About this Unit
Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 (MWSS-471) is a United States Marine Corps Reserve aviation ground support unit. Activated on 1 June 1992, MWSS-471 is headquartered at Minneapolis-Saint Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, with detachments in Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The squadron’s mission is to provide all essential aviation ground support to Marine aviation units, including airfield operations, engineering, refueling, and motor transport. Over the years, MWSS-471 has supported various training exercises and deployments, contributing to both domestic readiness and overseas contingencies.
Historical Facts
• Formation: Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 (MWSS-471) was activated in 1986, providing aviation ground support to Marine aviation units within the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
• Nickname: The squadron is nicknamed "Red Wolves," a moniker reflecting both their tenacity and their unit insignia.
• Geographical Spread: MWSS-471 is unique in that it is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but has detachments in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan.
• Reserve Component: As a reserve unit, MWSS-471 is predominantly staffed by Marine Reservists who train regularly and can be mobilized for active duty during national emergencies or major operations.
• Operational Deployments: Elements of MWSS-471 have been deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, providing vital airfield support and engineering services.
• Wide Range of Capabilities: The squadron provides essential services such as airfield operations, aircraft refueling, firefighting, engineering, motor transport, and security for forward-deployed Marine aviation units.
• Humanitarian Missions: MWSS-471 Marines have participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations within the United States, showcasing the squadron's versatility.
• Annual Training: The unit regularly participates in annual training exercises like Integrated Training Exercises (ITX) at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, honing their expeditionary support skills.
• Community Engagement: MWSS-471 is active in community outreach, participating in local events, parades, and veteran ceremonies, strengthening the bond between the Marine Corps and the local population.
• Unit Awards: Over the years, MWSS-471 has earned several Navy and Marine Corps unit commendations for their outstanding performance, professionalism, and mission accomplishment.
