H&MS-26

• Origins and Meaning: H&MS-26 stands for "Headquarters & Maintenance Squadron 26," a United States Marine Corps aviation unit primarily responsible for providing logistical, maintenance, and administrative support to Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26). • Activation Date: H&MS-26 was activated on 1 March 1952 at Marine Corps Air Facility New River, North Carolina, to support the growing aviation needs of the Marine Corps during the post-World War II period. • Vietnam War Service: Elements and personnel from H&MS-26 supported Marine helicopter operations in Vietnam by providing critical maintenance and logistical support to deployed squadrons. • Aircraft Support: Throughout its history, H&MS-26 maintained and supported a variety of aircraft, including the CH-46 Sea Knight, CH-53 Sea Stallion, and later the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. • Reorganization: As the Marine Corps streamlined its aviation logistics structure in the late 1980s, H&MS-26 was redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 (MALS-26) on 1 October 1988. • Desert Shield/Desert Storm: During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991), H&MS-26/MALS-26 deployed personnel and equipment to Southwest Asia to support Marine aviation units in combat. • Operation Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom: The squadron provided essential logistical and maintenance support for Marine aircraft engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, enabling extended combat operations. • Innovations in Maintenance: H&MS-26 pioneered several innovative maintenance and supply chain practices that improved aircraft readiness and set standards adopted across Marine aviation. • Unit Motto: The unit’s motto, “Ready For All Challenges,” reflects their commitment to supporting Marine aviation missions anytime, anywhere. • Community Involvement: Over the decades, H&MS-26/MALS-26 has been active in the Jacksonville and New River, NC communities, participating in outreach, educational programs, and disaster relief efforts.