Marine Air Control Group 28
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Marine Air Control Group 28 | |
|---|---|
 MACG-28 Insignia |
|
| Active | January 1958 - present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Role | Aviation command & control |
| Part of | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing II Marine Expeditionary Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Colonel Mark R. Cyr |
Marine Air Control Group 28 (MACG-28) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point that is currently composed of 6 squadrons that provide the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wings tactical headquarters, positive and procedural control to aircraft and UAV support for the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
Contents |
[edit] Mission
[edit] Subordinate units
- 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion
- Marine Air Control Squadron 2
- Marine Air Support Squadron 1
- Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28
- Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28
- Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2
[edit] History
[edit] 1950s through the 1980s
Marine Air Control Group 28 was initially activated in January 1956 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. At the time of activation, it was designated as the Marine Wing Headquarters Group of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Its composition at that time included Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 2 and Marine Air Control Squadron 7 (MACS-7). The fledgling organization began to grow when, in 1963, it was administratively assigned the 3rd Light Anti Aircraft Missile Battalion (3rd LAAM). Its growth was short lived however, for in 1965 MACS-7 was directed to deploy to Okinawa, Japan and subsequently saw duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Upon completing its service in Vietnam, MACS-7 was reassigned for duty with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California.
In May of 1966, the Group was again re-designated; it would now be known as Marine Air Control Group 2. It was this year that the 3rd LAAM Battalion became administratively and operationally under the control of the Group. Re-designation occurred once more when in 1967 the Group was assigned its present day identification as Marine Air Control Group 28.
With its new designation canme additional support and control organizations in the form of Marine Air Support Squadron 1 and Marine Air Control Squadron 5. MACS-5 was activated and assigned to support Fleet Marine Force Aviation operation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. MCAS Beaufort has remained the home of MACS-5 since its activation. The Group's expanding support and control responsibilities were examined and in 1971 it was determined that the critical function of Wing communications would be added to that of the Group's communications capabilities. This consolidation joined the organizational colors of Marine Wing Communications Squadron-28 with those of H&HS-28, Third LAAM Battalion, MASS-1, MACS-5, and MACS-6 under the senior banner of MACG-28.
In 1973, the capability of a shoulder-launched missile was introduced into the Group. A Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) platoon was activated and placed under the administrative and operational control of the Third LAAM Battalion. The activation of the FAAD platoon would enhance air defense of aviation vital areas and introduce a close-in air defense capability for maneuver units or security missions. April 1976 introduced the consolidation of air traffic control assets within the Marine Air Wing and a new squadron. Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron 28, joined ranks as the newest member of the Marine Air Command and Control System.
The tactical advantages, increased capabilities and innovative employment offered by shoulder-launched missiles led to the creation of a FAAD Battery. This enhanced capability was formally introduced in October 1983 as the Second Forward Area Air Defense Battery stood-up and took its place in the organizational structure of MACG-23.
