Marine Aircraft Group 29
Marine Aircraft Group 29 is a United States Marine Corps aviation group based at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Marine Aircraft Group 29, commonly abbreviated MAG-29, is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station New River near Jacksonville, North Carolina. It provides rotary-wing aviation capabilities and aviation support for Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders. Unlike a commercial brand, MAG-29 is an operational military formation whose identity is associated with the organization, training, readiness, deployment, and support of Marine helicopter squadrons. The group was commissioned on 1 May 1972, when it was formed from Marine Helicopter Training Group 40. Its original organization included Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 29, Marine Air Base Squadron 29, and Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 268. The unit received its first aircraft, the UH-1N, four days after activation, with the aircraft transferred directly from Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Texas. Shortly afterward, HML-167, HMA-269, and VMO-1 joined from Marine Aircraft Group 26, giving the newly established group a broader operational structure. During the early 1980s, MAG-29 participated in a wider reorganization of Marine aviation formations. Its light helicopter elements operated UH-1N and AH-1T aircraft, while heavy helicopter units were transferred into the group from MAG-26. The reorganization continued through 1983, when additional transport and heavy-lift helicopter squadrons were assigned. These changes established the combination of light attack, utility, transport, heavy-lift, maintenance, and logistics capabilities that has defined the group’s role. MAG-29 units have supported United States and multinational operations across several regions. During the 1990–1991 Gulf crisis, the group deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In the 1990s, its subordinate units participated in operations connected with Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, Haiti, and the Balkans. These activities included peace-support missions, humanitarian assistance, evacuation and rescue tasks, and aviation support to Marine expeditionary formations. A notable event occurred on 7 June 1995, when HMM-263 rescued United States Air Force pilot Captain Scott O'Grady after his aircraft was shot down over Bosnia. Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, MAG-29 prepared for domestic support requirements and overseas contingencies. A reinforced element associated with HMM-365 was among the early Marine aviation forces deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. In January 2003, MAG-29 was assigned as the rotary-wing group for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The group returned from Iraq in June 2003 and later deployed again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–08, returning to Marine Corps Air Station New River in June 2008. The group’s current structure includes heavy helicopter squadrons operating CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft, a heavy helicopter fleet replacement training squadron, and light attack helicopter squadrons operating AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom aircraft. Its responsibilities include aircraft operations, aircrew training, maintenance, logistics, readiness generation, and support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders. Its principal value is operational rather than commercial: it supplies trained personnel and deployable aviation units for combat, crisis response, expeditionary operations, and humanitarian missions.
History
Marine Aircraft Group 29 was commissioned on 1 May 1972 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. It was created from Marine Helicopter Training Group 40 and initially comprised Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 29, Marine Air Base Squadron 29, and Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 268. These units were newly designated formations awaiting the personnel and equipment needed to establish the group. On 5 May 1972, MAG-29 received its first aircraft, a UH-1N transferred directly from Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Texas. Eleven days later, HML-167, HMA-269, and VMO-1 transferred from Marine Aircraft Group 26, substantially expanding the organization. The group underwent significant structural changes during the early 1980s as the Marine Corps reorganized its helicopter forces. HML-167 and HMA-269 operated UH-1N and AH-1T aircraft, while heavy helicopter units including HMM-162 and HMH-464 moved from MAG-26 to MAG-29 in 1982. Further transfers in 1983 included HMM-365 and HMM-263. The resulting organization combined light attack and utility aviation with transport and heavy-lift helicopter capabilities. MAG-29 entered operational deployments during the Gulf crisis, supporting Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. Its units subsequently supported a broad range of peacekeeping, crisis-response, and humanitarian missions. In 1993, MAG-29 elements supported United Nations operations in Somalia, including Operation Restore Hope and Operation Continue Hope, as well as Operation Deny Flight and Operation Provide Promise in the former Yugoslavia. During the summer of 1994, personnel and aircraft took part in Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti. On 7 June 1995, HMM-263 conducted the rescue of United States Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady, who had been shot down over Bosnia. In 1999, HMM-365, reinforced for deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, supported operations and humanitarian activity involving Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Turkey. Its mission set included activities associated with Operation Allied Force, Operation Allied Harbor, Joint Task Force Shining Hope, Operation Noble Anvil, Operation Joint Guardian, and Operation Avid Response. The September 11, 2001 attacks led MAG-29 to prepare for possible domestic support missions and overseas combat operations. A reinforced HMM-365 element deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was among the early Marine forces sent to Afghanistan. In January 2003, MAG-29 was ordered to deploy as the 3rd Rotary Wing Group for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It returned from Iraq in June 2003 and later deployed again for Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–08, completing that deployment in June 2008. MAG-29 remains based at Marine Corps Air Station New River. Its contemporary organization is centered on heavy helicopter, light attack helicopter, fleet replacement training, maintenance, and logistics functions. The group’s mission is to provide aviation support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders. Its subordinate formations operate and train crews for CH-53E Super Stallion heavy helicopters, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and UH-1Y Venom utility and attack helicopters.
