About this Unit
Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 (MWSS-271), known as the "Workhorses," is a United States Marine Corps aviation ground support unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Activated on April 2, 1986, MWSS-271 provides essential aviation combat service support, including airfield operations, engineering, and refueling, to enable Marine aviation missions. The squadron has supported numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, deploying personnel and equipment to forward-deployed locations worldwide. Throughout its history, MWSS-271 has earned a reputation for adaptability and excellence in supporting both combat and humanitarian missions.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Mission: Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 (MWSS-271) was activated on 25 June 1986 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, with the mission to provide essential aviation ground support to enable Marine aviation operations.
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Nickname: The squadron is known as the “Workhorses,” reflecting their reputation for hard work and reliability in supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations.
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Desert Shield/Storm: MWSS-271 deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, constructing forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) and providing fuel, engineering, and logistical support under combat conditions.
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Hurricane Disaster Relief: The squadron has played a critical role in disaster relief, notably deploying to support recovery efforts after Hurricane Andrew in Florida (1992) and Hurricane Katrina (2005), providing humanitarian aid, engineering, and logistics.
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Global War on Terror: MWSS-271 has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom, establishing expeditionary airfields and supporting forward-deployed aviation units.
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Engineering Prowess: The unit is renowned for constructing expeditionary airfields, runways, and helicopter landing zones, often under austere and hostile conditions, enabling Marine aviation to project power rapidly.
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Support to Presidential Missions: MWSS-271 has provided aviation ground support for presidential movements and exercises, ensuring security and operational readiness during visits by the Commander-in-Chief.
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Training and Innovation: The squadron regularly innovates in field engineering, fuel handling, and aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) tactics, participating in exercises such as Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) and Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses.
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Accolades and Awards: MWSS-271 has received numerous unit commendations for excellence in logistics and aviation ground support, including Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations.
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Community Engagement: The “Workhorses” are active in community outreach, participating in Toys for Tots, local parades, and veteran support events in the Eastern North Carolina region.
