Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 is a United States Marine Corps aviation logistics support unit known as the Black Widows.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, abbreviated MALS-13 and nicknamed the Black Widows, is a United States Marine Corps aviation logistics support unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. It belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 13, which is part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Rather than operating as a commercial brand, MALS-13 is an operational military organization whose identity represents a long-running unit lineage, specialist expertise, and service within Marine Corps aviation. The squadron’s core mission is to provide aviation ordnance, aircraft maintenance, supply, information, and logistics support to the squadrons of its parent Marine Aircraft Group. It also provides logistics assistance for Navy-funded equipment assigned to supporting Marine aviation organizations, including Marine Wing Support Squadrons, Marine Air Control Squadrons, and the Marine Aircraft Wing mobile calibration complex. Its organization includes headquarters elements, aviation supply, aircraft maintenance, avionics, aviation ordnance, and an Aviation Logistics Information Maintenance Support Department. The unit was first commissioned on 1 March 1942 in San Diego, California, as Headquarters and Service Squadron 13. It served in the Pacific theater during the Second World War before being decommissioned on 30 November 1945. The organization was reactivated on 15 March 1951 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13. During the Vietnam War, it deployed to Chu Lai Air Base in September 1966 and remained there until October 1970. In that period, its aviation activities included support for fast forward air control aircraft, first Grumman TF-9J Cougars and later Douglas TA-4F Skyhawks, used in support of ground forces. After returning to El Toro and serving with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the squadron moved to MCAS Yuma in 1987. On 5 October 1988, the Marine Corps replaced the former Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron structure within Marine Aircraft Groups with the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron designation. MALS-13 subsequently supported Marine aviation responses during Operation Desert Storm and other operations in the Middle East. During the Global War on Terrorism, the squadron supported AV-8B Harrier combat operations in Afghanistan beginning in 2002. In early 2003, 205 Marines and associated equipment embarked aboard USS Bonhomme Richard for operations in Southwest Asia. MALS-13 personnel supported operations from locations including Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait and An Numiniyah Expeditionary Air Field in Iraq before returning to Yuma in May 2003. In 2012, personnel from the squadron augmented MALS-16 Forward during aviation operations in Afghanistan, including the deployment connected with VMA-211 at Camp Bastion. The unit’s continuing role is to keep Marine aviation forces supplied, maintained, armed, calibrated, and operational in garrison and deployed environments.
History
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 traces its lineage to Headquarters and Service Squadron 13, commissioned on 1 March 1942 in San Diego, California. The unit saw repeated action in the Pacific theater during the Second World War, providing the maintenance, supply, and service functions required by Marine aviation formations. It was decommissioned on 30 November 1945 after the war. The organization was reactivated on 15 March 1951 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, under the designation Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13. Its postwar role was to sustain Marine aviation units through aircraft maintenance, supply, ordnance, avionics, and related technical support. During the Vietnam War, the squadron deployed to Chu Lai Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam in September 1966 and remained there until October 1970. The unit used Grumman TF-9J Cougar aircraft and later Douglas TA-4F Skyhawks in fast forward air control activities supporting ground troops, while also carrying out its aviation maintenance and logistics responsibilities. Following the Vietnam deployment, the squadron relocated to El Toro and was assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. On 1 October 1987, it moved to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, where it became part of the aviation organization that included Marine Aircraft Group 13. A major structural change followed on 5 October 1988, when the Marine Corps replaced Headquarters and Maintenance Squadrons within Marine Aircraft Groups with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons. Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13 consequently became Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13. The reconstituted MALS-13 supported Marine aviation operations during the Gulf War period. Between August 1990 and October 1991, its Marines responded to the aviation logistics requirements associated with Operation Desert Storm. The squadron’s responsibilities included sustaining aircraft readiness, managing aviation supplies and ordnance, and supporting the technical systems used by deployed aviation units. In the Global War on Terrorism era, MALS-13 provided support for AV-8B Harrier aircraft assigned to combat operations in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. A detachment began this support mission in October 2002 and returned in October 2003. Separately, on 15 January 2003, the squadron embarked 205 Marines and equipment aboard USS Bonhomme Richard for combat operations in Southwest Asia. MALS-13 Forward detachments operated from Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait and An Numiniyah Expeditionary Air Field in Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The main body disembarked in May 2003 and returned to MCAS Yuma. In September 2012, MALS-13 personnel augmented MALS-16 Forward during aviation operations in Afghanistan. The augmentation included Sergeant Bradley W. Atwell, who was attached to MALS-16 Forward in support of VMA-211’s deployment to Camp Bastion. Atwell and Lieutenant Colonel Christopher K. Raible were killed during the Camp Bastion attack. Both were serving under organizations subordinate to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Forward, the Marine Corps aviation combat element in the region. Today, MALS-13 remains a logistics and readiness unit of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Its departments and specialist functions support Marine Aircraft Group squadrons and selected associated aviation organizations. Its mission encompasses aviation ordnance, maintenance, supply, avionics, information systems, calibration, and logistics guidance, allowing operational aircraft units to deploy and sustain combat capability.
