Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29
Encyclopedia
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 (MALS-29) is an aviation logistics support unit of the United States Marine Corps
. Known as the "Wolverines", they fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29
and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
and are currently based at Marine Corps Air Station New River
.
, North Carolina and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29 on 1 May 1972. During the years from 1972 through 1976, H&MS-29 operated the MAG-29 Aerial Observer School and performed its primary mission as an Intermediate Maintenance and Supply support activity.
On 1 October 1988, H&MS-29 was re-designated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 (MALS-29) as a result of the implementation of the Marine Aviation Logistics Support Package concept.
(MAG-40), 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Additionally, during December 1990, MALS-29, under the operational control of Marine Aircraft Group 26
(MAG-26), deployed to Southwest Asia. MALS-29 was a participant in Operation Desert Storm and distinguished itself with several first-time aviation logistics actions, including operating a fully functional rotary wing Intermediate Maintenance Activity aboard the USS Wright (TAVB-3), while continuously supporting MAG-26 during the ground war. On 22 May 1991, the squadron recalled its personnel, who were disbursed throughout the Kuwait
i theater of operations, and during June 1991, redeployed itself at MCAS New River, NC. The reconstitution of the Intermediate Maintenance Activity in support of MAG-29 was completed on 1 August 1991.
From 1992 through 1999, MALS-29 continued to support MAG-29 tactical aircraft operations. Over this period, the Squadron underwent extensive changes in personnel and logistical support with the decommissioning of VMO-1
and the transfer of HMT-302
to MAG-29. During 1996, participation in Operation Decisive Endeavor in Bosnia
, Operation Assured Response in Liberia, Operation Silver Wake
in Albania, and tactical operations in Zaire
demonstrated MALS-29's ability to provide expeditionary support around the globe. In 1999, participation in Operation Allied Force
, Operation Allied Harbor
, Operation Noble Anvil and Operation Joint Guardian placed the MALS-29 detachment within the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
(26th MEU) in support of the Ground Combat Elements peacekeeping mission surrounding the Kosovo Conflict.. Before returning home, the MEU was called to Turkey
for disaster relief from the tragic earthquakes for Operation Avid Response.
. The squadron developed a unique and flexible concept of logistics support while embarking personnel, equipment, and supplies aboard four L-class ships as part of Task Force Tarawa
. From multiple sites throughout the theater and deep into Iraq, MALS-29 supported more than 6,000 flight hours and over 3,700 combat sorties during Operation Iraqi Freedom, giving MAG-29 over 400 miles (643.7 km) of reach inland and the flexibility to leapfrog great distances in pursuit of operational objectives. Throughout the duration of combat operations, MAG-29 squadrons maintained a combined average 81 percent mission capable rate
and a 60 percent full mission capable rate.
In March 2004, the Wolverine logistical support was called upon via the activation of the Air Contingency MAGTF in support of security operations in Haiti
. MALS-29 deployed again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January 2007 for one year and returned February 2008.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
. Known as the "Wolverines", they fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29
Marine Aircraft Group 29
Marine Aircraft Group 29 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station New River that is currently composed of four CH-53E Super Stallion squadrons including the Fleet Replacement Squadron, three Light Attack Squadron flying AH-1W SuperCobras and UH-1N Twin Hueys,...
and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is the major east coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina...
and are currently based at Marine Corps Air Station New River
Marine Corps Air Station New River
Marine Corps Air Station New River is a United States Marine Corps helicopter base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. In 1972, the airfield was named McCutcheon Field for Brigadier General Keith B. McCutcheon, one of the fathers of Marine Corps helicopter aviation...
.
Mission
Provide aviation logistics support, guidance, planning and direction to Marine Aircraft Group squadrons on behalf of the commanding officer, as well as logistics support for Navy funded equipment in the supporting Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS), Marine Air Control Group (MACG), and Marine Aircraft Wing/Mobile Calibration Complex (MAW/MCC).Early years
Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 29 (H&MS-29) at Marine Corps Air Station New RiverMarine Corps Air Station New River
Marine Corps Air Station New River is a United States Marine Corps helicopter base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. In 1972, the airfield was named McCutcheon Field for Brigadier General Keith B. McCutcheon, one of the fathers of Marine Corps helicopter aviation...
, North Carolina and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29 on 1 May 1972. During the years from 1972 through 1976, H&MS-29 operated the MAG-29 Aerial Observer School and performed its primary mission as an Intermediate Maintenance and Supply support activity.
On 1 October 1988, H&MS-29 was re-designated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 (MALS-29) as a result of the implementation of the Marine Aviation Logistics Support Package concept.