- 2008
Return from Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–08
[1]The group returns to Marine Corps Air Station New River after another Iraq deployment.
- 2003
Deployment to Iraq
[1]MAG-29 deploys as the 3rd Rotary Wing Group for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- 2001
Deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
[1]A reinforced HMM-365 element deploys to Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks.
- 1999
Balkan and humanitarian contingency operations
[1]A reinforced HMM-365 deployment supports the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit during operations connected with Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, and Turkey.
- 1995
Rescue of Captain Scott O'Grady
[1]HMM-263 successfully rescues downed United States Air Force pilot Captain Scott O'Grady on 7 June.
- 1994
Support for Operation Restore Democracy
[1]MAG-29 personnel and aircraft support the United States-led intervention in Haiti.
- 1993
Support for Somalia and Balkan operations
[1]MAG-29 units support United Nations operations in Somalia and air operations over the former Yugoslavia.
- 1990
Gulf deployment begins
[1]MAG-29 deploys in support of Operation Desert Shield and subsequently Operation Desert Storm.
- 1983
Further squadrons join MAG-29
[1]HMM-365 and HMM-263 are transferred to complete the major phase of the MAG-29 and MAG-26 reorganization.
- 1982
Helicopter force reorganization begins
[1]The group’s light helicopter squadrons operate UH-1N and AH-1T aircraft, while HMM-162 and HMH-464 transfer from MAG-26.
Products and positioning
A deployable United States Marine Corps aviation group focused on rotary-wing combat support, heavy lift, light attack, training, maintenance, and expeditionary readiness.
Heavy-lift helicopter capability
CH-53E Super Stallion
MAG-29’s heavy helicopter formations operate CH-53E Super Stallions for heavy-lift, assault support, transport, logistics, and expeditionary missions. The group’s structure includes multiple CH-53E squadrons and a fleet replacement training squadron responsible for preparing crews and maintaining operational readiness.
Light attack helicopter capability
AH-1Z Viper
The AH-1Z Viper provides the group’s modern light attack helicopter capability. It is used for armed reconnaissance, close air support, escort, and other aviation tasks supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.
Utility and light attack helicopter capability
UH-1Y Venom
The UH-1Y Venom supports utility, command-and-control, transport, escort, and light attack missions. Within MAG-29, it forms part of the light attack helicopter force alongside the AH-1Z Viper.
Military aviation training
Fleet replacement and aviation readiness training
MAG-29 includes a heavy helicopter training squadron that prepares aircrews and supports the transition of personnel into operational helicopter units. Training and readiness generation are central functions of the group rather than commercial products.
Marketing campaigns
- 2007Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–08
Iraq
MAG-29 conducted another deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–08.
Outcome. The group returned to Marine Corps Air Station New River in June 2008.
- 2003Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq
MAG-29 deployed in January 2003 as the 3rd Rotary Wing Group for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Outcome. The group returned from Iraq in June 2003 after supporting Marine aviation operations.
- 2001Operation Enduring Freedom
Afghanistan
A reinforced HMM-365 element deployed in the early phase of United States operations in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks.
