4th Marine Aircraft Wing Overview

Introduction to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing

The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is a major component of the United States Marine Corps, playing a crucial role in the country’s military defense and strategic operations. As a reserve unit, it operates under the command of the Marine Forces Reserve, which is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. The wing’s primary mission is to provide air support for Marine Corps ground units, as well as to conduct amphibious assaults, air-to-air combat, and reconnaissance missions.

History of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing

The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing has a rich history dating back to World War II. It was initially activated on August 22, 1942, as the 4th Marine Aircraft Group and later redesignated as the 4th Marine Base Air Force in 1944. During the war, the unit saw action in the Pacific Theater, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, the unit was deactivated and remained inactive until 1962, when it was reactivated as the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

Organization and Structure

The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is organized into several groups, each with its own unique mission and responsibilities. These groups include: * Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41): Located in Dallas, Texas, MAG-41 is a reserve aircraft group that operates the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft. * Marine Aircraft Group 42 (MAG-42): Based in Atlanta, Georgia, MAG-42 is a reserve aircraft group that operates the F/A-18 Hornet and UC-35 Citation aircraft. * Marine Aircraft Group 46 (MAG-46): Located in Miramar, California, MAG-46 is a reserve aircraft group that operates the F/A-18 Hornet and CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft. * Marine Air Control Group 48 (MACG-48): Based in Great Lakes, Illinois, MACG-48 is a reserve air control group that provides air traffic control and air defense services.

Mission and Responsibilities

The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing has several key missions and responsibilities, including: * Providing air support for Marine Corps ground units * Conducting amphibious assaults and air-to-air combat missions * Performing reconnaissance and intelligence gathering missions * Providing air traffic control and air defense services * Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts

Training and Operations

The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing conducts regular training exercises and operations to maintain its readiness and proficiency. These exercises include: * Aerial combat training * Amphibious assault training * Reconnaissance training * Air traffic control training * Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training

📝 Note: The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is a reserve unit, and its personnel are required to participate in regular training exercises and operations to maintain their proficiency and readiness.

Equipment and Aircraft

The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing operates a variety of aircraft, including: * F/A-18 Hornet * AV-8B Harrier II * UC-35 Citation * CH-53E Super Stallion * UH-1Y Venom * AH-1Z Viper

Aircraft	Role	Quantity
F/A-18 Hornet	Multi-role fighter	50
AV-8B Harrier II	Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft	20
UC-35 Citation	Transport aircraft	10
CH-53E Super Stallion	Heavy-lift helicopter	15

In summary, the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is a critical component of the United States Marine Corps, providing air support, amphibious assault, and reconnaissance capabilities to support Marine Corps ground units and other military operations. With its rich history, diverse organization, and advanced equipment, the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing is an essential part of the country’s military defense and strategic operations.