About this Unit
Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 (MATSG-23) traces its origins to World War II as part of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Technical Training Center at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California. The unit was formally established as MATSG-23 in 1982 to provide administrative and training support for Marines undergoing aviation technical training. Over the years, MATSG-23 has played a key role in training Marine Corps aviation maintenance and support personnel, ensuring operational readiness for Marine aviation units. Today, MATSG-23 is headquartered at NAS Lemoore and continues its mission by supporting Marines in advanced aviation training programs.
Historical Facts
• Origin: Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 (MATSG-23) traces its roots back to World War II, originally formed as Marine Aircraft Group 23 (MAG-23), which played a key role in the Battle of Guadalcanal.
• Guadalcanal Legacy: During the Guadalcanal campaign, MAG-23 became famous for its pivotal role in providing air support, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for its valor and effectiveness.
• Transition to Training: After several reorganizations, MAG-23’s lineage continued as MATSG-23, now focusing on training Marines in aviation and technical support roles for the Fleet Marine Force.
• Location: MATSG-23 is based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," and oversees Marine students in various aviation-related schools.
• Multi-Service Mission: The unit works closely with the U.S. Navy and Air Force, training Marines alongside their sister service counterparts to foster joint interoperability.
• Largest MATSG: MATSG-23 is the largest of the MATSG units, supporting thousands of Marines annually in their initial entry-level aviation training.
• Mascot and Motto: The group’s mascot, the “Flying Bulldog,” symbolizes tenacity, and its motto is “Excellence Through Training.”
• Technical Breadth: Training under MATSG-23 covers a wide range of aviation specialties, including aviation maintenance, air traffic control, aviation supply, and ordnance.
• Women in Aviation: MATSG-23 has been at the forefront of integrating women into all aviation MOSs, celebrating numerous milestones as female Marines graduate in previously male-only fields.
• Community Outreach: The unit is known for its volunteerism and community engagement in the Pensacola area, participating in local events, parades, and educational outreach to inspire future service members.
