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 Maj. Jarad H. Housand, left, safety director, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks about Mrs. Alura Acosta, right, a tactical safety specialist with the Department of Safety and Standardization, 2nd MAW during an award presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 8, 2026. Acosta, a former Marine aviation ordnance technician, was recognized by Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps for her decade-long dedication to developing comprehensive safety programs—including 2nd MAW’s Fall Protection Program—directly safeguarding over 11,000 Marines, Sailors, and civilians. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight operations in Finland, June 3-23, 2026. The F-35 serves as a versatile asset in support of expeditionary and rapid deployment operations, displaying U.S. capabilities alongside NATO allies throughout RAFL26. RAFL26 is NATO’s premier multi-domain tactical exercise involving 19 nations and over 15 operational locations. The exercise provides realistic combat scenarios in complex environments and is designed to enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and collective defense. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Mya Seymour)
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine Unmanned Maintenance Squadron (MUMS) 14 was officially activated during a ceremony held at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Tuesday. As the first of its kind in the Marine Corps, MUMS-14 now serves as the principal provider of organic-level maintenance support for U.S. Marine Corps Group-5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). MUMS-14 is the only Marine Corps aviation unit specifically organized, trained and equipped to deliver organic aviation maintenance capability to UAS at forward deployed locations.
“Standing up this squadron marks a major step forward for Marine Corps aviation,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey F. Carben, commanding officer of MUMS-14. “Our unit...
06.16.2026 | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Story by Maj. Joseph Leitner
