1.Headquarters and Staff Assignments: Plans, Policy and Operation, HQMC; Information Operations, Joint Staff J3; HQMC Aviation, Expeditionary Enablers Branch; Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Marine Corps Staff; Deputy Director of Current Operations, United States Cyber Command.Military Education: The Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College and Marine Corps War College. Master’s degrees in both Military Studies and Strategic Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Silver Hawk Award 19The Boeing CompanyEstablished to honor the active duty Marine aviator or Marine naval ﬂight ofﬁcer holding the earliest designation date.SILVER HAWK AWARD SPONSORED BYU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Matthew Glavy, left, Deputy Commandant for Information, Headquarters Marine Corps, speaks with Lt. Col. Nicholas Law, commanding ofﬁcer, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, Marine Aircraft Group 24, during a visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, 18 Jan., 2023. Glavy visited to discuss the squadron's capabilities and future plans.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. BRANDON AULTMAN

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Marine Flight Student of the YearFirst Lieutenant Nathan D. RothenbergerVT-35, MATSG-22, TECOMFor the most outstanding performance of a Marine Flight Student completing the Chief of Naval Air Training Flight School during CY 2022. First Lieutenant Rothenberger completed primary ﬂight training at VT-6 with a Naval Standard Score of 61.5. While assigned to HT-28 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla., for intermediate tiltrotor training, First Lieutenant Rothenberger earned a 51.3 NSS. While assigned to VT-35 for advanced ﬂight training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, he demonstrated superior aeronautical skill and aptitude while distinguishing himself above his peers by achieving an NSS of 73.1, and was awarded the Commodore’s List with distinction. He was designated a Naval Aviator on 30 Sept. 2022 and continued to distinguish himself in the Fleet Replacement Squadron at VMMT-204 in New River, N.C., by excelling in the initial stages of training and setting an example of excellence for others to emulate. First Lieutenant Rothenberger’s 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.20 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 YearSergeant Nicholas L. HutloVMM-362(REIN), MAG-16, 3RD MAWProfessional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as the Flightline Non-commissioned Ofﬁcer in Charge, Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative and Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Sergeant Hutloff oversaw 92 Marines across four different aircraft platforms, trained 10 new plane captains and developed a meticulous training program for the MV-22B aircrew. During this time, Sergeant Hutloff, ﬂew over 60 ﬂights totaling 232.9 mishap free ﬂight hours, and completed 100 initial aircrew training events. Sergeant Hutloff also accrued over 3,600 supervisor hours as a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative who was instrumental in the squadron attaining Tier One status and certiﬁcation to deploy on the 13th Marine Expeditionary. Sergeant Hutloff’s exceptional professional ability, initiative, and loyal dedication to duty reﬂected credit upon him and were keeping in the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Danny L. Radish Award 21Teledyne ControlsEstablished 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 YearSergeant Amber N. RiceVMFAT-101, MAG-11, 3RD MAWProfessional achievement in the superior performance of her duties as F/A-18 Aircraft Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative in the Powerline Division, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Sergeant Rice’s technical expertise, knowledge and leadership played an integral role in the squadron’s ability to successfully support four detachments and more than 15 cross-country training exercises. She is responsible for the creation of 56 Plane Captains, 26 Collateral Duty Inspectors, 16 F/A-18 Turn Qualiﬁcations, and more than 100 other qualiﬁcations and licenses in squadron. She personally signed off more than 390 maintenance actions for over 1,920.2 maintenance man-hours, resulting in the squadron achieving a historical annual readiness rate of 62.78 percent, which allowed for 6,213.3 ﬂight hours on 4,834 sorties, and the production of 25 Replacement Aircrew for service in the Fleet Marine Forces. Sergeant Rice’s exceptional professionalism, initiative, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit upon her and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.22 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 YearMaster Sergeant Nabil GuerraMALS-26, MAG-26, 2ND MAWProfessional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as Warehouse Management Division Staff Non-commissioned Ofﬁcer in Charge, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Master Sergeant Guerra performed his duties in a highly professional manner and distinguished himself as the most valuable aviation supply Marine in the wing. He used his vast technical experience in the merging of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons 26 and 29’s aviation supply departments while providing uninterrupted support to 13 ﬂying squadrons comprised of over 200 aircraft. He supervised the movement of more than 15,000 line items while ensuring more than 42,000 demands were met. Master Sergeant Guerra simultaneously shared his wealth of knowledge while developing the analytical capabilities of his Marines. Master Sergeant Guerra’s exceptional professional ability, initiative, and loyal dedication to duty reﬂected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Kenneth W. Southcomb Award 23Elbit 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 YearSta Sergeant Adonis A. RodriguezadamesMALS-36, MAG-36, 1ST MAWProfessional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as Non-commissioned Ofﬁcer in Charge, precision measurement equipment calibration and repair laboratory, marine aviation logistics squadron 36, from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Staff Sergeant Rodriguezadames’ exceptional time management skills yielded prioritized production and streamlined calibration and repair of calibrated equipment for marine aircraft group 36. He scheduled the calibration of 377 depot level assets and the completion of 926 calibration and maintenance actions resulting in 1,173 maintenance man-hours. His efforts led to a calibration readiness rate of 93% for marine aircraft group 36. His ability to troubleshoot discrepancies and provide solutions proved crucial in diagnosing the calibration laboratories reconﬁgurable controller. This led to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 gaining capability for the calibration of the joint service electronic combat tester and saving the Marine Corps thousands of dollars in shipping costs. Staff Sergeant Rodriguezadames' initiative, perseverance, and total devotion to the duty reﬂected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps in the United States Naval Service. 24 Paul G. Vess Award BAE Systems Established 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 Joshua A. KuekerMALS-31, MAG-31, 2ND MAWProfessional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as an Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from Jan. to Dec. 2022. Sergeant Kueker’s technical expertise and commitment to mission accomplishment paid tremendous dividends for the Ordnance Department and squadron. His steadfast desire to succeed enabled him to set an outstanding example for both his peers and subordinates to emulate. As a result of his leadership and superior skill, Sergeant Kueker was directly involved with the safe handling, stowage, transportation, receipt, and assembly of 603,187 pounds of Class V(A) ordnance valued at 192 million dollars. His involvement was essential to multiple operations, including Dynamic Force Employment 1-21 in support of Operation Spartan Shield, as well as Operation Inherent Resolve, a group-level missile shoot supporting all ﬁve ﬁxed-wing squadrons attached to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-23. Sergeant Kueker’s exceptional professional ability, initiative, and loyal dedication to duty reﬂect credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Gaines B. Gilbert Award 25Raytheon TechnologiesEstablished 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 YearMaster Gunnery Sergeant Fred J. FosterMACS-1, MACG-38, 3RD MAWFor meritorious service while serving as the Operations Chief, Air Trafﬁc Control Company Lima, Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from Jan. to Dec. 2022. During this period, Master Gunnery Sergeant Foster demonstrated unmatched knowledge, skill and professionalism during multiple large-scale exercises domestically and abroad. As the lead Air Trafﬁc Control planner for Valiant Shield 22, Master Gunnery Sergeant Foster facilitated the successful integration of Marine Air Trafﬁc Control with local, national and joint forces, supporting multiple live-ﬁre events, and establishing 24-hour Air Trafﬁc Control capability with Federal Aviation Administration certiﬁed Instrument Flight Rules recovery services. His superb efforts bolstered international relations, supported strategic objectives within United States Indo-Paciﬁc Command, enhanced the capabilities of the Marine Air Command and Control System, and increased the lethality of Marine Aviation. By his unmatched initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty, Master Gunnery Sergeant Foster is a truly deserving recipient of the 2023 Marine Corps Aviation Association Kenneth A. Innis Aviation Command and Control Marine of the Year Award.26 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 YearGunnery Sergeant Frances L. LeonVMFA-323, MAG-11, 3RD MAWOutstanding contributions to Marine aviation while serving as logistics chief, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Gunnery Sergeant Leon’s dedicated efforts supplied the squadron with exemplary logistical support during a four month deployment to the European command area of responsibility in support of North Atlantic Treaty Operations. With minimal days of notice prior to deploying, Gunnery Sergeant Leon successfully prepared her unit for a transoceanic movement by training 32 embarkation representatives, acquiring all required equipment and weapons and submitting a multitude of load plans for various aircraft. While deployed, she meticulously coordinated with higher headquarters to coordinate numerous movements throughout the European command area of responsibility, spanning nine different countries and totaling over 1.2 million pounds of cargo and equipment. Gunnery Sergeant Leon’s initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit upon her and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.Jack W. Demmond Award 27Northrop 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 Zachary M. PriceHMLA-775, MAG-41, 4TH MAWFor professional achievement while serving as ﬂightline Non-commissioned Ofﬁcer in Charge, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. During this period, Sergeant Price demonstrated his superior knowledge and drive for mission success. His selﬂess attitude and dedicated mentorship led to the development of 10 new designations and qualiﬁcations within the ﬂightline division. Sergeant Price personally conducted 235 maintenance man-hours while also signing off 509 maintenance action forms as the supervising instructor. In addition, Sergeant Price served as the foreign object damage program manager, and received zero discrepancies and a “Bravo Zulu” designation during the 2022 Commander Naval Air Forces inspection. Sergeant Price’s initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reﬂected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.28 James E. Nicholson Award Raytheon TechnologiesEstablished 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 non-commissioned ofﬁcer in Marine aviation.JAMES E. NICHOLSON AWARD SPONSORED BY

