About this Unit
Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 (MWSS-374) was a United States Marine Corps aviation ground support unit based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. Activated in 1993, MWSS-374 provided essential aviation ground support, including airfield operations, engineering, motor transport, and fueling, to Marine Corps aviation units during training and deployments. The squadron played a key role in supporting operations in the Global War on Terror, notably deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan to sustain forward operating bases and expeditionary airfields. MWSS-374 was deactivated in March 2022 as part of force modernization initiatives within the Marine Corps.
Historical Facts
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Origins: Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 (MWSS-374) traces its origins to 1986, when it was activated at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, California.
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Desert Support: MWSS-374 provided critical aviation ground support for all units training at the vast Mojave Desert ranges of MCAGCC, the largest USMC base in the world.
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Gulf War Service: Elements of MWSS-374 deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991), playing a key role in establishing forward expeditionary airfields.
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MWSS Mission: The squadron’s core mission was to provide all essential aviation ground support requirements—fueling, runway repair, airfield security, and logistics—for Marine aviation units.
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Humanitarian Operations: MWSS-374 participated in disaster relief operations, including supporting firefighting efforts and humanitarian aid missions within the United States.
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Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: MWSS-374 deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing expeditionary airfield services in austere environments.
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“Desert Scorpions” Nickname: The squadron adopted the nickname “Desert Scorpions” in honor of their desert location and their resilient, adaptive spirit.
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Unique Capabilities: MWSS-374 was known for its ability to rapidly build and operate expeditionary airfields, including setting up runways, establishing fuel farms, and providing crash/fire/rescue services.
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Deactivation: MWSS-374 was deactivated in 2022 as part of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 initiative, marking the end of more than three decades of distinguished service.
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Decorations: Over its history, MWSS-374 earned multiple unit commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and Meritorious Unit Commendation, for its outstanding performance in both combat and peacetime operations.
