Christopher McTurnan

Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 (MWSS-172), known as the “Firehawks,” was activated on 16 April 1986 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The squadron is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and provides essential aviation ground support for Marine Corps aviation operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. MWSS-172 has supported numerous exercises, humanitarian missions, and real-world contingencies, including operations in the Philippines, Thailand, and disaster relief efforts such as Operation Tomodachi following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami. Through its diverse mission sets, MWSS-172 continues to play a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of Marine aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific.