About this Unit
Marine Wing Support Squadron 27 (MWSS-27) is a United States Marine Corps aviation ground support unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Activated in 1986 under Marine Wing Support Group 27 (MWSG-27), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2D MAW), MWSS-27 provides essential aviation ground support for embarked or forward-deployed aviation combat elements. The squadron has supported numerous operations and exercises, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, ensuring the rapid establishment and maintenance of expeditionary airfields. MWSS-27 is renowned for its versatility, supporting both combat operations and humanitarian missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Activation: Marine Wing Support Squadron 27 (MWSS-27) traces its origins to the World War II-era Marine Air Base Squadron 27, which was activated on January 1, 1943. The modern MWSS-27 was activated on October 1, 1979, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina.
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Mission: MWSS-27 provides essential aviation ground support to enable operations of Marine Aircraft Group 14 and other aviation units, including airfield operations, engineering, motor transport, and expeditionary airfield services.
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Nickname: The unit is known as the "Ironmen," a name that reflects their toughness and resilience in providing support under challenging conditions.
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Parent Command: MWSS-27 is a subordinate unit of Marine Wing Support Group 27 (MWSG-27), which falls under the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.
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Expeditionary Airfield Capability: The squadron is capable of constructing and maintaining expeditionary airfields, including rapid runway repair, fueling, and aircraft recovery operations, making it vital for forward-deployed aviation missions.
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Humanitarian Operations: MWSS-27 has supported numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief after hurricanes and other natural disasters along the East Coast and in the Caribbean.
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Combat Deployments: MWSS-27 personnel have deployed to support combat operations in Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, providing critical airfield and ground support services in austere environments.
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Engineering Excellence: The squadron is renowned for its engineering capabilities, constructing runways, helicopter landing zones, and other infrastructure for Marine Corps and joint force aviation operations.
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Cherry Point Location: MWSS-27 is based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, which is one of the largest Marine Corps air stations and a key location for East Coast aviation operations, logistics, and training.
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Unit Awards: MWSS-27 and MWSG-27 have earned multiple unit commendations and awards over the years for their outstanding support, including Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations.
