MAG - 24.

Supporting III Marine Expeditionary Forces (III MEF) operations or contingencies throughout the Pacific theater, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24 remains focused on defending our nation.

Activated in March 1942 at MCAS Ewa, Hawaii, the Marines and Sailors of MAG-24 continue today at MCB Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, providing combat-ready expeditionary aviation forces capable of short-notice worldwide deployment in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. MAG-24 also provides initial, conversion and transition training for all CH-53D Sea Stallion aircrews and intermediate maintenance activity and supply support to Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

MAG-24 consists of three tactical and one training helicopter squadron, one aviation logistics squadron and a headquarters element. Flying the CH-53D Sea Stallion, approximately 40 MAG-24 aircraft are assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing deployed across the Pacific theater. The CH-53D is capable of heavy lift assault support and transporting either cargo or passengers.

Activated in 1952, the Ugly Angels of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 362 (shown above over the Mokulna Islands near Oahu) remains a squadron rich in tradition. Not only holding the distinction of having served as the first Marine aircraft unit in the Republic of Vietnam, the squadron also served with their CH-53D Sea Stallions in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and during Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

Activated in 1952, the Red Lions of HMH-363 served in Vietnam, participating in humanitarian relief operations in the Philippines and during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. Operating from multiple geographical locations, the squadron provides uninterrupted assault support to the III MEF across the Pacific.

Reactivated in 1966 as HMH-463, the Pegasus joined MAG-24 in 1971. Deploying to the Republic of Vietnam, the Pegasus shared with the Heavy Haulers of HMH-462 the unique distinction of participating in Operations Frequent Wind and Eagle Pull, the final evacuations of Cambodia and Vietnam in 1975.

Activated at MCAS Santa Ana, Calif., in 1966 to prepare UH-34D Sea Horse aircrews for service in Vietnam, the Wind Walkers of Marine Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT) 301 continue their mission today, providing quality replacement aircrew training on the CH-53D Sea Stallion, CH-53E Super Stallion and CH-46E Sea Knight. Today, six CH-53Ds provide the training platform for an annual output of approximately 14 pilots and 32 crew chiefs.

The Island Warriors of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 24 became the first fully integrated Marine and Navy maintenance unit. MALS-24 provides intermediate maintenance activity support for 10 squadrons and more than 80 Navy and Marine aircraft, including Navy P-3C, EP-3A Orions and SH-60B Seahawks and Marine CH-53D Sea Stallions. It also supports the Marine's Unit Deployment Program and numerous Navy Pacific theater deployments. Their success has paved the way for future aviation integration aboard Navy and Marine Corps bases worldwide.