Tactically, a Marine aircraft squadron is task-organized for a specific mission that may call for from one aircraft to the entire squadron. This tactical organization is temporary and fluid and rarely lasts with the same aircraft/aircrews for more than one mission. This continual reorganization occurs as aircraft and aircrews are rotated onto the flight schedule per aircraft availability, crew rest, and other considerations. A general tactical organizational scheme is: sortie - one aircraft on one mission, under the command of a designated aircraft commander (multi-pilot/crew aircraft only); section - two or three aircraft, under the command of a designated section leader; division - two or three sections under the command of a designated division leader, squadron - two or three divisions, under the command of the squadron commander or his designated representative (e.g., executive officer, operations officer, etc.). Traditionally, the lead aircraft belongs to the commanding officer.
Fixed-wing aircraft squadrons are denoted by the letter "V", which comes from the French verb "Voler" (to fly). Rotary wing (helicopter) squadrons use "H." Squadrons flying lighter than air vehicles (balloons), which were active from World War I to 1943, were indicated by the letter "Z" in naval squadron designation.[52] Marine squadrons are always noted by the second letter "M." Squadron numbering is not linear, as some were numbered in ascending order and others took numbers from the wing or the ship to which they were assigned.[53] From 1920 to 1941, Marine flying squadrons were identified by one digit numbers. This changed on 1 July 1941 when all existing squadrons were redesignated to a three-digit system. The first two numbers were meant to identify the squadron's parent group, but with the rapid expansion during the war and frequent transfer of squadrons, this system fell apart.[54] Each squadron has a unique two digit tail code painted onto the vertical stabilizer that tends to remain the same for the entire life of the squadron (though it will sometimes change temporarily as a squadron is assigned to a ship).
Fleet Marine Force (FMF) squadrons almost always consist of only one model of aircraft with different types of squadrons having differing numbers of aircraft. However, a few FMF squadrons (i.e., HMLA) and some non-FMF squadrons (e.g., HMX-1 and VMR-1) contain two or more models of aircraft (e.g., HMLA - AH-1 and UH-1; HMX-1 - VH-3, CH-53, UH-60; and VMR-1 - C-9, CT-39, and HH-46). Typical FMF squadron types and number/model of aircraft assigned are:
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Rotary Wing
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Heavy Helicopter (HMH) - 16 CH-53
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Medium Helicopter (HMM) - 12 CH-46
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Light/Attack Helicopter (HMLA) - 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1
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Tilt-Rotor
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Medium Tilt-Rotor (VMM) - 12 MV-22
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Fixed Wing
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Light Attack (VMA) - 16 AV-8
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Tactical Electronic Warfare Attack (VMAQ) - 5 EA-6
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Fighter Attack (VMFA) - 12 F/A-18 or 16 F-35
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All-Weather Fighter Attack (VMFA(AW)) - 12 F/A-18
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Aerial Refueler/Transport (VMGR) - 12 KC-130
Some squadrons are also permanently sub-divided into one to three standing detachments (e.g., one - VMA, two - VMGR, three - HMLA), which can deploy separately from the squadron as part of either a Marine Air/Ground Task Force (MAGTF) or Unit Deployment Program (UDP). These detachments usually range from as few as two to four airplanes for VMGR (KC-130) detachments, six for VMA (AV-8) detachments, and nine (3 UH-1 and 6 AH-1) for HMLA detachments. The detachments have a designated detachment commander (a major) and assistant commander (major or senior captain), pilots and other aircrew as applicable (KC-130 and UH-1 only), along with a small staff and aircraft maintenance unit.
In an aircraft squadron, many of the officers (most of whom are either pilots or flight officers, exceptions being the flight surgeon, unless dual designated as either a Naval Aviator (Pilot) or Naval Flight Officer (NFO), and warrant officers) are assigned to one of the staff departments (S-1 through S-4, and DSS) in the squadron headquarters as either a primary or collateral duty (with their primary duty, or table of organization billet, being "Pilot" or "NFO"). Some officers are assigned to the AMD as either the squadron aircraft maintenance officer (the department head), the assistant aircraft maintenance officer, or as aircraft maintenance division officers. The warrant officers (officer-level technical specialists) serve as the assistant administration/personnel, aviation maintenance control, avionics, and aviation ordnance division officers in leading their respective divisions in either the S-1 (Administration and Personnel) Department or the AMD.
The pilots and flight officers fly missions as they are assigned by the Flight Schedules Officer in the S-3 (Operations, Plans, and Training) Department, and devote most of their time and effort to assisting the commanding officer in leading the squadron by performing their respective managerial functions as either staff officers or maintenance officers. Even on deployment, or in combat, the officer normally expends more time on his or her "ground" job (either primary or collateral) than in the cockpit.
