1st Marine Air Wing MARS Unit

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About 1st Marine Air Wing MARS Unit

The 1st Marine Air Wing MARS Unit is a specialized component within the United States Marine Corps, operating under the larger 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Established to provide advanced communications, reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities, the unit has played a vital role in supporting Marine air operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Over the years, the MARS Unit has been instrumental in enhancing command and control during both combat missions and humanitarian relief efforts. Its Marines are highly trained in airborne, electronic warfare, and expeditionary support, making the unit a critical asset to the overall effectiveness of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

Unit Members

Roger Johnson

U.S. Marine Corps

1st Marine Air Wing MARS UnitView Profile

James Ross

U.S. Marine Corps

1st Marine Air Wing MARS UnitView Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps • 1976

About 1st Marine Air Wing MARS Unit

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Formation and Role: The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) was activated in July 1941 at Quantico, Virginia, and serves as the aviation combat element of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. • MARS Unit: The term "MARS" within the US military commonly refers to the Military Auxiliary Radio System, which supported communications including for the 1st MAW, especially during the Vietnam War. • Pearl Harbor Response: Elements of 1st MAW responded immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, providing crucial air defense for Hawaii. • Guadalcanal Campaign: 1st MAW played a critical role in the Battle of Guadalcanal, providing air support and resupply to embattled Marines on the ground. • Korean War Contributions: During the Korean War, 1st MAW provided close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions, earning two Presidential Unit Citations. • Vietnam War Operations: 1st MAW was heavily involved in Vietnam, flying thousands of combat sorties and supporting Marine and allied ground forces. • MARS Radio Stories: Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) volunteers assisted 1st MAW Marines in Vietnam by enabling “MARSgrams” and morale-boosting phone calls home. • Global Presence: Today, 1st MAW is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, and maintains a forward-deployed presence throughout the Pacific. • Aircraft Diversity: 1st MAW operates a wide range of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, MV-22 Osprey, CH-53E Super Stallion, and AH-1Z Viper. • Humanitarian Missions: 1st MAW has taken part in numerous humanitarian missions, such as Operation Tomodachi in response to the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, delivering aid and relief.