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Acquisition Excellence in Marine AviationMajor David W. CharlesPMA-263Meritorious service while serving as Unmanned Logistics Systems-Air (ULS-A) Integrated Product Team Lead, Navy and Maine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Ofﬁce from Jan. to Dec. 2022. Major Charles’ leadership of the ULS-A Medium and Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) efforts have been exceptional. His efforts to rapidly conduct market assessments and develop statements of work for ULS-A Medium have set the foundation for prototype development and upper assessment of a critical logistics capability. His high acquisition acumen and superior leadership has directly led to logistics and training solutions for TRUAS in line with Force Design 2030 objectives. He was the force behind the training and execution of the ﬁrst TRUAS operations by Marines, making the ﬁrst time any user has employed the systems without external support. He applied all lessons learned from TRUAS toward building a Medium ULS-A capability directly resulting in two prototyping contract awards. Major Charles’ leadership ability, personal initiative and unswerving devotion 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 29Teledyne FLIREstablished in honor of Lieutenant General Mike Hough, who served as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation and Director of the Joint Strike 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 AviationGunnery Sergeant Terrence E. HublardVMFA-242, MAG-12, 1ST MAWDuring the period of 1 Jan. through 31 Dec. 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Hublard surpassed expectations by expanding critical F-35 operational capabilities. During red ﬂag Alaska, Gunnery Sergeant Hublard re-engineered Air Force network infrastructure in order to establish the ﬁrst implementation of Marine Corps aviation logistics information systems servers within an Air Force special access facility. His actions allowed both VMFA-242 and VMFA-122 to execute full maintenance and ﬂight operations during the exercise and pave the way for future Marine Corps units. He was later called upon by the Air Force to support tasking in the Indopaciﬁc when Air Force mission planning systems were inoperable. Utilizing Marine Corps systems, he rapidly established a mission planning environment the Air Force utilized to accomplish critical tasking that would have otherwise failed. His ﬁrst MAG-12 aviation logistics information systems ofﬂine contingency plan proved F-35s can operate in an austere environment without dedicated Internet connection. Gunnery Sergeant Hublard’s devotion to duty reﬂected great credit upon him and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.30 James Maguire Award Piasecki Aircraft CorporationEstablished 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-121, MAG-121ST MAWOutstanding contributions to Marine Corps Aviation from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Forward deployed in the Commandant’s priority theater, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 supported 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Patrols 22.1 and 22.2 as a crisis response force in readiness. Between patrols, they embarked 14 F-35Bs on the USS Tripoli during Valiant Shield and Iron Storm as the ﬁrst unit to operationally deploy as a Lightning Carrier. They stood numerous alerts launching once in response to a North Korean ballistic missile test for a joint show of force with Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces. The Green Knights created an unprecedented six weapons and tactics and structures, including three pilots in a single course. Moving the needle on Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations, the Green Knights conducted several evolutions throughout Indo Paciﬁc Command demonstrating a long-range strike capability in the region. They trained with 14 allied nations in Australia, reinforcing the strength of our partnerships. The Green Knights, while ﬂying over 2,000 sorties and 3,000 hours made it clear that the Marine Corps has established itself as the most adaptable, formidable, and highly proﬁcient war ﬁghting force in the Paciﬁc.32 Robert M. Hanson AwardLockheed Martin Established 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-542, MAG-142ND MAWFor outstanding contributions to Marine Corps aviation from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. Throughout 2022, Marine Attack Squadron 542 distinguished itself as the premier attack squadron, deploying with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and operating throughout the European continent during a time of Eastern European geopolitical tension while simultaneously shutting down and de-activating the squadron. Marine Attack Squadron 542 demonstrated commitment to its current and future North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies by ﬂying sorties in support of seven multi-national exercises and 14 partner nations, providing a critical capability to the Combatant Commander while assuring and shielding allies. At sea, the Tigers combatted freezing temperatures and snow storms while sustaining operations north of the Arctic Circle. Ashore along the Russian periphery, they partnered with air and ground units, further solidifying relationships and interoperability with our allies and partners. From the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean, the Tigers of Marine Attack Squadron 542 executed operations not seen in decades, laying the groundwork for future expeditionary units. Through their unwavering dedication and devotion to duty, Marine Attack Squadron 542 reﬂected great credit upon itself and upheld the highest traditions of Marine Corps aviation.34 Lawson H. M. Sanderson Award BAE SystemsEstablished 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-252, MAG-142ND MAWFor the distinguished professional achievement of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, from Jan. to Dec. 2022. During this time, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 demonstrated exceptional success in operations in the United States, European, Central and Africa Commands, including deployments in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa and Task Force Baltic Watchtower. The squadron’s commitment to excellence extended the reach of Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders and provided unwavering support to larger multinational forces. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 was irreplaceable during European North Atlantic Treaty Organization operations in Ukraine. In total, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 transported over 8,520 passengers, delivered 4.9 million pounds of cargo and transferred 4.1 million pounds of fuel in the conduct of more than 6,200 mishap-free ﬂight hours. The “OTIS” team has earned a reputation of aviation excellence across the Marine Corps while conducting operations in all corners of the globe, making it worthy of the signiﬁcant honors of the Henry Wildfang Award.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 35

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Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron of the YearHMH-366, MAG-292ND MAWFor sustained superior performance while conducting ﬂight operations from 1 Jan. through 31 Dec. 2022. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 “Hammerheads” set the standard for professional conduct and mission accomplishment, overcoming adversity and resource shortfalls due to impending deactivation. The Hammerheads excelled as the premier heavy lift squadron of choice, deploying to Norway for exercise Cold Response 2022, the largest North Atlantic Treaty Organization exercise since the Cold War, during a time of tension due to the Ukraine Russian Conﬂict and developing new tactics with our allied partners for arctic operations. Additionally, the Hammerheads kept their blades sharp by supporting RAVEN 22-6, multiple deployments for training, two Weapons and Tactics Instructor Courses, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In the background, the Hammerheads expertly developed and managed the efﬁcient transfer of aircraft and reduction in manpower to support the unit deactivation without losing any support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. It was only through continued ingenuity, perseverance, and pride of the Marines that the Hammerheads achieved and sustained the historically high material readiness rates of 81 percent mission capable and 41 percent full mission capable while still ﬂying over 120 percent of the annual ﬂight hour goal. By their distinguished performance and dedication to duty, the Marines of HMH-366 reﬂected credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.36 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-1, MAG-133RD MAWFor meritorious service from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. The personnel of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron One conducted contingency operations in support of six classiﬁed operations and 13 exercises, amassing 4,162.5 ﬂight hours on 296 sorties. They provided near continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to joint, expeditionary, and combined forces for over 12,300 targets, deterring adversarial gray zone operations and emergent real-world events in the central command area of responsibility, surpassing 17,150 mishap free MQ-9A hours. The Watchdogs conducted an inter-service emergency divert proof of concept, the ﬁrst Marine Corps embarkation of an MQ-9A, and several novel classiﬁed proof of concepts which have enhanced joint force lethality. Operating in-depth, the unit achieved a 93% on the ﬁrst MQ-9A aircraft maintenance inspection, nine exemplary programs on the commanding general readiness inspection, and a successful Marine Corps combat readiness evaluation. By their superior workmanship, unrelenting tenacity and unmatched drive, the personnel of the Watchdogs reﬂected credit on themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.38 John I. Hudson Award General AtomicsEstablished 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-265, MAG-361ST MAWIn 2022, VMM-265 executed multiple warﬁghting rehearsal and training exercises as the forward deployed tiltrotor squadron in Marine Aircraft Group 36 and the Aviation Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. During this period, the Dragons served in Indo-Paciﬁc Command’s premier warﬁghting organization. VMM-265 deployed to mainland Japan and the Philippines in support of international exercises, postured to support humanitarian aid and disaster relief, strategic reinforcement missions, and push the boundaries of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concept development in the East China Sea. The squadron demonstrated the ability to operate in austere conditions across the Indo-Paciﬁc command, day or night. The Dragons balanced unprecedented aircraft readiness and effective mission execution. In 2022, the Dragons maintained 71% mission capable aircraft rating, ﬂew 3,446 hours, transported 5,037 personnel, and moved over 408,000 pounds of cargo. Through their professionalism, perseverance, and total dedication to duty, the Marines and Sailors of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 reﬂected credit on themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Fred McCorkle Award 39Bell-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-269, MAG-292ND MAWFor extraordinary performance during operations from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022 in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and II Marine Expeditionary Force. During this period, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 answered the nation’s call by sending a detachment of Marines in support of Exercise Cold Response 2022, focusing on expeditionary advanced basing operations in an arctic climate. The Gunrunners were the ﬁrst to employ cargo pods on AH-1Zs for cold weather egress, and reﬁned techniques, tactics, and procedures for cold weather operations and white-out landings. In addition to this effort, the Gunrunners executed three detachments for training throughout the continental United States. The squadron also supported training missions in Avon Park, Fla., and effectively executed Exercise Jaded Thunder, while simultaneously preparing to deactivate as part of Force Design 2030 transitions. Throughout 2022, the Gunrunners logged more than 3,900 ﬂight hours and 2,270 sorties in support of countless ground training events. Through their complete dedication to the mission, the Marines of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 reﬂected credit on themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.40 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-31, MAG-313RD MAWSuperior performance while providing aviation logistics support operations for four organizational level ﬂying squadrons, one training squadron, three type model series, and 96 aircraft logging 15,407 ﬂight hours for the period of 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. With unwavering dedication, unparalleled technical expertise, challenge to the status quo, and a strong commitment to excellence, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 deployed over 288 Marines and thousands of aeronautical assets across the globe in support of 12 separate detachments to include COLD RESPONSE in Norway, Enhanced Vigilance Activity, Poland, Dynamic Force Employment to the Middle East and two Unit Deployments to Iwakuni, Japan. Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31’s total cost avoidance neared $58,816,000 utilizing Beyond Capable Maintenance Interdiction and Aviation Rapid Action Teams. By their professionalism and unfailing devotion to duty, the Marines of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Donald E. Davis Award 41KamanEstablished 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-272, MACG-282ND MAWFor sustained meritorious service from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022 while providing exceptional aviation ground support to Marine Corps Air Station New River and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 demonstrated unmatched versatility and professionalism during Exercise Cold Response 2022 and as a key enabler of Task Force Baltic Watchtower, shaping the outcome of efforts to counter Russian aggression in Eastern Europe through essential expeditionary airﬁeld operations at multiple distributed locations. Providing foremost subject matter expertise, the “Untouchables” increased interoperability and capacity across the Department of Defense, pursuing joint aircraft refueling certiﬁcations and identifying cost-saving infrastructure resiliency strategies in support of Navy Systems Command. Throughout this period, the squadron balanced aggressive training programs with its role of ensuring uninterrupted base support, executing more than 2,000 movement requests to transport more than 37 million pounds of cargo over 60,000 miles. By its proven record of expeditionary service, Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 reﬂected great credit upon itself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.42 James E. Hatch Award L3HarrisEstablished 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-2, MACG-282ND MAWFor outstanding contributions to Marine Corps Aviation Command and Control from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022. During the past year, Marine Air Control Squadron 2 provided aviation command and control support to 16 unique exercises and seven real-world deployments spanning ﬁve separate combatant commands, resulting in the control of more than 4,300 total sorties. Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Marine Air Control Squadron 2 Air Defense Company Bravo was dynamically re-tasked to reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization eastern ﬂank and executed a timely displacement to Lithuania within 24 hours from Norway. Marine Air Control Squadron 2 became the ﬁrst Marine Air Command and Control System unit to ﬁeld the Common Aviation Command and Control System to an Air Trafﬁc Control Company for integration with the Air Trafﬁc Navigation, Integration and Coordination System. The unit supported these operations and many others as it maintained an aggressive operations tempo while responding to requests for support with professionalism and tenacity. Marine Air Control Squadron 2’s accomplishments were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Edward S. Fris Award 43Raytheon Technologies Established 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.SPONSORED BYEDWARD S. FRIS AWARD