Outcome. The deployment placed MAG-29 personnel among the early Marine aviation forces supporting the Afghanistan campaign.
- 199926th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment
Albania · Kosovo · Macedonia · Turkey
A reinforced HMM-365 deployment served as the aviation combat element for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and supported operations associated with the Kosovo crisis and humanitarian response.
Outcome. The deployment supported multiple contingency, humanitarian, and crisis-response activities in the Balkans and surrounding region.
- 1994Operation Restore Democracy
Haiti
MAG-29 personnel and aircraft supported the United States intervention in Haiti during the summer of 1994.
Outcome. The group supplied aviation support for the contingency operation.
- 1993United Nations operations in Somalia
Somalia
MAG-29 units supported Operation Restore Hope and Operation Continue Hope, providing aviation assistance during international efforts involving humanitarian relief and security operations.
Outcome. The units contributed aviation support to the multinational mission.
- 1993Operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise
Former Yugoslavia
MAG-29 elements supported air operations and humanitarian activity connected with the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia.
Outcome. The deployments extended the group’s operational role into multinational enforcement and humanitarian missions.
- 1991Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Kuwait · Saudi Arabia · Persian Gulf region
MAG-29 deployed in support of the coalition response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent Gulf War. Its aviation forces contributed rotary-wing support to Marine operations.
Outcome. The deployment supported the coalition campaign and demonstrated the group’s ability to generate expeditionary helicopter forces.
Brand decisions
2003
Deployment as the 3rd Rotary Wing GroupStrategyBackground
The Iraq invasion required the Marine Corps to deploy a substantial rotary-wing aviation formation in support of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Action taken
MAG-29 deployed to Iraq in January 2003 as the 3rd Rotary Wing Group.
Aftermath
The group returned in June 2003 after completing its support mission and later undertook another Iraq deployment.
1982
Reorganization of helicopter forcesStrategyBackground
Marine Corps aviation reorganized helicopter formations to align light and heavy helicopter units more effectively.
Action taken
MAG-29 received additional heavy helicopter units from MAG-26 while its light helicopter squadrons operated UH-1N and AH-1T aircraft.
Aftermath
The changes strengthened MAG-29’s combined light-attack, utility, transport, and heavy-lift aviation role.
1972
Formation of a dedicated aviation groupStrategyBackground
The Marine Corps converted Marine Helicopter Training Group 40 into Marine Aircraft Group 29 to create a structured aviation organization at Marine Corps Air Station New River.
Action taken
The new group was established with headquarters, maintenance, air-base, and light helicopter elements, followed by the assignment of additional aircraft and squadrons.
Aftermath
The formation provided a permanent organizational base for Marine helicopter training, operations, maintenance, and deployments.
Recent events
- 2008
MAG-29 returns from Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–08[1]
Other
The group completed another Iraq deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07–08 and returned to Marine Corps Air Station New River in June.
- 2003
MAG-29 deploys to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom[1]
Other
MAG-29 was ordered to Iraq as the 3rd Rotary Wing Group for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and returned to its home station in June 2003.
- 2001
MAG-29 elements deploy to Afghanistan after September 11[1]
Other
After the September 11 attacks, a reinforced HMM-365 element deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and early Marine operations in Afghanistan.
- 1999
MAG-29 supports Operation Allied Force and related Balkan missions[1]
Other
A reinforced HMM-365 deployment supporting the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit took part in operations and humanitarian activities involving Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Turkey.
- 1995
HMM-263 rescues downed pilot Scott O'Grady[1]
Other
A MAG-29 subordinate unit, HMM-263, successfully rescued United States Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady after his aircraft was downed in the former Yugoslavia.
- 1991
MAG-29 supports Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm[1]
Other
The group deployed in support of United States operations during the Gulf crisis and the subsequent conflict with Iraq.
- 1972
Marine Aircraft Group 29 commissioned at New River[1]
Other
Marine Aircraft Group 29 was activated on 1 May 1972 from Marine Helicopter Training Group 40 at Marine Corps Air Station New River.
Sources1 sources
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