- 2003
Deploys aboard USS Bonhomme Richard
[1]A 205-Marine contingent and its equipment deployed to Southwest Asia in support of operations in Kuwait and Iraq.
- 1990
Supports Operation Desert Storm
[1]MALS-13 personnel provided aviation logistics support from August 1990 through October 1991.
- 1988
Becomes Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13
[1]The Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron structure was replaced by the MALS designation on 5 October 1988.
- 1987
Moves to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
[1]The squadron moved from El Toro to MCAS Yuma on 1 October 1987.
- 1966
Deploys to Chu Lai during the Vietnam War
[1]The squadron deployed to Chu Lai Air Base in September 1966 and remained in Vietnam until October 1970.
- 1951
Reactivated as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13
[1]The organization was reactivated at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro on 15 March 1951.
- 1945
Decommissioned after World War II
[1]Headquarters and Service Squadron 13 was decommissioned on 30 November 1945.
- 1942
Commissioned as Headquarters and Service Squadron 13
[1]The unit was established on 1 March 1942 at San Diego, California, and served in the Pacific theater during the Second World War.
Products and positioning
A specialized Marine Corps aviation logistics organization positioned as a readiness and sustainment provider for operational aircraft units and supporting aviation commands.
Military aviation logistics
Aviation maintenance support
Aircraft maintenance support is a central MALS-13 function. The squadron provides technical direction, maintenance coordination, and readiness assistance to Marine Aircraft Group squadrons in both garrison and deployed settings. This service enables operational aviation units to keep aircraft available for training, contingency response, and combat missions.
Military aviation logistics
Aviation ordnance support
The Aviation Ordnance Department supports the handling, accountability, maintenance, and operational availability of aviation ordnance for supported Marine aviation formations. The function is part of the squadron’s broader responsibility for sustaining aircraft and combat aviation capability.
Military supply
Aviation supply and logistics
The Aviation Supply Department manages logistics support for aircraft units and associated aviation equipment. Its work contributes to the availability of parts, materials, and other resources required for maintenance and deployed operations.
Military technical services
Avionics and information maintenance support
MALS-13 includes avionics and Aviation Logistics Information Maintenance Support functions. These capabilities provide specialist technical assistance for aircraft electronic systems, logistics information, maintenance records, and related aviation support processes.
Brand decisions
1988
Transition from Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron to MALSStrategyBackground
The Marine Corps revised the organizational model used within Marine Aircraft Groups, replacing Headquarters and Maintenance Squadrons with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons.
Action taken
Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13 was redesignated Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 on 5 October 1988.
Aftermath
The redesignation placed the unit within the standardized Marine aviation logistics structure while preserving its support role for aircraft, ordnance, maintenance, and supply.
Recent events
- 2012
MALS-13 personnel augment aviation operations at Camp Bastion[1]
Other
MALS-13 personnel augmented MALS-16 Forward during aviation operations in Afghanistan. The deployment included support connected with VMA-211 at Camp Bastion, where an attack killed Lieutenant Colonel Christopher K. Raible and Sergeant Bradley W. Atwell.
- 2003
MALS-13 deploys personnel and equipment aboard USS Bonhomme Richard[1]
Other
The squadron embarked 205 Marines and equipment aboard USS Bonhomme Richard for aviation logistics support in Southwest Asia, including operations in Kuwait and Iraq.
- 2002
MALS-13 supports AV-8B Harrier operations in Afghanistan[1]
Other
The squadron was tasked with supporting six AV-8B Harrier aircraft involved in combat operations in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
- 1990
MALS-13 supports Operation Desert Storm[1]
Other
From August 1990 through October 1991, Marines from MALS-13 provided aviation logistics support during the Gulf War period and Operation Desert Storm.
Sources2 sources
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