Marine Aircraft Group 23

Marine Aircraft Group 23
Unit name	Marine Aircraft Group 23
Caption	An F-35B Lightning II assigned to a component squadron of the group
Dates	1 March 1942–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Aviation group
Role	Fixed-wing and tiltrotor air operations
Command structure	3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Garrison	Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Nickname	"Flying Corsairs"
Motto	"Semper Fly"

Marine Aircraft Group 23

Marine Aircraft Group 23 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The group traces its lineage to World War II carrier-based operations in the Pacific and has operated a succession of fighter, attack, and electronic warfare squadrons in support of expeditionary and maritime campaigns. Its mission has included air superiority, close air support, interdiction, reconnaissance, and electronic attack in regional contingencies and major conflicts.

History

Formed in 1942 amid the World War II Pacific mobilization, the group quickly participated in campaigns across the Guadalcanal Campaign, Bougainville Campaign, and the Philippine Campaign (1944–45), flying aircraft such as the Vought F4U Corsair and working alongside units from the United States Navy and United States Army Air Forces. Postwar reorganization saw the group engaged during the Korean War era logistics and training efforts, later transitioning to jet aircraft during the Cold War era as part of Pacific force posture with ties to commands at Naval Air Station North Island and Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. During the Vietnam War, elements supported close air support and interdiction missions in concert with III Marine Amphibious Force and 7th Air Force operations, integrating with units such as VMFA-212 and VMA-311.

In the post‑Cold War period, the group supported operations including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, deploying squadrons to Al Udeid Air Base, Al Asad Airbase, and aboard expeditionary sea bases. The 21st century saw modernization with the introduction of the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II and later the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, enabling short takeoff/vertical landing capabilities that supported amphibious readiness groups and Marine Expeditionary Unit deployments. Throughout its history the group has operated in coordination with the III MEF and U.S. Pacific Command, adapting to shifting doctrines such as AirSea Battle and the Pacific Pivot.

Organization and Units

The group is organized under the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and comprises a mix of fixed‑wing fighter, attack, and support squadrons, maintenance detachments, and aviation logistics elements. Historically and in contemporary structure, component units have included squadrons designated VMFA, VMA, and VMGR, such as famed squadrons like VMFA-232, VMFA-312, VMA-311, and VMGR-352 at various times, alongside aviation support squadrons such as MALS-11 and MWSS-373. The group’s headquarters element provides command and control, operational planning, and coordination with higher echelons such as Marine Aircraft Wing staff and U.S. Fleet Forces Command components.

Rotational attachments have linked the group with Marine Expeditionary Units embarked on amphibious assault ships including USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), USS Essex (LHD-2), and Wasp-class amphibious assault ship deployments, while logistical support links tie to Naval Air Systems Command and Marine Corps Systems Command for sustainment and modernization programs. Training relationships extend to institutions like Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Naval Aviation Schools Command, and the United States Naval Test Pilot School for tactics development and avionics integration.

Aircraft and Equipment

Over its existence the group has operated an evolution of combat aircraft: from the piston‑engined Vought F4U Corsair and Grumman F6F Hellcat to jets such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. In the 1990s and 2000s, the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II provided vertical/short takeoff capability, later supplemented and partially replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II for fifth‑generation stealth and sensor fusion. Aerial refueling and transport needs have been met by tankers such as the Lockheed KC-130 Hercules assigned to VMGR squadrons, while electronic warfare and targeting pods from vendors integrated with platforms under programs managed by Naval Air Systems Command enhanced precision strike and situational awareness.

Maintenance and logistics are supported by aviation support equipment, expeditionary fuel systems, and ordnance handling gear standardized under Marine Corps Systems Command directives. Avionics suites have incorporated sensors from manufacturers collaborating with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency initiatives and program offices aligned with F-35 Joint Program Office requirements. Ground support elements employ crash rescue apparatus and expeditionary airfield modules compatible with Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.

Operational Deployments and Roles

The group has conducted expeditionary deployments to the Western Pacific, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean regions, operating from expeditionary airfields, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships in support of crisis response, combat operations, and humanitarian assistance. Roles have encompassed air superiority, close air support for Marine infantry units such as the 1st Marine Division and 3rd Marine Division, interdiction of enemy logistics nodes, aerial refueling, and tactical reconnaissance in coordination with joint partners including United States Navy Carrier Strike Groups and United States Air Force units. The group has participated in multinational exercises like RIMPAC, Talisman Sabre, and Foal Eagle, enhancing interoperability with allies such as Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Air Force.

During contingency operations the group provided forward arming and refueling points for distributed aviation operations, supported counterinsurgency air strikes, and contributed to sea control missions in support of carrier and amphibious task forces under theater commanders such as U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Awards and Honors

Elements of the group and its squadrons have been recognized with unit citations and campaign streamers for service in World War II, Korean War‑era operations, Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. Decorations awarded to component squadrons include Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation honors for outstanding performance in combat and expeditionary missions. Individual squadron members have received awards ranging from the Navy Cross and Silver Star to Air Medal recognition for valor and meritorious achievement during combat deployments.

Category:United States Marine Corps aviation groups Category:Military units and formations established in 1942