1990s
In August 1990, MALS-29 commenced its support of Operation Desert Shield by deploying four detachments aboard L-Class ships in direct support of Marine Aircraft Group 40Marine Aircraft Group 40
Marine Aircraft Group 40 is a composite United States Marine Corps aviation unit that is based in Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and currently deployed to Afghanistan...
(MAG-40), 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Additionally, during December 1990, MALS-29, under the operational control of Marine Aircraft Group 26
Marine Aircraft Group 26
Marine Aircraft Group 26 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station New River that is currently composed of seven MV-22 Osprey squadrons one of which is the Fleet Replacement Squadron and one aviation logistics squadron...
(MAG-26), deployed to Southwest Asia. MALS-29 was a participant in Operation Desert Storm and distinguished itself with several first-time aviation logistics actions, including operating a fully functional rotary wing Intermediate Maintenance Activity aboard the USS Wright (TAVB-3), while continuously supporting MAG-26 during the ground war. On 22 May 1991, the squadron recalled its personnel, who were disbursed throughout the Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
i theater of operations, and during June 1991, redeployed itself at MCAS New River, NC. The reconstitution of the Intermediate Maintenance Activity in support of MAG-29 was completed on 1 August 1991.
From 1992 through 1999, MALS-29 continued to support MAG-29 tactical aircraft operations. Over this period, the Squadron underwent extensive changes in personnel and logistical support with the decommissioning of VMO-1
VMO-1
Marine Observation Squadron 1 was an observation squadron of the United States Marine Corps which saw extensive action during World War II and supported numerous contingencies during the Cold War. They were based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and saw their final deployment...
and the transfer of HMT-302
HMT-302
Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 , is a United States Marine Corps helicopter training squadron stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina...
to MAG-29. During 1996, participation in Operation Decisive Endeavor in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
, Operation Assured Response in Liberia, Operation Silver Wake
Operation Silver Wake
Operation Silver Wake was a non-combatant evacuation operation led by the United States to evacuate American citizens, noncombatants and designated third country nationals from Albania in March 1997. The operation was performed by U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting...
in Albania, and tactical operations in Zaire
Zaire
The Republic of Zaire was the name of the present Democratic Republic of the Congo between 27 October 1971 and 17 May 1997. The name of Zaire derives from the , itself an adaptation of the Kongo word nzere or nzadi, or "the river that swallows all rivers".-Self-proclaimed Father of the Nation:In...
demonstrated MALS-29's ability to provide expeditionary support around the globe. In 1999, participation in Operation Allied Force
Operation Allied Force
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was NATO's military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999...
, Operation Allied Harbor
Operation Allied Harbor
Operation Allied Harbor was NATO's first humanitarian operation. Normally, such operations are almost exclusively the domain of civilian organisations, both international and non-governmental, but, in the case of the Kosovo crisis, by the end of March 1999 these agencies were unable to cope with...
, Operation Noble Anvil and Operation Joint Guardian placed the MALS-29 detachment within the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of four major parts: a command element,...
(26th MEU) in support of the Ground Combat Elements peacekeeping mission surrounding the Kosovo Conflict.. Before returning home, the MEU was called to Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
for disaster relief from the tragic earthquakes for Operation Avid Response.
Global War on Terror
In January 2003, MALS-29 deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and a possible larger scale conflict in IraqIraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
. The squadron developed a unique and flexible concept of logistics support while embarking personnel, equipment, and supplies aboard four L-class ships as part of Task Force Tarawa
Task Force Tarawa
Task Force Tarawa was the name given to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They were a Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanded by Brigadier General Richard F...
. From multiple sites throughout the theater and deep into Iraq, MALS-29 supported more than 6,000 flight hours and over 3,700 combat sorties during Operation Iraqi Freedom, giving MAG-29 over 400 miles (643.7 km) of reach inland and the flexibility to leapfrog great distances in pursuit of operational objectives. Throughout the duration of combat operations, MAG-29 squadrons maintained a combined average 81 percent mission capable rate
Availability
In telecommunications and reliability theory, the term availability has the following meanings:* The degree to which a system, subsystem, or equipment is in a specified operable and committable state at the start of a mission, when the mission is called for at an unknown, i.e., a random, time...
and a 60 percent full mission capable rate.
In March 2004, the Wolverine logistical support was called upon via the activation of the Air Contingency MAGTF in support of security operations in Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
. MALS-29 deployed again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January 2007 for one year and returned February 2008.
See also
- United States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
- Organization of the United States Marine CorpsOrganization of the United States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is organized within the Department of the Navy, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy . The most senior Marine officer is the Commandant of the Marine Corps, responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps so that it is ready for...
- List of United States Marine Corps aviation support units