About this Unit
Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 (MTACS-28) was a unit of the United States Marine Corps established in 1989 as part of Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Its primary mission was to provide the Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, facilitating the command and control of aviation assets in support of Marine operations. MTACS-28 participated in numerous exercises and deployments, including support for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The unit was deactivated in 2022 as part of the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 initiative, which aimed to modernize and restructure Marine aviation command and control capabilities.
Historical Facts
• Established in 1947: Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 (MTACS-28) traces its origins to 1947, making it one of the older aviation command and control units in the US Marine Corps.
• Nickname "Black Knights": MTACS-28 is known as the "Black Knights," a moniker that reflects both their heraldry and their steadfast operational spirit.
• Part of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing: The squadron serves under Marine Air Control Group 28, within the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
• Deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan: MTACS-28 has actively supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, providing critical aviation command and control in combat zones.
• Command Element Role: The unit’s primary mission is to provide the Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, acting as the nerve center for aviation command and control.
• Support in Humanitarian Missions: MTACS-28 personnel have participated in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations, including hurricane response missions in the United States and the Caribbean.
• Technological Transition: Over the decades, MTACS-28 has transitioned through various generations of command and control systems, from analog to advanced digital networks, enhancing the Marine Corps’ operational effectiveness.
• Joint Operations: The squadron has worked closely with Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied forces, demonstrating interoperability during large-scale joint and multinational exercises.
• Deactivation and Reactivation: MTACS-28 has experienced periods of deactivation and reactivation as part of Marine Corps force structure adjustments, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
• Unit Awards: The squadron has earned numerous unit commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, recognizing its exceptional performance in both peacetime and combat operations.
