MAG 11

• Origins in World War II: Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11) was commissioned on August 1, 1941, at Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia, making it one of the oldest and most storied aviation groups in the US Marine Corps. • Pioneers of Pacific Air Warfare: MAG-11 played a pivotal role in the Pacific theater during World War II, participating in campaigns across Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the Philippines. • First to Rabaul: MAG-11 squadrons were among the first to strike the major Japanese base at Rabaul, using innovative low-level attack tactics that contributed to the isolation of the base. • Combat Support in Korea: During the Korean War, MAG-11 provided crucial close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions, helping the United Nations forces repel North Korean and Chinese advances. • Vietnam War Deployment: MAG-11 was the first Marine Aircraft Group to deploy to Vietnam, arriving at Da Nang Air Base in 1965 and conducting combat operations throughout the conflict. • Record-Breaking Sorties: In Vietnam, MAG-11 set records for the number of sorties flown and tonnage of ordnance dropped, supporting both ground troops and strategic bombing missions. • Transition to Advanced Jets: Over its history, MAG-11 operated a wide range of aircraft, from the F4U Corsair and F6F Hellcat in WWII to the F-4 Phantom, F/A-18 Hornet, and the modern F-35 Lightning II. • Desert Storm Contributions: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, MAG-11 deployed to the Middle East, flying thousands of combat missions and providing air superiority, interdiction, and close air support. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, MAG-11 has participated in numerous humanitarian operations, including disaster relief efforts in the Philippines and Japan. • Based at MCAS Miramar: Today, MAG-11 is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and remains at the forefront of Marine Corps aviation, integrating cutting-edge aircraft and tactics.