About this Unit
Marine Wing Support Group 18 (MWSG-18) was activated on July 1, 1953, and is a United States Marine Corps aviation ground support unit. Throughout its history, MWSG-18 has provided essential aviation combat service support to Marine Aircraft Wing operations, primarily in the Pacific region. The group participated in numerous exercises and supported operations in Okinawa, Japan, as well as deployments to the Middle East during Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. MWSG-18 played a critical role in maintaining airfield operations, engineering, and logistics for Marine aviation units until its deactivation in 2020 as part of the Corps' force modernization efforts.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: Marine Wing Support Group 18 (MWSG-18) traces its lineage back to World War II, originally standing up as part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing to provide aviation ground support in the Pacific theater.
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Reactivation in the Jet Age: The unit was reactivated on July 1, 1953, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, adapting to the rapidly changing needs of aviation logistics in the post-war era.
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Key Role in Vietnam: Elements of MWSG-18 supported Marine aviation units during the Vietnam War, providing essential ground support for air operations, including fuel, ammunition, and runway repair.
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First to Support Vertical Take-Off Aircraft: The unit played a pioneering role in supporting the AV-8B Harrier, the Marine Corps’ vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) attack aircraft.
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Disaster Relief Operations: MWSG-18 participated in several humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, including providing aid to the Philippines after Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
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Permanent Presence in Okinawa: Since 1976, MWSG-18 has been based at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, supporting the forward-deployed 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and serving as a critical logistics hub in the Pacific.
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Integral to MAGTF Operations: The group’s support battalions provide everything from airfield operations and engineering to motor transport and medical services, enabling the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to operate independently.
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Unit Awards: MWSG-18 and its subordinate units have earned multiple unit commendations, including Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations, for their superior performance in both combat and peacetime missions.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: The unit was deactivated in 2000 as part of force restructuring, only to be reactivated in 2005, demonstrating its enduring importance to Marine aviation support.
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Recent Deactivation: In May 2020, MWSG-18 was deactivated again as part of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030, which seeks to modernize and reorganize Marine forces to meet future challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
