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 Lt. Col. Keenan Chirhart, left, from Alaska, the commanding officer of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, congratulates Sgt. Maj. Kevin Tucei, from Mississippi, the command senior enlisted leader of MWHS-2, after presenting him with the Meritorious Service Medal to during a relief and appointment practice at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 23, 2026. Tucei received the award for his outstanding service and leadership at MWHS-2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael Cassidy, from Arizona, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and NASCAR driver Chase Elliot talk about Elliot's visit to MAG-31 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, April 22, 2026. Elliott toured MAG-31 spaces to engage with Marines ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Coca-Cola 600 is an annual NASCAR race held during Memorial Day weekend that historically is supported by the U.S. Marine Corps with static displays of military aircraft, vehicles and participation during the events ceremonies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour)
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
