2nd MAW is the Marine Corps’ service-retained ACE. Headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, 2nd MAW is permanently based at three Marine Corps Air Stations in North Carolina and South Carolina and serves as the ACE for II MEF. 2nd MAW is operationally focused and consists of professional and dedicated Marines, Sailors and civilians that provide combat-ready aviation forces to II MEF and the MAGTF commander. 2nd MAW generates and maintains combat readiness, increases lethality through modernization, generates operationally excellent aviation units, continuously refines warfighting concepts, and stands ready to forward deploy to meet any challenge around the globe.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Shawn Campbell, right, from Maryland, the former command senior enlisted leader of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT) 204, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, is presented with a folded flag during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 8, 2026. Campbell retired after 29 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)
U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II's conduct flight line operations around the globe, May 13, 2026. As the Harrier enters a twilight phase and continues its transition to the F-35 Lightning II, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's remaining Harrier squadron continues to maintain operational readiness. The "sundown" of the Harrier, an iconic aircraft that has supported joint and Marine Corps operations for over 40 years, also represents the dawn of a new era; it paves the way for 2nd MAW's full transition to the F-35B and C Lightning II aircraft (U.S. Marine Corps video by LCpl. Gavin K. Kulczewski)
Leaders from across 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Corps Installations East came together for two days at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina to take part in 2nd MAW’s January 2026 Senior Leaders’ Conference, Jan. 14-15. Conference attendees included 2nd MAW’s O-6 and O-5 commanders, senior enlisted leaders, air station commanders who support 2nd MAW units, and 2nd MAW’s staff, who participated in a series of discussions about leadership, mentorship, and topics affecting both the Wing and the Marine Corps.
“Overall, I’m impressed with the work your teams are doing” said Maj. Gen. Ryan S. Rideout, 2nd MAW’s commanding general, during his remarks to conference participants. “This is a highly...
01.15.2026 | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Story by Maj. Joseph Leitner
