H&MS 31

• Origins and Name: Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31 (H&MS-31) was a support unit of the United States Marine Corps aviation, providing vital maintenance and logistical support to Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31). • World War II Roots: H&MS-31 traces its origins back to World War II, when MAG-31 was commissioned in 1943 at Cherry Point, North Carolina, to support aviation operations in the Pacific Theater. • Okinawa Campaign: During the Battle of Okinawa, MAG-31 and its supporting units, including the precursor to H&MS-31, played a key role in providing air support and logistics to Marine and Allied ground forces. • Postwar Era: After WWII, H&MS-31 continued to serve as an essential component of Marine Corps aviation, adapting to new aircraft and technologies through the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War eras. • Advanced Aircraft Support: H&MS-31 provided maintenance for a wide range of aircraft over the years, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, F4 Phantom II, and F/A-18 Hornet. • Location at MCAS Beaufort: H&MS-31 was based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, a key training and operational hub for Marine aviation. • 1960s and 1970s Operations: The squadron supported deployments and training exercises during the Vietnam War era, ensuring Marine fighter squadrons remained mission-ready. • Transition to MALS: In the late 1980s, H&MS-31 was redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS-31), reflecting a broader logistics and maintenance mission. • Nickname – “Stingers”: Over time, the unit and its personnel became known as the “Stingers,” a nod to their support of fighter squadrons and their own emblem featuring a wasp. • Enduring Legacy: The traditions, esprit de corps, and technical expertise established by H&MS-31 continue today under MALS-31, supporting USMC aviation operations worldwide.