Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23
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| Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Aviation training |
| Role | Training and readiness |
| Garrison | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point |
Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 is a United States Marine Corps aviation training formation responsible for supporting aircrew, maintenance, and aviation logistics training across Fleet Marine Force aviation components. It provides instructor cadres, courseware, simulation, and range support to prepare squadrons and air wings for deployment and combat operations. The group interfaces with naval, joint, and allied aviation schools and ranges to sustain readiness for expeditionary campaigns and carrier, amphibious, and littoral missions.
History
Established during the post–Cold War restructuring of United States military aviation training, the unit traces its lineage through predecessor Marine aviation training organizations that supported operations in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over successive force realignments tied to the Base Realignment and Closure process and Commandant of the Marine Corps directives, the group absorbed functions formerly performed by regional training squadrons and adjuncts to Marine Aircraft Group 14 and Marine Aircraft Group 32. The group expanded its mission set during the Global War on Terror to include instruction in expeditionary airfield operations influenced by lessons from the Battle of Fallujah and Operation Anaconda. In the 2010s and 2020s the group adapted to advances in unmanned aircraft systems following doctrinal developments from the Quadrennial Defense Review and interoperability efforts with NATO partners such as Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force.
Mission and Role
The group's mission aligns with Marine Corps aviation priorities articulated by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and Headquarters Marine Corps to generate combat-capable aviation forces. It provides accredited courses that enable personnel to meet readiness criteria set by Marine Aircraft Wing commanders and the Fleet Marine Force Atlantic. The group supports integration with naval aviation doctrine from the Chief of Naval Operations and joint doctrine published by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ensuring compatibility with carrier strike group operations like those conducted by Carrier Air Wing Five and amphibious ready groups assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force.
Organization and Units
The group is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and is composed of multiple detachments and squadrons that deliver instruction, simulation, and maintenance training. Subordinate elements coordinate with Naval Air Systems Command, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, and training centers such as Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 and the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center. Liaison relationships extend to Fleet Readiness Center East, Naval Air Station Oceana, and drone units associated with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1. The organizational structure ensures cross-capability training in rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and tiltrotor platforms like the AH-1Z Viper, MV-22 Osprey, and F/A-18 Hornet legacy units transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II.
Training Programs and Capabilities
Training programs include aircrew syllabus instruction, advanced aircraft systems courses, avionics maintenance, and expeditionary logistics taught via classroom, simulator, and live-flight events. The group leverages range complexes such as the Cherry Point Range Complex and integrated training areas that host live-fire events similar to those at Nevada Test and Training Range. It coordinates joint exercises modeled on Exercise Northern Edge and multinational drills like RIMPAC to validate tactics and sustain interoperability with forces from Japan Self-Defense Forces, Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and Canadian Armed Forces. Specialized courses incorporate lessons from Operation Inherent Resolve and aviation casualty evacuation doctrine developed with United States Central Command medical planners.
Deployments and Operations
Elements of the group have supported rotational deployments to Marine Expeditionary Units embarked on Wasp-class amphibious assault ships and America-class amphibious assault ships, providing pre-deployment training and carrier integration. The group has a history of deploying instructor teams and maintenance advisors to theater staging centers supporting operations in U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command areas, as seen in advisory roles during counterinsurgency campaigns and in capacity-building missions with partner militaries in Africa and the Indo-Pacific. Operational support includes preparation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations similar to responses to Hurricane Katrina and multinational contingency operations coordinated with United States Southern Command.
Commanders
Commanders of the group are selected from senior Marine Corps aviation officers with backgrounds in Marine Aircraft Groups and expeditionary aviation. Past and present leaders have typically held command tours at tactical and operational levels within II Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and have served on staff at Headquarters Marine Corps and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Many commanders have prior combat command experience from campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan and professional military education from institutions like the Naval War College and the Marine Corps University.
Insignia and Traditions
Unit insignia and traditions reflect Marine Corps aviation heritage, drawing symbolism common to squadrons that trace lineage to World War II carrier and expeditionary aviation units that fought in the Pacific Theater and at battles such as Guadalcanal Campaign. Ceremonial practices align with Marine Corps customs codified in directives from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and are observed during change-of-command ceremonies, graduations, and aviation memorial events honoring personnel listed on the Aviation Memorial Hall registers. The group maintains partnerships with veterans organizations including the Marine Corps Aviation Association and commemorates anniversaries tied to major Marine aviation milestones like the commissioning of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.