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ABOUT 3rd Marine Air wing....
- Formation During World War II: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) was commissioned on November 10, 1942, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to provide air support for the Pacific Theater.
- Pacific Island Campaigns: During WWII, 3rd MAW squadrons played vital roles in the Solomon Islands, Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and the Marianas, supporting amphibious assaults and air superiority missions.
- Korean War Reactivation: Though deactivated after WWII, 3rd MAW was reactivated in 1952 at MCAS Miami, Florida, in response to the Korean War, and later moved to MCAS El Toro, California.
- Home at Miramar: In 1999, the 3rd MAW headquarters moved to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, which remains its primary base today.
- Operation Desert Storm: 3rd MAW played a crucial role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), flying thousands of sorties, providing close air support, and destroying enemy armor and fortifications.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: The wing has been heavily involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting ground troops with attack helicopters, jets, and logistical aircraft.
- Fighter Aircraft Innovation: 3rd MAW has operated a wide array of aircraft, from the F4U Corsair and F4 Phantom to the modern F/A-18 Hornet and the F-35B Lightning II.
- Humanitarian Missions: The wing has participated in disaster relief, including operations in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
- Blue Diamond Insignia: The wing’s blue diamond insignia is a nod to its "Diamondbacks" nickname and is a symbol of pride and tradition among its Marines.
- Women in Aviation: 3rd MAW has seen pioneering women aviators and maintainers serve in its ranks, reflecting the increasing integration and recognition of women in Marine Corps aviation.