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Superior Performance in Marine AviationVMFA-323, MAG-113RD MAWFor exceptional service to Marine Corps Aviation from Jan. to Dec. 2022. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 executed ﬂawlessly in multiple training detachments, numerous inspections and a rapid deployment as the Dynamic Force Employment Squadron supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Dedicated to excellence, the squadron trained one division lead, two section leads, two mission commanders and two weapons and tactics instructors while ﬂying over 1,400 sorties for more than 2,900 ﬂight hours. The unit successfully executed dispersed operations from three separate locations in Eastern Europe, ﬂying over 500 sorties totaling more than 1,340 ﬂight hours, 731.9 In direct support of air tasking order operations. The squadron maintained tier 1 readiness and provided opportunities for professional military education and career progression of Marines, graduating 14 Marines from lance corporal leadership and ethics seminar and 33 from corporal’s course. Through their tireless efforts, professionalism and dedication to mission accomplishment, the marines and sailors of VMFA-323 reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of Marine Corps aviation and the United States Naval Service.44 Commandant’s Aviation Trophy Pratt & WhitneyEstablished to recognize superior performance and accomplishment of all assigned tasks by a Marine squadron.COMMANDANT’S AVIATION TROPHY SPONSORED BY

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46 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgMarine Aviation SafetyVMGR-152, MAG-121ST MAWFor an exemplary service record while safely executing unparalleled aviation support to Marine Corps Forces Paciﬁc from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2022, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 raise the bar again in Marine aviation for professional excellence and aviation safety. Conducting ﬂight operations within an area of 70,000, 000 square miles, the Sumos demonstrated an unmatched focus on mission accomplishment and ﬂying safety while amassing 5,703 ﬂight hours and 1,986 sorties with zero ﬂight mishaps. Surpassing 21,636 Class-A mishap-free ﬂight hours, the Sumos supported all six functions of Marine Aviation while transporting 5.3 million pounds of cargo, 13,002 passengers, and delivery of 3.1 million pounds of aviation fuel. This Sumos’ irrefutable safety mindset in the tireless conduct of their mission is the standard throughout the Paciﬁc. Exemplifying Marine aviation at its best, the sustained superior performance of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 reﬂected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest standards of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 46 Pete Ross AwardGE Aerospace Established in honor of First Lieutenant Joseph “Pete” Ross, who perished while ﬂying during a drill at Naval Air Station Glenview, Ill., for the Marine aviation unit compiling the best safety record during the past year.PETE ROSS AWARD SPONSORED BY

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2023 Symposium 47 1962 to 2022Past Aviation AwardeesALFRED A. CUNNINGHAM AWARD 2022 Capt Joshua P. Waldron2021 Capt Joshua E. Hazeldean2020 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 AWARD2022 Capt Luke A. Stephenson2021 Capt James Hernandez2020 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. Dunsworth2011 Maj 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 AWARD2022 Maj Sophia E. Funderburk2021 1stLt Travis D. Soubie2020 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 AWARD2022 Maj Scott W. Caton2021 1stLt Jonathan B. Watkins2020 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. Smith

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48 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org1977 Capt Paul F. Cibuzar1976 GySgt W. E. Grogan1975 Maj Mitchell Steinberg1974 Maj James W. Bierman1973 CW0-4 Robert D. Favreau1972 1stSgt Frederico VercelesSILVER HAWK AWARD2022 LtGen Steven R. Rudder2021 LtGen Robert F. Hedelund2020 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 and MajGen Clyde L. Vermilya1992 Gen John R. Dailey1991 LtGen Royal N. Moore and 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 AWARD2022 1stLt Jordan M. Anderson2021 1stLt Douglas J. Haas2020 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 AWARD2022 Sgt Harrison D. Leneave2021 SSgt David Gooden2020 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 AWARD2022 Sgt Alejandro J. Vergeslopez2021 GySgt Larry Aldridge2020 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 AWARD2022 GySgt Jesse L. Hubbard2021 GySgt Monica L. Williams2020 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 AWARD2022 GySgt Robert Y. Lee2021 Sgt Coltrane Dilley2020 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. Kreitzer

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2023 Symposium 49 2004 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 AWARD2022 SSgt Dustin J. Cheuvront2021 Sgt Nicholas D. Bedford2020 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 AWARD2022 MSgt Kevin W. Haunschild2021 SSgt John P. Lukasiewicz2020 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. DundonJACK W. DEMMOND AWARD2022 MSgt Dustin J. Bert2021 SSgt Thomas J. Warren2020 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 AWARD2022 Sgt Alisher A. Tanimura2021 Sgt Tyshaun J. Brown2020 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 2022 LtCol James V. Reynolds2021 Maj John E. Willett2020 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 AWARD2022 Sgt Christian E. Smellie2021 The Air Crew of RAIDR502020 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 AWARD2022 VMFA-2112021 VMFA-3232020 VMFA-2322019 VMFA-115, MAG-312018 VMFA(AW)-2422017 VMFA(AW)-5332016 VMFA-1212015 VMFA-3142014 VMFA-3122013 VMFA-2512012 VMFA(AW)-533

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50 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.org2011 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 AWARD2022 VMA-2232021 VMA-2142020 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 AWARD2022 VMGR-3522021 VMGR-1522020 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 AWARD2022 HMH-4652021 HMH-4632020 HMH-4642019 HMH-3662018 HMH-4632017 HMH-7722016 HMH-464 2015 HMH-3662014 HMH-4612013 HMH-3612012 HMH-4612011 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 2022 VMU-22021 VMU-12020 VMU-22019 VMU-12018 VMU-32017 VMU-22016 VMU-2FRED MCCORKLE AWARD2022 VMM-3642021 VMM-1612020 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 AWARD2022 HMLA-2692021 HMLA-3692020 HMLA-1692019 HMLA-3672018 HMLA-1692017 HMLA-2672016 HMLA-269 2015 HMLA-3692014 HMLA-1692013 HMLA-2692012 HMLA-2672011 HMLA-367

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2023 Symposium 51 2010 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 AWARD2022 MALS-132021 MALS-392020 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 AWARD2022 MWSS-3732021 MWSS-1722020 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 AWARD2022 2nd LAAD Bn2021 MACS-12020 MASS-22019 MACS-22018 MACS-12017 MACS-42016 3rd 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 2nd LAAD1999 MTACS-281998 MASS-11997 MACS-61996 MTACS-281995 MWCS-181994 MACS-41993 MATCS-38,1992 MASS-11991 2nd LAAD1990 MASS-21989 MASS-21988 3rd LAAD1987 MAGG-181986 MACS-21985 2nd LAAMCMC AVIATION AWARD2022 MACS-22021 VMFA-3232020 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 AWARD2022 VMGR-1522021 VMFT-4012020 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-112VSTOL PILOT OF THE YEAR AWARD1992 Capt Stephen D. Hawkins1991 Maj Kenneth G. Williams1990 Maj Randy S. Siders1989 Maj Charles S. Patton1988 Maj Duane D. Thiessen1987 Maj Henry Joe Coble1986 LtCol John W. Capito1985 Capt Douglas Smith1984 LtCol Michael D. Ryan1983 Maj Richard H. Priest1982 Maj Edward B. Cummings1981 LtCol P. Drax Williams1980 LtCol Fred E. Ogline1979 Capt Charles E. Davis, Jr.1978 Maj William K. Callahan1977 LtCol John T. Tyler1976 Col John R. Braddon

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52 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWING UPDATE1ST MAW OKINAWA1st Marine Aircraft WingHonoring the Past and Forging the FutureOverview/IntroductionAs the Marine Corps’ only forward-deployed Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), 1st MAW plays an essential role in the defense and security of our Nation by providing stability in the Indo-Pacic theater. Since its activation on July 7, 1941 in Quantico, Virginia, 1st MAW has proven its capability and versatility. From the battle of Guadalcanal in August 1942 to the construction of a new facility at Baan Mai Pattana School in ailand, in August 2021, 1st MAW has been continually at the leading edge of strategic action in Asia.In May 2022, a portion of 1st MAW’s legacy was highlighted when the Navy commissioned the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer (DDG 121) in Charleston, South Carolina. e USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. is one of the most technologically advanced guided-missile destroyers and provides a wide range of warghting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface environments. With this commissioning, the Navy and Marine Corps team paid homage to Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, the rst Black Marine Corps Aviator and rst Black Marine Corps ocer promoted to Brigadier General. Major General Petersen commanded 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from 1983 to 1985, and this highly capable multi-mission ship will proudly bear the name of one of 1st MAW’s own on its missions in support of national security. In 2022, on the heels of its own 80th Anniversary, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing also celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the battle of Guadalcanal. Beginning on 7 Aug. 1942, Guadalcanal marked the start of Allied eort to halt Japanese expansion in the Pacic eater. In just ve weeks, the innovative, hybrid team of aviators and their support assets overcame unreliable logistics and the A U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 463, performs a sling load of an Army H-60 helicopter at U.S. Army Schoﬁeld Barracks, Hawaii, 27 Jan. 2022. HMH-463 provided aircraft support to the Army’s 25th Infantry Division’s Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART), this training provided both the Marines of HMH-463 and 25th ID DART the opportunity to learn from one another and develop their skills in real world applications. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. DALTON J. PAYNEU.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, refuel a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter before takeoff during Jungle Warfare Exercise (JWX 22) at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, 16 Feb. 2022. JWX 22 is a large-scale ﬁeld training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuvers, and ﬁres across a distributed maritime environment. U.S. MARINE PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. KYLE CHAN

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2023 Symposium 53 1ST MAW OKINAWAoppressive environment to down more than 150 Japanese aircraft. Known colloquially as the “Cactus Air Force,” which was drawn from the Allied code name for the island of Guadalcanal, the legacy of these heroes continues to inspire us today. To honor their contributions, 1st MAW marked the anniversary by ocially changing its call sign to “Cactus.” In addition to honoring its past, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing exploited numerous opportunities in 2022 in support of the wing’s future. In June 2022, Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 4 deployed its AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) to the Philippines for the rst time in support of Marine Aviation Support Activity, a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps. Aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense, this event is a critical part of the MAW’s exercise continuum. e G/ATOR is a multi-mission air surveillance system that can detect, identify and track airborne threats, including cruise missiles, aircraft, and remotely piloted vehicles, as well as rocket, artillery and mortar re. e radar’s use in the Indo-Pacic region provides streamlined, interoperable features that provide powerful communication capabilities for our joint and bilateral forces.From 13  18 Sept., MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 successfully completed a monumental 6,100-mile journey from Darwin, Australia, to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, with aerial refueling assistance provided by a KC-130J from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152. While transiting the islands of the South Pacic the squadron stopped in Fiji, American Samoa, and the Republic of Kiribati, facilitating interactions with leaders, communities and retired Marines along the way. Important milestones such as these continue to guide the only forward-deployed aircraft wing as it determines current aviation capabilities and challenges itself to improve for the future ght. U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II’s with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 ﬂy near Mt. Fuji, Japan, 23 March 2022. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 supported Marines with VMFA-121 during a training ﬂight simulating close air support at Camp Fuji, Japan. Marine Corps aviation routinely conducts training throughout the region to remain combat-ready in support of a free and open Indo-Paciﬁc and to demonstrate our commitment to the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the U.S. and Japan. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. TYLER HARMONU.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369 ﬂy and operate AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y Venom helicopters during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, 29 April 2022. HMLA-369 successfully launched multiple aircraft for a single ﬂight as a display of appreciation for the hard work of the squadron. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. KYLE CHAN

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54 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgOn 10 Dec. 2022, Major General Eric Austin, 1st MAW’s Commanding General, attended and spoke at the 77th Reunion of Honor at Iwo To. Austin remarked, “In the Spring of 1945, the toughest and best young warriors of Japan and the United States faced o on the small island in a ght that remains one of the ercest and most savage in history. Over 36 days of ghting, both sides experienced catastrophic loss and injury; today, bitter enemies are now close friends coming together in honor of the timeless and inspiring examples of courage and forging forward toward a deeper partnership.”Marine Air Control Group 18 In 2022, Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18 supported a wide range of exercises, training and operational engagements. During Valiant Shield 22, MACG-18 deployed its entire Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) to execute eld training focused on joint integration in a multi-domain environment. is enabled integration between ground command and control, aircraft, maritime forces and partner nations. MACG-18 also supported Keen Sword with rapid deployment of G/ATOR to mainland Japan, alongside joint and bilateral partners, to provide tactical air command and control and other oensive and defensive air control capabilities. Cooperation and security eorts to enhance deterrence capabilities and ensure the stability of the Indo-Pacic region were key achievements for this iteration, strengthening our alliance and exercising the defense of U.S. forces and allies in Japan.In December 2022, MACG-18 conducted unprecedented training during Ryukyu Vice. Ryukyu Vice was a joint, xed-wing command and control exercise that provided critical training to 1st MAW tactical air control personnel. e training included live-ight oensive, defensive and counter-air scenarios, and practice with air intercept control, supported by Marine Air Control Squadron 4’s G/ATOR.Marine Aircraft Group 12In 2022, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 achieved Full Operational Capability. With this declaration, the Marine Corps now has 32 F-35B Lightning II aircraft permanently forward-based as part of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12. e F-35B provides advanced technology and incorporates the mission capabilities of both the AV-8B and F/A-18 within a single airframe. e F-35 Lightning II represents the future of Marine Corps tactical aviation and will eventually replace the AV-8B Harrier and the F/A-18 Hornet in all units across the Corps. In August of 2022, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 participated in Pitch Black 22, a Joint and Coalition training exercise with the Royal Australian Air Force that is focused on strike integration with Australia’s F-35As. is event provided critical training for real world operations, bi-lateral 5th Generation Fighter integration, and reinforced allied partnership with the Australian government.U.S. Marines with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment set up an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in front of an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, 13 June 2022, in support of Valiant Shield 2022. Exercise Valiant Shield gives units like MACG-18 the opportunity to integrate with forces across the Indo-Paciﬁc to train in successful employment and operations that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. TYLER HARMONA U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, deploys U.S. Army paratroopers with 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry during exercise Kodiak Mace 22 near Elmendorf

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2023 Symposium 55 1ST MAW OKINAWAIn the fall, KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft and Marines assigned to VMGR-152 conducted various training events at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. eir training included conducting Low Level Static Line Drops with U.S. soldiers from 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and in-ight threat reaction drills over training areas in Alaska. VMGR-152 Marines also assisted the U.S. Marine Corps 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, delivering supplies and personnel to remote Alaskan communities in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Marines with VMGR-152 specialize in training all over the world and they provide III MEF with invaluable services including aerial deliveries, troop transport and logistical movements throughout the Indo-Pacic region.Marine Aircraft Group 24 In the spring, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 conducted a four ship 4,730 nautical mile Trans-Pacic deployment from their home base in Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii to Subic Bay in the Philippines in support of Balikatan 22. e Trans-Pacic movement included aerial refueling with VMGR-152 and overnight stops at Wake Island and Guam before arriving in Subic Bay. “Long-range movements of this nature validate the operational mobility of the squadron in support of joint, naval and Marine Corps operating concepts as outlined in Force Design 2030,” said Lt. Col. Joe Whiteeld, Commanding Ocer of VMM-363. e Trans-Pacic movement demonstrated the long-range capabilities of 1st MAW aviation assets. As summer came to an end, two MAG-24 squadrons, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 463 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367 were deactivated in accordance with Force Design 2030 to build a lighter, more lethal force able to compete, deter and ght in contested maritime spaces. Both squadrons conducted operations in support of numerous contingencies to include Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. HMH-463 was the oldest ying squadron in MAG-24, operating in all three of the Marine Corps’ aircraft wings. For 51 years, HMH-463 called Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay home. With its deactivation, 12 of its CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters were dispersed to other aviation units across the Corps to continue service. 1st MAW will continue to evolve to be ready to “ght now” as part of III MEF’s Stand-In Force. Marine Aircraft Group 36 e Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations construct was tested in March of 2022 by Marine Air Group 36 during Balikatan 22. Balikatan 22 served as the culminating event of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Unit Deployment Program exercise continuum. is plan integrates various elements of III MEF and conducts experimentation of emerging concepts while enabling MEF units to train together for standing operational requirements. A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepares to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway, 24 June, 2022. VMFA-121 is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Paciﬁc region. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. GABRIEL DURANDAir Force Base, Alaska, 19 May, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. PHUCHUNG NGUYEN

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56 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgIn the fall of 2022, Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 executed a long-range maritime deployment ight during exercise Resolute Dragon 22. Resolute Dragon 22 was an exercise at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Sapporo, located in the Hokkaido Prefecture of Japan. Resolute Dragon 22 demonstrated 1st MAW’s capabilities to maintain combat-readiness in a maritime environment. Marines with VMM-265 also had the opportunity to conduct low altitude tactics training at 300 feet for the rst time in Japan. “e Low Altitude Tactics training at Resolute Dragon greatly beneted the squadron and signicantly improved operational readiness. By providing a venue for training that is dicult to obtain, the exercise enabled the unit to requalify over 20 aircrew and conduct instructor qualication ights,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jason Laird, VMM-265 commanding ocer. e LAT training oered the pilots and aircrew realistic A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepares to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway, 25 June 2022. VMM-262 is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Paciﬁc region. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. GABRIEL DURANDU.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361 land on a ﬂight line for a photo during a training exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, 23 Aug. 2022. HMH-361 launched 6 CH-53E Super Stallions in support of the squadron’s required annual training. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. KYLE CHAN

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2023 Symposium 57 1ST MAW OKINAWAand mission critical training toward radar, weather and threat evasion tactics. Conclusion1st MAW is the III Marine Expeditionary Force’s forward-deployed stand-in aviation combat element in the Indo-Pacic region, supporting naval, joint, ally and partner forces across III MEF’s area of operations. 1st MAW is well-postured to be the vanguard for innovation in Marine Corps Aviation. Whether experimenting with Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, providing forward command and control, conducting air and missile defense, or contributing to maritime domain awareness, 1st MAW will lead aviation innovation as Force Design 2030 is fully implemented. Continued presence of Marine aviation and strengthened relationships with our allies and partners in the region is critical to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacic in support of national strategic objectives.For more information regarding 1st MAW accomplishments, please visit the 1st MAW Defense Visual Information Distribution Service at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/1MAW or any of 1st MAW’s social media sites on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.e point of contact for any questions is 1st MAW Marine Corps Communication Strategy and Operations Oce at 1STMAWCOMMSTRAT@usmc.mil.U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242, and an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 break formation during a ﬂyover at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, 28 Sept. 2022. U.S. Marines with VMFA-121, VMFA-242, and VMFA(AW) 533 conducted live-ﬁre missile exercise to increase weapon proﬁciency and enhance squadrons’ combat readiness in the air-to-air environment. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. BRYANT RODRIGUEZA U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 conducts low altitude tactics (LAT) training in vicinity of Northern Japan, 13 Oct. 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms and maneuver across multiple domains. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY PFC. JUSTIN J. MARTYTOP LEFT: U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 above Northern Territory, Australia, 29 Aug. 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise; aims to further develop offensive counter air, air interdiction and strike, intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, as well as foster international co-operation with partner forces. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. EVAN JONES

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58 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWING UPDATE2ND MAW CHERRY POINT2nd Marine Aircraft WingReadiness, Responsiveness and TransitionOverview2022 for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) was marked by continued vigilance, in the form of normal deployment cycles and extensive training; responsiveness, in the form of crisis and contingency support; and transition, in the form of structure changes and experimentation associated with the implementation of Force Design 2030. roughout 2022, 2nd MAW deployed units across the globe in support of crisis-contingency operations, forward-presence missions, major theater exercises, and engagement with partners and allies as part of the larger eort to provide stability in an uncertain world. To meet all missions and requirements, 2nd MAW maintained an average strength of just under 12,000 personnel and 407 aircraft, ew over 72,000 hours, and completed nearly 41,000 sorties at home and across the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Indo-Pacic Command, and U.S. Southern Command theaters.Dynamic Force Employmente beginning of 2022 found 2ndMAW supporting contingency operations in the CENTCOM region with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 and elements of Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 28 deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of the immediate response force. While there, VMFA-115 provided additional xed-wing coverage to augment and reinforce U.S. and partner nation forces during a time of heightened tensions in the region through March 2022. Exercise Cold Response 22 and Task Force Baltic Watchtower At the same time, 2nd MAW began movement of units and personnel via a combination of black-bottom shipping, strategic airlift, and self-deployment to ports and airbases in Norway to prepare for Exercise Cold Response 22. is extensive and critical NATO exercise brought together forces from 27 countries, eventually building to a force of over 30,000 allied personnel. 2nd MAW, as the aviation combat element for II Marine Expeditionary Force, played a central role in the exercise and provided the bulk of the U.S. force oering to NATO. 2nd MAW provided an ACE composed of xed-wing, tiltrotor, CH-53K First ExerciseCH-53K Mountain Home DFT

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2023 Symposium 59 2ND MAW CHERRY POINTand rotary-wing aircraft, augmented with a robust element of MACG-28 and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272, and supported by the Military Sealift Command aviation logistics support ship SS Wright (T-AVB 3). 2nd MAW (Fwd) topped out at just over 2,000 personnel and provided all functions of Marine aviation in the challenging cold-weather environment from February to April 2022. Exercise Cold Response 22 also provided a tremendous opportunity for 2nd MAW to exercise distributed aviation operations while working closely with NATO partners to rehearse missions associated with the defense of Norway, thereby meeting theater objectives to build and enhance partnerships with key allies. At the height of the exercise, 2nd MAW was directed to rapidly form and deploy a task-organized aviation combat element, designated Task Force Baltic Watchtower (TFBW) and headed by the commanding general of 2nd MAW, to locations in Poland and Lithuania in support of NATO. 2nd MAW rapidly repositioned from the Arctic to Eastern Europe to reinforce the Allied defensive posture and to support NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission. e deployments were conducted in coordination with host nations and military authorities, and although temporary in nature, were prudent measures to increase readiness and enhance Eastern Europe’s collective defense. Within a few days of notication, VMFA-312 was ying combat air patrols over the skies of Poland and elements of MACG-28 were augmenting the NATO air picture to help enhance NATO readiness to counter potential air and missile threats. To ensure adequate logistic support to these widely dispersed task force elements, as well as to meet air-to-air refueling requirements for VMFA-312, a detachment of KC-130Js from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 rounded out the force oering for TFBW. VMFA-312 and the VMGR-252 detachment redeployed to the continental U.S. in May, but the MACG-28 radar detachment remained through the end of September. VMA-542 Re-designates to VMFA-542NATO Air Policing MessageVMA-542 Re-designates to VMFA-542

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60 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgDeploymentsDespite the additional crisis-response commitments, 2nd MAW also continued to deploy units in support of global-force management requirements. In March, VMFA-533 deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, as part of Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 22.1 and 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion supported UDP 22.2 as well as a 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit rotation. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 REIN departed the continental U.S. as the ACE for 22nd MEU in May. 2nd MAW continued to provide support to the Northern and West Africa Response Force with VMM-365 (REIN) and a detachment of KC-130Js from VMGR-252 operating out of Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. is force completed its deployment in July after executing a relocation of the detachment to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and establishing a rotation with 3rd MAW to continue the crisis-response capability to both EUCOM and AFRICOM. In October, VMFA-312 deployed to relieve VMFA-533 for UDP 22.2 after a shortened pre-deployment work-up following TFBW. Finally, in December, VMM-162 (REIN) chopped to the 26th MEU to begin their work-ups for a 2023 deployment. Major Training and ExercisesTo meet the requirements for these deployments and to ensure continued high states of readiness, 2nd MAW trained extensively during 2022. During the year, 2nd MAW supported the following: two Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses, two service-level training exercises at Twentynine Palms, California, Exercise Caraibes 22 in Puerto Rico, Exercise Arctic Challenge in Norway, Exercise Archipelago Endeavor in Sweden, Exercise Northern Viking in Iceland, two Raven Exercises in support of U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command team certications in Gulfport, Mississippi, and a TAV-B Exercise (Exercise Carolina Dragon) on the East Coast. In between these major exercises, 2nd MAW squadrons stayed active in seeking unique training opportunities by executing deployments for training in every U.S. continental region as well as Alaska and Hawaii, each one with a special emphasis on distributed aviation operations and experimentation with tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) associated with expeditionary advanced base operations.Force Design 2030 (FD2030) Transitionse past year for 2nd MAW was also marked by an accelerated pace of change as the MAW continued its transition to its planned Force Design 2030 structure and associated operating concepts. In the latter half of 2022, 2nd MAW carried out key structure actions that included the stand-downs of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 366, Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron (MTACS) 28, and Marine Attack Training Squadron (VMAT) 203; the merger of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 29 and MALS-26 under the MALS-26 ag; the stand-up of Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) Company under Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 1 and Charlie Battery under 2nd LAAD; the reagging of VMA-542 as VMFA-542 (2nd MAW’s rst operational F-35B squadron); and the beginning of divestment of the RQ-21 as part of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 2’s transition to VMUT-2, which will take on the role of training MQ-9 crews for all wings. 2nd MAW also introduced the CH-53K King Stallion to the eet, with the delivery of the rst ve airframes to HMH-461 in October. NATO Air Policing Mission GATOR Lithuania

