MAG-26

• Origins in WWII: Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) was originally commissioned on 1 March 1942 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, playing a vital role in training and supporting aviation units during World War II. • Helicopter Pioneers: MAG-26 has been a pioneer in the use of helicopters, operating early rotary-wing aircraft such as the Sikorsky HRS-1 and later advancing to the CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53 Sea Stallion. • Vietnam War Service: Elements of MAG-26 were deployed to Vietnam, where they provided critical assault support, medevac, and resupply missions for Marine ground forces. • Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, MAG-26 participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, delivering troops and supplies across the vast deserts of Kuwait and Iraq. • Humanitarian Missions: MAG-26 has frequently responded to natural disasters, including hurricane relief in the Caribbean and earthquake response in Haiti, showcasing their versatility beyond combat operations. • Transition to the MV-22 Osprey: In the early 2000s, MAG-26 became one of the first Marine units to transition from the CH-46 Sea Knight to the revolutionary MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: MAG-26 squadrons were deployed to Iraq, providing assault support and logistics for ground operations throughout the conflict. • Expeditionary Focus: Based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, MAG-26 maintains a rapid deployment capability as part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, supporting Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) worldwide. • Support for Special Operations: MAG-26 aircraft and crews have supported U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) in training and operational deployments. • Motto and Insignia: The group’s motto, “Ready, Responsive, Reliable,” reflects its commitment to providing timely and effective aviation support, and its insignia features an eagle clutching lightning bolts, symbolizing speed and striking power.