The majority of the squadron's enlisted Marines (including NCOs and Staff NCOs), other than a few aircrewmen in some squadrons (primarily HMH, HMM, HMLA, VMM, and VMGR), are aircraft maintenance technicians and supervisors. There are also a small number of enlisted clerks and specialists who perform various support (e.g., administration, intelligence, operations, and logistics) duties in the several staff departments. The enlisted Marines, NCOs, and Staff NCOs, are most often devoted full-time to performing their duties in either the AMD or applicable staff department. From time-to-time, enlisted Marines may be assigned to perform mess duty, or fatique details (working parties) supervised by NCOs, and (along with NCOs, Staff NCOs, and officers) stand watch, perform interior guard duty, participate in local-area security patrols, or airfield/base-defense operations. Additionally, as Marines, the squadron is required to maintain the tactical, technical, small-arms weapons proficiency, and physical fitness capability, along with the requisite discipline, morale, espirit de corps, and fighting spirit to enable the squadron to form into provisional rifle platoons, to either reinforce the attack or augument the defense, as the overall tactical situation necessitates.
Groups
The next higher level in Marine Aviation is the Group, the aviation equivalent of a regiment. Groups can be classified as:
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Marine Aircraft Group (MAG): consisting of a MAG Headquarters (MAG HQ), one or more fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or tilt-roror squadrons, a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS), and a Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS). The MAG HQ provides the staff support necessary for the effective command of the subordinate squadrons of the MAG, while the MALS provides intermediate aircraft maintenance, aviation supply, and aviation ordnance support to the aircraft squadrons. The MWSS provides all essential aviation ground support to the MAG. This support includes: airfield operations and communications (less air traffic control services), motor transport, engineer services (including bulk fuel and aircraft refueling), non-aviation supply and equipment maintenance, local security, medical services, and food services.
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Marine Air Control Group (MACG): consisting of a Marine Air Control Group Headquarters (MACG HQ), a Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron (MTACS), a Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS), a Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS), a Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS), a Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, and a Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU).
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Marine Wing Support Group (MWSG): previously, the ground support element for a Marine Air Wing, usually consisting of four Marine Wing Support Squadrons. The Marine Wing Support Groups were disestablished in 2012, with headquarters personnel and Marine Wing Support Squadrons distributed to the Marine Aircraft Groups.
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Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG): training element to provide support for aviation students (though it is currently often just an administrative support unit for detachments to non-Marine bases).
Wings
The largest level in Marine aviation is the Marine Aircraft MWHS-1, MWHS-2 and MWHS-3), which provides administrative and supply support for the MAW HQ, two to four Marine Aircraft Groups (MAGs), and a Marine Air Control Group (MACG). The mission of the MAW is to conduct air operations in support of the Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-aircraft warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and the control of aircraft and missiles. As a collateral function, the MAW may participate as an integral component of naval aviation in the execution of such other Navy functions as the Fleet Commander may direct.
Corps
All Marine Corps aviation falls under the cognizance of the Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA) at Headquarters Marine Corps, with the cooperation of the United States Navy. There, plans for all aspects of aviation are created and managed, including acquisition of new aircraft, training, maintenance, manpower, etc. HQMCA creates Transitional Task Forces to assist units in transitioning between aircraft and aircraft versions.
The Deputy Commandant of Aviation also commands Marine Corps Detachments at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The NAS China Lake Marines are responsible to DCA for the test and evaluation of all weapons and weapon systems and for electronic warfare development. While those at NAS Pax River work with Naval Air Systems Command and are responsible for developing, acquiring and supporting naval aeronautical and related technology systems for the operating forces.[55][56]
Marine air stations
Due to the range and space needed to operate aircraft, each MAW spreads its groups and squadrons amongst several Marine Corps Air Stations (MCAS), as well as offering detachments/liaisons (and occasionally full units) to airports, Air Force Bases and Naval Air Stations. Each MCAS maintains its own base functions as well as air traffic control and facilities (often with a Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron of its own).
Aviators
Marine Corps Aviation Pipeline
All Marine pilots and flight officers are trained and qualified as Naval Aviators or Naval Flight Officers by the Navy. Prospective aviators receive their commissions and attend The Basic School just as all other Marine officers do, then report to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 to attend Aviation Preflight Indoctrination at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. There they receive instruction in aerodynamics, aircraft engines and systems, meteorology, navigation, and flight rules and regulations. Following completion, they are assigned to Primary Flight Training at Marine Aviation Training Support Group 22, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas or remain in Pensacola, Florida. Upon successful completion of Primary Flight Training, they will select which type of aircraft they would like to fly, in accordance with the needs of the Corps.
After selection, student aviators are assigned to Advanced Flight Training in their particular field (jet, propeller, or rotary wing). Upon completion, students are designated as Naval Aviators and are awarded the Naval Aviator Insignia. From that point, they are trained at a Fleet Replacement Squadron for the specific aircraft they will be flying. A few uncommon aircraft are taught by the Navy or Air Force, or in the case of HMX-1, by the company that created the aircraft.[46] After completion, aviators are assigned to their first squadron.
Flight Officers, after Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, continue their own training path by staying at Pensacola and training further in navigation and avionics. After Advanced NFO training, they receive their wings and are assigned to their first duty squadron.
Enlisted aircrew also serve on some aircraft (mostly helicopters). They are trained at NAS Pensacola and are eligible to wear the Aircrew insignia.
Marine aviators are eligible to earn medals such as the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in combat and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in flight as well as the Gray Eagle Award for seniority. Pilots in combat have a chance to become flying aces.
Current aircraft
USMC C-130T
Fat Albert performing a
JATO
The Marine light attack helicopter squadrons (HMLA) are composite squadrons of AH-1W SuperCobras and UH-1N Iroquois (also known as the Huey), as the airframes have over 80% commonality. Both are slated to be replaced by the Bell AH-1Z Viper in 2011 and the Bell UH-1Y Venom in 2009, respectively as part of the H-1 upgrade program.[57] These provide light-attack and light transport capabilities.[58] Marine medium helicopter (HMM) squadrons fly the CH-46E Sea Knight medium-lift transport helicopters; but are converting to the V-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft with superior range and speed, and are being renamed as "Marine medium tilt-rotor" (VMM) squadrons. Marine heavy helicopter (HMH) squadrons fly the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter for heavy-lift missions. These will eventually be replaced with the upgraded CH-53K, currently under development.[59]
Marine attack squadrons (VMA) fly the AV-8 Harrier II; while Marine Fighter-Attack (VMFA) and Marine (All Weather) Fighter-Attack (VMFA(AW)) squadrons, respectively fly both the single-seat (F/A-18C) and dual-seat (F/A-18D) versions of the F/A-18 Hornet strike-fighter aircraft. The AV-8B is a VTOL aircraft that can operate from amphibious assault ships, land air bases and short, expeditionary airfields.[60] The F/A-18 can only be flown from land or aircraft carriers. Both are slated to be replaced by the F-35B, the STOVL version of the F-35 Lightning II.[61] The Marine Corps will also purchase 80 of the F-35C carrier variants, enough for five squadrons, to serve with Navy carrier air wings.[62][63][64]
In addition, the Corps operates its own organic electronic warfare (EW) and aerial refueling assets in the form of the EA-6B Prowler and KC-130 Hercules. In Marine transport refuelling (VMGR) squadrons, the Hercules doubles as a ground refueller and tactical-airlift transport aircraft.
With the addition of the ISR / Weapon Mission Kit, the KC-130J will be able to serve as an overwatch aircraft and can deliver ground support fire in the form of 30mm cannon fire, Hellfire or Griffin missiles, and precision-guided bombs.[36][65] This capability, designated as "Harvest HAWK" (Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit), can be used in scenarios where precision is not a requisite, such as area denial.[66][67][68] It was first used in Afghanistan in late 2010.[69] Serving in Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare (VMAQ) Squadrons, the Prowler is the main tactical electronic warfare aircraft left in the U.S. inventory, though Navy squadrons have begun replacing it with the EA-18G Growler. It has been labeled a "national asset" and is frequently borrowed to assist in any American combat action, not just Marine operations.[70] Since the retirement of the EF-111A Raven in 1998, the Air Force's only EW aircraft, Marine Corps and Navy aircraft have provided electronic warfare support to Air Force units.
The Marines also operate two Marine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) squadrons (VMU), with the RQ-7 Shadow UAV for tactical reconnaissance.[71] These squadrons also fly the Boeing ScanEagle and have recently retired the RQ-2 Pioneer.[72]
Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401), operates F-5E, F-5F and F-5N Tiger II aircraft in support of air combat adversary (aggressor) training. Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) operates the VH-3D Sea King medium-lift and VH-60N Nighthawk light-lift helicopters in the VIP transport role, previously planned to be replaced by the cancelled VH-71 Kestrel. Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1) utilizes several aircraft to transport VIPs and critical logistics, to include the C-9B Skytrain II, UC-35C/D Citation Ultra/Encore, C-12B/F Huron, and C-20G Gulfstream IV, as well as the HH-46E in a search and rescue role.[38] A single Marine Corps C-130 Hercules, "Fat Albert," is used to support the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the "Blue Angels".
Aircraft & armaments