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2023 Symposium 61 2ND MAW CHERRY POINT2nd MAW also took advantage of the opportunity to implement and further develop key operating concepts associated with FD2030, with the intent of learning how best to structure and employ the ACE of the future in a changing threat environment. After extensive planning and coordination, 2nd MAW realigned all three MWSSs under MACG-28, allowing the service to consider the advantages of consolidating all wing-enabler support under one O-6 commander. Additionally, 2nd MAW was able to experiment with the employment of a Multifunction Air Operations Center (MAOC) during Exercise Cold Response 22, which provided extensive insights into this FD2030 concept. Finally, 2nd MAW initiated the development of a tactical standard operating procedure for distributed aviation operations that will enable 2nd MAW to develop and rene associated TTPs through a series of exercises scheduled to take place in 2023. Operational UpdatesMAG-14In 2022, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14 and its subordinate units took part in numerous overseas exercises and deployments. In February and March, MAG-14 units participated in NATO Exercise Cold Response 22 from multiple locations in Norway, with AV-8B Harriers from VMA-223 and KC-130Js from VMGR-252. roughout the year, VMGR-252’s continued support of Crisis Response Africa from NAS Sigonella, Italy, and Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. Additional MAG-14 KC-130Js also supported Task Force Baltic Watchtower, providing air-to-air refueling support for F/A-18s conducting enhanced Air Policing missions from Lask, Poland. e 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit was manned by AV-8Bs of VMA-542 and an Unmanned Aerial Systems Detachment from VMU-2, and participated in multiple partner nation exercises and international operations, largely focused on NATO integration along the Baltic Sea. MAG-14 also participated in numerous stateside exercises, including support for Service Level Training Exercises 2-22 and 3-22, and sending students and instructors to Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses 2-22 and 1-23. Multiple AV-8B ight demonstrations and yovers were conducted, including a Congressional request to open the President’s Cup golf tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina. Squadrons across the MAG also independently conducted multiple deployments for training to obtain expeditionary experience and prociency. 2022 was a year of considerable change within MAG-14, seeing numerous shifts in squadron alignment and makeup, new platforms, and dramatic changes to the physical spaces aboard MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. VMAT-203, long the birthplace of eet-ready Harrier pilots and maintainers, stood down and was replaced by the AV-8B Fleet Replacement Detachment. MWSS-271, the workhorse of the wing, became part of MACG-28 in accordance with Force Design 2030. Following their nal deployment, the Tigers of VMA-542 completed operations as an AV-8B squadron and was redesignated as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, beginning the transition to be the rst F-35B squadron in North Carolina. Similarly, VMU-2 began their transition away from the RQ-21 platform, divesting several systems and sending many Marines for training on the MQ-9, their platform of the future. Leaning into 2023, tomorrow’s ght has become the focus of MAG-14’s present operations. Planning and experimentation began for the active, unpredictable nature of distributed aviation operations. Much like the MAG-14 Marines who fought as part of the “Cactus Air Force” from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, MAG-14 remains focused on pushing forward, remaining dynamic on the battleeld, and taking the ght to the enemy.CR22 F/A-18

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62 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgMAG-26During 2022, MAG-26 served as the backbone of long-range assault support to II MEF, 6th Fleet, and Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa. MAG-26’s MV-22B area of inuence spanned three continents, across all climes and places. VMM-365 began the year on the nal deployment of North and West Africa Response Force, based out of Morón, Spain, and NAS Sigonella, Italy. Under the auspice of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, they delivered MV-22Bs to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as part of the stand-up of the Crisis Response Africa mission. Early in the year, VMM-263 (REIN) deployed with the 22nd MEU to 6th Fleet’s area of responsibility. VMM-266 (REIN) nished the year deployed to Camp Lemonnier in support of the Crisis Response Africa mission. Exercises and deployments for training included detachments to Bodo, Norway, for Exercise Cold Response 2; Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, for Service Level Training Exercise 3-22; Exercise Caraibes 22 in San Juan, Puerto Rico; multiple MARSOC-led Raven Exercises; as well as squadron detachments to Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, and Portland, Maine.MAG-26 proved itself as a “Ready, Skilled, and Tough” warghting organization. MAG-26 squadrons logged 21,522 ight hours, carried 18,712 passengers, and delivered over 1.8 million pounds of cargo. Despite a heavy operational tempo and challenging environments, MAG-26’s talented maintainers exceeded 70 percent mission-capable rate during 2022. In doing so, MAG-26 continues to nd eciencies that will carry into 2023 and allow it to tackle the tactical challenges and opportunities under Force Design 2030.MAG-29In 2022, MAG-29 provided II MEF with combat assault transport, utility, and attack aviation support while undergoing a period of signicant transition. In keeping with the principles of Force Design 2030, MAG-29 MV22 HMS POW CR22H-1s CR2222 MEU HMH464, Finland

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2023 Symposium 63 2ND MAW CHERRY POINTsundowned two highly accomplished and storied squadrons with the decommissioning of the “Gunrunners” of HMLA-269 and the “Hammerheads” of HMH-366. HMH-461 received its rst lot of the new CH-53K King Stallion aircraft and have been diligently re-training their pilots, aircrew, and maintainers, ushering in a new era of heavy lift in Marine aviation. During this transitional period, the squadrons of MAG-29 had an extremely busy and productive year. HMLA-269 and HMH-366, with a MAG-29 headquarters element, participated in Exercise Cold Response 22, deploying aircraft and personnel to Bardufoss, Norway, in the dead of winter to conduct invaluable cold-weather training north of the Arctic Circle. H-1 and CH-53E Super Stallion detachments from MAG-29 forward deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to the 6th Fleet area of operations, spending 30 days north of the Arctic Circle and most of the deployment in the Baltic Sea, where they strengthened partnerships with current and potential future allies while strategically countering adversarial nations. HMLA-167 and HMH-464 both supported Service Level Training Exercise 3-22 in Twentynine Palms, California, sending and recovering all aircraft and personnel across the country for combined arms training. MAG-29 units all supported Weapons and Tactics Instructor Courses 2-22 and 1-23 in Yuma, Arizona, creating a new cadre of instructors to help hone future pilots and aircrew.In addition to these deployments and exercises, MAG-29 units conducted deployments for training to areas as spread out as Michigan, West Virginia, Texas, California, Mississippi, Florida, Idaho and Kansas. MAG-29 demonstrated its commitment to supporting strategic objectives across disparate areas of operations, demonstrating their ability to x and y aircraft in any clime and place and showcasing what it means to be ready to ght and win our nation’s battles.MAG-31During 2022, MAG-31’s F/A-18 squadrons executed planned and unplanned deployments to provide AV-8B 22 MEU Take Off KSGL-MADIS Demo ATL FLDVMFAT-501 NOLA DFT

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64 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgaviation-delivered res to three combatant commanders: CENTCOM, EUCOM and INDOPACOM. At one point in March 2022, all MAG-31 ying squadrons were deployed in support of real-world operations or deployments for training. In total, MAG-31 F/A-18 squadrons ew 5,374 sorties for a total of 10,011 hours. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 ew 4,167 F-35 sorties for a total of 4,999 hours to produce F-35 pilots for the Fleet Marine Force. Both Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224 and VMFA-115 executed deployments for training to MCAS Yuma, Arizona, providing direct support for Weapons and Tactics Instructor Courses to enable F/A-18 Hornet WTI production. Additionally, VMFA-115 activated as the Immediate Response Force (IRF) and deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in the CENTCOM region. ey ew in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and conducted joint and bilateral training. VMFA-312 deployed to Bodo, Norway, to participate in Exercise Cold Response as part of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s ACE. After Exercise Cold Response 22, VMFA-312 was retasked to support contingency operations providing defensive counterair patrols from Lask, Poland, in support of the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission as part of Task Force Baltic Watchtower. VMFA-312 was the closest NATO ghter squadron to the border of Ukraine, demonstrating both the Marine Corps’ and United States’ commitment to the defense of NATO partners.VMFA(AW)-533 executed the squadron’s last UDP as an F/A-18C/D Hornet squadron. e Hawks covered a signicant expanse of the Pacic, operating primarily from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, with a deployment for training to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and multiple cross-countries to Kadena AFB, Okinawa. e Hawks’ deployment included ghter integration, attack of maritime targets, oensive counterair, defensive counterair, close-air support, and forward air controller (Airborne) missions. VMFA(AW)-533 also executed ghter maneuvering/dissimilar aircraft combat-training events with Air Force ghter squadrons and completed a MAG-12 AIM-9X missile shoot with VMFA-121 and VMFA-242. MAG-31 provided highly capable squadrons to combatant commanders across the globe and directly supported Weapons and Tactics Instructor production.MACG-28In 2022, MACG-28 supported 33 dierent operations, activities, and initiatives in the continental U.S. and within the EUCOM and INDOPACOM theaters. MACG-28 consistently overcame a variety of operational challenges specic to the 2nd MAW area of responsibility, such as acquiring frequency approval for radar operations in foreign nations, obtaining cost-eective transportation for movement of robust aviation command-and-control systems across vast distances, and maintaining a high level of readiness with strategic assets to meet Global Force Management tasking as well as service and unit-level training, Marine Expeditionary Force-directed training, and joint/coalition exercise requirements. MACG-28 conducted bilateral training events or operations in seven dierent countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. Deployments included the formation of detachments in support of 22nd and 31st MEUs, North and West Africa Response Force 22.1, Deployment for Exercise with VMFA-115, and the rst iteration of Task Force 6X (CTG 61/2.4).Major training events in which MACG-28 participated included Exercise Cold Response 22, Red Flag-Nellis 22-2, Aviation Logistic Support Ship (T-AVB) readiness exercise, WTIs 2-22 and 1-23, Cope Javelin 22-1, Pegasus Flight 22-1 and SLTE 1-22. e training continuum rened the perishable skills resident in amphibious operations and sustained institutional knowledge required to conduct high-intensity combat operations, primarily within the European theater. For MFAT-501 NOLA DFT VMU-2 Training with Canadian Partners

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2023 Symposium 65 2ND MAW CHERRY POINTExercise Cold Response 22, the MACG-28 headquarters deployed to Norway to lead a MAW-level Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS), which included a Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) for the commanding general, two Air Trac Control (ATC) detachments, a Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) battery, an Air Support Element (ASE) , a communications detachment, and an Air Control Company (ACC) task organized from elements of MASS-1, Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 2, and Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS) 28. is was the rst ever implementation of the ACC concept in MACG-28, deploying a Multifunction Air Operations Center (MAOC) with the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar for the exercise. While in Norway for Exercise Cold Response 22, MACG-28 was retasked to support EUCOM by conducting air surveillance and multidomain awareness in support of NATO operations. e group formed a detachment around the MAOC and TPS-80 and joined Task Force Baltic Watchtower. e task force redeployed from Norway to sites in Lithuania and Poland to support EUCOM missions. 2022 was also the rst instance of major Force Design 2030 changes within MACG-28. In June, all 2nd MAW Marine Wing Support Squadrons were realigned under MACG-28. In November, 2nd LAAD activated their Charlie Battery formation and MTACS-28 was deactivated in November, leading to the realignment of TACC capability into a company-sized formation within MASS-1. Looking ahead to 2023 As we look ahead to 2023, 2nd MAW will build upon the successes and gains made during 2022. e pace of change will not slow down, but will continue to provide opportunities to change and adapt to meet the challenges of the emerging threat environment. During 2023, 2nd MAW is scheduled to receive its rst operational F-35Bs, continue the build of HMH-461 and 2nd LAAD, and is scheduled to sundown HMH-464. Despite these changes, 2nd MAW will train extensively in distributed aviation operations and expand the associated tactics, techniques and procedures. During 2023, 2nd MAW will plan, train, exercise and adapt our distributed aviation operations capability through a series of exercises at all levels of command, highlighted by participation in Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 23 in support of II MEF, and Large Scale Exercise 23 in support of 2nd and 6th Fleets. All of this will lead to a chance to put all the hard work of 2022 and expected eorts of 2023 to the test in the challenging environment of Norway during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in the opening months of 2024. It will be an exciting time to be part of 2nd MAW as we become more capable, lethal and ready in the support of our nation. HMLA-167 Northern StrikeHMLA-269 Farewell Flight

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3RD MAW MIRAMARMarine Aircraft Group 11For Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11) the calendar year of 2022 began with sending VMFA-314 on the rst Marine Corps F-35C carrier deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) with Carrier Air Wing 9. e MAG-11 Operations department’s true capability was highlighted specically during the month of January and beyond due to the amount of events that required detailed coordination and attention to detail. As VMFA-314 embarked on the rst F-35C carrier air wing deployment, the rest of MAG-11 welcomed Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502). VMFAT-502 is a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) that is tasked to train the Marine Corps’ future F-35B pilots. VMFAT-502 moved from MAG-31 in Beaufort, S.C., to MAG-11. e transition of authority ceremony from MAG-31 to MAG-11 took place in the middle of January. e end of January and into February was consumed with preparations and execution of Winter Fury and Marine Division Tactics Course (MDTC). MAG-11 supported and hosted the Marine Division Tactics Course 2-22. VMFA-323 and VMFA-232 both had participants and graduates in that course. Winter Fury was executed at the same time as MDTC but the MAG-11 operations department ensured the deconiction of these separate events. Winter Fury participation included all the MAG-11

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68 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgsquadrons present at MCAS Miramar as well as the 61st Fighter Squadron (FS) from the Air Force, Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401), 401 TFS from the Canadian Royal Air Force, and multiple assets from MAG-13 in MCAS Yuma. VMFA-323’s ability to multi-task successfully was evident during this period as they supported Winter Fury, sent students through MDTC 2-22, and successfully conducted the Aircraft Quality Assurance inspector (ALMAT) and Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) inspections that concluded at the beginning of March.e period from 1 April 2022 to 30 Sept. 2022 focused on the Marine Aircraft Group 11’s (MAG-11) ability to operate in a joint environment while working on the USMC TACAIR TTPs in the Sea Denial Block Four Exercise. MAG-11 hosted and participated in a combination of Large Force Exercises (LFE’s) to include Summer Fury 22.1: Sea Denial Block 5, Black Flag events at Nellis Air Force Base, and Rim of the Pacic exercise (RIMPAC) hosted in Hawaii. In June, the Summer Fury/Sea Denial exercise developed and managed by MAG-11 hosted participants from the Air Force 422 Operational Test and Evaluation squadron, 6th Weapons Squadron, 418th ECS HC-130 squadron, Navy Test and Evaluation squadron 9, Naval Air Warfare Development E-2Ds, and elements from MAGs 13 and 39. is exercise focused on the development and renement of Joint Anti-Maritime TTPs. With the support of ird Fleet CG, DDG, and LCS combatant ships, MAG-11 and the Joint air participants were able to, for the rst time, train against a peer-level threat representation. e size and scope of this exercise was such that the Air Force designated it a Flag level exercise, a rst for a Marine Corps developed and executed event. MAG-11 also provided multiple static displays and demonstrated the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) display with the return of the Marine Corps Air Station’s Air Show for the rst time in more than two years. MAG-11 squadrons supported multiple EWTGPAC Firing Exercises enabling the training and designation of Forward Air Controllers. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) continued with their mission of producing capable pilots for the F/A-18 community as well as sending multiple Instructor Pilots through the TOPGUN Adversary course at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon. Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502) continued to build their cadre of instructor pilots and aircraft after their move to MCAS Miramar earlier in the year. During the buildup they continued to train CAT I pilots as well as conduct refresh and transition instruction. In addition to their standard mission, VMFAT-502 supported WTI 3-22 with aircraft and maintainers and completed an ACMI designation and WTI workup for Maj Hopkins to attend WTI 1-23. At the end of the scal year, VMFAT-502 conducted a Detachment for Training (DFT) to March ARB in Riverside, Calif.; focusing on CAT I pilot production.Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) continued to support the East Africa Response Force for the entirety of this period. VMGR-352 also participated in a Detachment for Training (DFT) in August that focused on completing qualications and training events to ensure deployment readiness and support capability across the spectrum of KC-130J missions. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) disembarked from the Marine Corps’ rst F-35C deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln with Carrier Air Wing 9 in August 2022 after more than seven months of operation sea time. is deployment was a highlight of the blue-green integration and the Marine Corps ability to continue to serve as an expeditionary force in readiness. VMFA-314 took part in the Black Flag Exercise shortly after their return from deployment. Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 (MWSS-373) underwent a Logistics Readiness Evaluation (LRE) in early May, testing the squadron’s logistics and embarkation capabilities. During the month of June, MWSS-373 transferred from MAG-11 to Marine Air Control Group 38 (MACG-38). Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 232 (VMFA-232) supported Service Level Training Exercise 3-22, multiple Sea Denial Blocks, RIMPAC 22, as well as two Black Flag exercises during this period. VMFA-232 conducted maritime strike, DCA and CAS events during RIMPAC culminating with the SINKEX of the decommissioned LPD-9 USS Denver. During the SINKEX, VMFA-232 employed HARM, HARPOON, and the rst F/A-18 A-D employment of the QUICKSINK variant of GBU-31 and GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM). e QUIKSINK JDAM is a developmental weapon variant that was previously employed by only B-1s and F-15s. is test employment by VMFA-232 was the rst DOD test against an actual warship and furthered the development of the weapon for the DOD at large. MAG-11 conducted another Sea Denial exercise with the Navy during November with the help of VMFA-314. Steel Knight was the nal large event for the Calendar year. MAG-11 trained with squadrons from throughout 3rd MAW

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70 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgWING UPDATE4TH MAW NEW ORLEANS4th Marine Aircraft WingIntroductionWith 6,157 Marines and Sailors and 115 aircraft assigned across four groups and 21 squadrons, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW) remained focused on its mission: to augment, reinforce and sustain the Active Component (AC) as an operational aircraft wing under a Total Force construct. The wing conducted daily distributed operations from 19 sites across 14 states with rotary and fixed wing aircraft to include AH-1Z, UH-1Y, CH-53E, MV-22B, F/A-18C, F-5F/N, KC-130J, UC-12F/W and UC-35D.4th MAW activated Marines across a wide range of requirements both in support of Training and Education Command (TECOM) eorts in the continental United States (CONUS) and in support of three Combatant Commands sourcing Global Force Management requirements outside of the continental United States (OCONUS). In support of Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT), 4th MAW activated and mobilized Marines from Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48 (MWCS-48) to augment Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s Deployable Joint Command and Control System (DJC2) in addition to a UC-35D detachment from Marine Transport Squadron (VMR) Andrews. In support of Marine Force Pacific Command, 4th MAW sustained the mobilization of and subsequently recovered an F/A-18 Unit Deployment Plan (UDP) formation comprised of Marines assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 41 (MALS-41). In support of Marine Forces Europe and Africa Command, 4th MAW activated and mobilized a UC-12W detachment from VMR Belle Chasse.The Wing also participated in multiple exercises and supported training for the AC Marine Corps and sister services. The scope of exercise support ranged from individual augments to the sourcing of large detachments. 4th MAW exercise support incorporated multiple Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Sta (CJCS) and Joint National Training Command (JNTC) exercises including: Neptune Hawk, Virtual Flag 22-1, Red Flag Alaska 22-2, Red Flag Nellis 22-2, Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD), Northern Strike, Northern Lightening 22, Jaded Thunder 22-1, Combined Command Post Training (CCPT) 22.2, Pacific Sentry 22-2 and Emerald Warrior 22-1. Finally, Marine Corps Reserve Instructor Pilot (MCRIP) personnel activated from Marine Aviation Training Support Group 42 (MATSG-42) in order to support pilot production goals in the Naval Aviation Pilot Training pipeline.

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2023 Symposium 71 4TH MAW NEW ORLEANSCpl. Monica Pomales, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, from Deerﬁeld Beach, Florida, conducts live ﬁre shooting drills in a UH-1Y Venom during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Smoky Hill Range, Kansas, on 17 June 2022. Exercise Gunslinger 22 is a joint exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps designed to increase aircraft control and training for potential real world contingencies.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. DAVID INTRIAGOU.S. Marines and soldiers from the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron fast-rope out of a CH-53E Super Stallion during exercise Gunslinger 22 in Riley, Kansas, 21 June 2022. Exercise Gunslinger 22 is a joint exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps designed to increase aircraft control and training for potential real-world contingencies. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. DAVID INTRIAGOU.S. Marines with All-Domain Effects Team, 2nd Air Naval Gunﬁre Liaison Company (ANGLICO), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (II MIG), call in air support during Exercise Gunslinger 2022 (Gunslinger 22) in Salina, Kansas, 16 June 2022. Gunslinger 22 is a joint U.S. Armed Forces exercise, demonstrating mobilization capability to forward deployed locations while employing and integrating a multitude of operational capabilities.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. JOSHUA DAVISGunslinger 22

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72 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgU.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas, on 20 June 2022. Routine aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the aircraft is operating within optimal ﬂight conditions.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. DAVID INTRIAGOU.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Control Group 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, participate in an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) simulated live ﬂight exercise during Exercise Gunslinger 22 at Great Bend, Kansas, 16 June 2022. The AN/TPS-80 replaces ﬁve of the Marine Corps’ single-mission radars with one multi-mission system, moving theMarine Corps Reserve closer to objectives laid out by Force Design 2030. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. DAVID INTRIAGOU.S. Marine Corps Capt. Collin Whetstone, a senior air director with Marine Aircraft Control Group 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, from Charlotte, North Carolina, instructs an airman during a joint live ﬂight exercise at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, 15 June 2022. Exercise Gunslinger 22 is a joint exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps designed to increase aircraft control.This is the ﬁrst time the U.S Marine Corps Reserves has integrated with the Kansas Air National Guard to increase interoperability and training for real world contingencies.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. DAVID INTRIAGOGunslinger 22

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2023 Symposium 73 4TH MAW NEW ORLEANSTOP: U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, assemble a tactical aviation ground refueling system during a refueling mission at a forward arming and refueling point located at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., 29 July 2022. The TAGRS includes all of the refueling components in one compact system allowing for rapid setup and breakdown. Marine Forces Reserve is using ITX 4-22 to exercise Force Design 2030 initiatives such as EABO. Marine Aircraft Wing 41 is providing forward sustainment to their AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters, which extends their range from a 130NM combat radius to 350NM, effectively tripling their area of inﬂuence.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY RYAN SCHMIDCENTER: U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isaiah Kilian, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, reads a fuel counter during a long-range refueling mission at a forward arming and refueling point located at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., 29 July 2022. Marine Forces Reserve is using ITX 4-22 to exercise Force Design 2030 initiatives such as EABO. Marine Aircraft Wing 41 is providing forward sustainment to their AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters, which extends their range from a 130NM combat radius to 350NM, effectively tripling their area of inﬂuence.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY RYAN SCHMIDBOTTOM: A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Venom with Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron (HMLA) 775, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, takes off during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., 29 July 2022. 4th Marine Aircraft Wing squadrons, including HMLA-775, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, worked side-by-side to execute an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations scenario during ITX 4-22. MAG-41 tripled the combat radius of the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom via multiple refueling methods, including the ﬁrst use of the Tactical Aviation Ground Refueling System during an exercise by the Reserve Component. This vastly reduced the refueling time required and prevented MAG-41 personnel and aircraft from being targeted by the enemy. This scenario was carried out entirely by MAG-41 assets and demonstrated the Reserve Component’s capability to execute missions described in Force Design 2030.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. DAVID INTRIAGOITX 4-22

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74 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgA U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper with the 163rd Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, refuels during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., on 20 July 2022.The MQ-9 Reaper received fuel via aviation delivered ground refueling from an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764, marking the ﬁrst time the MQ-9 received fuel from a joint asset and the ﬁrst time an Air National Guard MQ-9 received fuel from another aircraft.The MQ-9 Reaper provided close air support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force 23 during its execution of the ﬁre support coordination exercise of ITX as the Marine Corps Reserve continues to work to integrate with sister services in preparation for future operations. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. JENNIFER DELACRUZA U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper with the 163rd Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, refuels during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., on 20 July 2022.The MQ-9 Reaper received fuel via aviation delivered ground refueling from an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764, marking the ﬁrst time the MQ-9 received fuel from a joint asset and the ﬁrst time an Air National Guard MQ-9 received fuel from another aircraft.The MQ-9 Reaper provided close air support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force 23 during its execution of the ﬁre support coordination exercise of ITX as the Marine Corps Reserve continues to work to integrate with sister services in preparation for future operations.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. MATTHEW TEUTSCHITX 4-22

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2023 Symposium 75 4TH MAW NEW ORLEANSTOP: From left, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Flip Capistrano, Coast Guard attaché Brazil, U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Len “Loni” Anderson, the commanding general of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, and U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, talk after the opening ceremony for exercise UNITAS LXIII, during a tour aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) on Ilha de Mocangue Naval Base, Rio de Janeiro, 8 Sept. 2022. The opening ceremony recognized the ofﬁcial start of UNITAS LXIII. UNITAS is the world’s longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Uruguay conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious, and electronic warfare operations that enhance warﬁghting proﬁciency and increase interoperability among participating Navy and Marine forces.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. ETHAN K. CRAWBOTTOM: A UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, hovers over a Brazilian Air Force ﬂight line as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, 6 Sept. 2022. UNITAS trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warﬁghting proﬁciency and increase interoperability among participating Naval and Marine forces.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. COLTON K. GARRETTUNITAS 22

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2023 Symposium 77 4TH MAW NEW ORLEANSU.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) North Atlantic Ocean, 16 Aug. 2022. HMLA 773 launched three UH-1Y Venom and two AH-1Z Viper helicopters from McGuire Air Force Base and embarked them aboard the USS Mesa Verde for transit to Brazil in support of exercise UNITAS LXIII hosted by the Brazilian Navy and Marine Corps. UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959 and has taken place annually since ﬁrst conducted in 1960. This year marks the 63rd iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise. Additionally, this year Brazil will celebrate its bicentennial, a historical milestone commemorating 200 years of the country’s independence. U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. COLTON K. GARRETTU.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, discuss parachute operation techniques with Brazilian Marines as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio De Janeiro, 6 Sept. 2022. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine corps.U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. JONATHAN L. GONZALEZUNITAS 22

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78 MCAA Journal www.ymcaa.orgMCAA Scholarship WinnersOnyx Bradshaw alumnaRecently graduated from Onondaga Community College, alumna Onyx always dreamed of becoming a nurse. e MCAA supported Onyx’s dreams through a scholarship from the MCSF. Onyx plans to continue her education, intending to earn her master’s degree and become a Nurse Supervisor of a Pediatrics Unit. She said, “Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like your organization.” Onyx is one of many students to benet from the incredible partnership between the MCAA and the MCSF. In honor of this decades long partnership, the MCAA will be awarded the Semper Fidelis Award at the Annual Capital Area Celebratory Gala. Logan Lawson current student After years of support from the MCAA and the MCSF, Logan will graduate this spring with a degree in Math and Biology from Christopher Newport University. During her time at school, Logan has had the opportunity to research cancer treatments, using her math skills to analyze how amount of medicine can destroy cancer cells while not harming healthy ones. After she graduates, Logan intends to pursue a master’s degree and continue her research!For decades, students like Logan have been supported by the incredible partnership between the MCAA and the MCSF. e MCAA will be awarded with the Semper Fidelis Award at the Annual Capital Area Celebratory Gala in June in honor of this powerful partnership. Jake Evinger alumnus Last May, Jake Evinger graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Economics and Philosophy. During his time at school he served as President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and was a member of the men’s choir, pre-law and economics clubs. Continuing his educational journey, Jake dreams of becoming an intellectual property lawyer. “My university education would have been a completely dierent journey without the contributions of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and its donors” Jake said.e partnership between the MCAA and the MCSF has supported students like Jake as they pursue their educational dreams. In honor of the incredible dierence this decades long partnership has made for Marine families, the MCAA will be awarded the Semper Fidelis honor at the Annual Capital Area Celebratory Gala in June.

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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. Join TodayMembership is Open to Military and Civilians703.630.1903 | www.flymcaa.orgThe Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) is a non-profit 501(c)19 Veteran’s Organization.715 Broadway Street, Quantico, VA 22134www.ymcaa.orgCelebrating 75 Years of HMX-1 | A Fight to the Death | Operation Iraqi Freedom Part 3 e Magazine of Marine AviationFall 2021JournalJournalwww.ymcaa.orgHonoring Excellence in Marine Aviation2022Marine Corps Aviation AssociationHappy “50th” MCAA | The Rose Garden | The 2022 Aviation Awardswww.ymcaa.org Mayday: VMF-422 “The Lost Squadron” | Iron Horse is Now Flying the King Stallion! | Suborbital Cargo Transportatione Magazine of Marine AviationWinter 2022www.ymcaa.org A Call for Call Signs | DIY Ice Cream in Wartime | Growing Expeditionary Legs...e Magazine of Marine AviationWinter 2023All ranks, every Aviation MOS