Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, commonly designated MALS-14, is a United States Marine Corps aviation logistics support unit headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. It operates under Marine Aircraft Group 14, which is part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Unlike a commercial brand, MALS-14 is a military organization whose role is to sustain the readiness, maintenance, supply, and ordnance requirements of Marine aviation units. The squadron provides intermediate-level maintenance and logistics support to the aviation squadrons of MAG-14. Its responsibilities include maintenance and repair of aircraft and aeronautical components, technical guidance and logistics management, aviation supply support for aircraft and Navy-funded equipment, and Class V(A) ammunition logistics. The unit has also performed first-degree repairs on J-52 and F-402 aircraft engines. These functions connect the squadron's aviation units with higher-level Marine Corps logistics systems while allowing deployed formations to maintain operational readiness away from their home station. MALS-14 was created in its present designation on 30 September 1988, when Headquarters & Maintenance Squadron 14 was redesignated. Shortly afterward, it served as a test environment for the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System, or NALCOMIS. The successful prototype work completed in December 1988 helped support the system's interface with the Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System-Real Time. This gave the squadron an early role in the modernization of naval aviation logistics information management. The unit's first combat deployment after World War II took place during the 1990–1991 Southwest Asia crisis and Operation Desert Storm. A forward element deployed aboard SS Wright in August 1990 and initially supported the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force. In December, the forward element was transferred to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing to support Marine Aircraft Group 13 at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base in Saudi Arabia. The logistics support provided to MAG-13 contributed to the group achieving the highest aircraft readiness rates among Marine units in Southwest Asia. In February 1991, MALS-14 established the first fixed-wing forward arming and refueling point in a combat zone at Tanagib, Saudi Arabia. The squadron returned to Cherry Point on 1 April 1991. During the 1990s, MALS-14 supported major Marine aviation force changes as well as overseas operations. It coordinated logistics for the division of VMAQ-2 into three squadrons, the activation of VMAQ-4, the stand-down of A-6E Intruder squadrons, and the introduction of F/A-18 Hornet squadrons. It also planned and executed the consolidation of assets and personnel associated with the deactivation of MALS-32 and the transfer of remaining MAG-32 structure to MALS-14. The squadron subsequently supported Marine aviation operations connected with the Balkans, Iraq no-fly zones, and other expeditionary commitments. Its personnel supported EA-6B Prowler electronic-warfare squadrons operating from Aviano Air Base, Italy, during Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Forge, Deliberate Guard, and the Kosovo Campaign. MALS-14's history therefore reflects the expeditionary character of Marine aviation: the organization sustains aircraft and units at home station while deploying forward logistics elements wherever operational requirements demand them.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 originated as Headquarters & Maintenance Squadron 14 and assumed its current designation on 30 September 1988. The redesignation reflected the Marine Corps' aviation logistics structure, in which dedicated logistics squadrons provide the maintenance, supply, ordnance, and technical support required by operational aviation groups. Soon after its creation, MALS-14 participated in the development and testing of the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System. A prototype was successfully realized in December 1988, and the system was connected with the Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System-Real Time. This work placed the squadron within an important transition toward integrated, computer-based naval aviation logistics management. MALS-14 deployed a forward element to Southwest Asia on 27 August 1990 aboard SS Wright. The element initially supported the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and portions of I Marine Expeditionary Force. In December 1990, it moved to the control of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and supported Marine Aircraft Group 13 at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base in Saudi Arabia. During Operation Desert Storm, the squadron's support helped MAG-13 maintain exceptionally high aircraft readiness. In February 1991, MALS-14 established a fixed-wing forward arming and refueling point at Tanagib, described in the unit history as the first such FARP established in a combat zone. The squadron returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point on 1 April 1991, concluding its first combat deployment since World War II. The unit received further recognition in August 1991 when it became the first winner of the Marine Corps Aviation Association's MALS of the Year award. In February 1992, it received a Navy Unit Commendation for meritorious service. During the post-Cold War restructuring of Marine aviation, MALS-14 supported the division of VMAQ-2, the activation of VMAQ-4, the retirement of three A-6E Intruder squadrons, and the introduction of three F/A-18 Hornet squadrons. It also worked with MALS-32 to plan and execute the deactivation of MALS-32 and the transfer of remaining MAG-32 structure to MALS-14. The merger of personnel and assets took place while the squadron continued supporting globally deploying aviation units. MALS-14 remained active in expeditionary operations throughout the 1990s. In 1995, it supported Marine aviation elements involved in Operation Deny Flight and related operations from Aviano Air Base, Italy. Marine EA-6B Prowler electronic-warfare squadrons supported Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Forge, and Deliberate Guard, requiring forward aviation logistics support. In 1996, the squadron continued deployments associated with operations including Decisive Edge and Assured Response, then shifted emphasis toward Operation Northern Watch and the enforcement of no-fly zones over northern and southern Iraq. The unit also supported operations connected with the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and Kosovo. The buildup of EA-6B Prowlers at Aviano required additional MALS-14 personnel and logistics capacity. The last Marines returned from Aviano in July 1999 after supporting the air campaign over the former Yugoslavia, although other MALS-14 personnel continued deploying with Marine attack squadrons attached to the 22nd, 24th, and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units. Across these periods, the squadron's central function remained the same: sustaining aircraft, components, supply chains, ammunition, and maintenance systems so Marine aviation units could operate from dispersed and changing locations.

• 1999

  Completion of Aviano support

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  The last Marines returned from Aviano in July after supporting EA-6B Prowler operations over the former Yugoslavia.

• 1995

  Support for Balkan air operations

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  MALS-14 personnel supported Marine electronic-warfare aviation operations from Aviano, Italy, including Operation Deny Flight.

• 1993

  Integration of MALS-32 assets

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  MALS-14 planned and executed the integration of personnel and assets associated with the deactivation of MALS-32 while continuing worldwide aviation support.

• 1992

  Navy Unit Commendation

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron received the Navy Unit Commendation for meritorious service.

• 1991

  Desert Storm aviation logistics support

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron supported Marine aviation readiness in Southwest Asia and established a fixed-wing forward arming and refueling point at Tanagib.

• 1991

  First MALS of the Year award

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  MALS-14 became the first recipient of the Marine Corps Aviation Association's MALS of the Year award.

• 1990

  Southwest Asia forward deployment

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  MALS-14 Forward deployed aboard SS Wright and later transferred to support MAG-13 in Saudi Arabia.

• 1988

  Redesignation as MALS-14

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  Headquarters & Maintenance Squadron 14 was redesignated Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 on 30 September.

• 1988

  NALCOMIS prototype testing

  [1]Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron completed successful prototype work for the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System and supported its system integration.

A Marine Corps aviation logistics organization positioned as the intermediate-level maintenance, supply, ordnance, and logistics-coordination backbone for Marine Aircraft Group 14 and its deployed aviation squadrons.

• Military aviation maintenance

  Intermediate-level aviation maintenance

  MALS-14 provides maintenance support beyond the organizational level of individual flying squadrons. This includes repair, inspection, and technical support for aircraft and aeronautical components, helping MAG-14 units return aircraft and equipment to service and sustain operational readiness.

• Military supply logistics

  Aviation supply support

  The squadron manages aviation supply support for aircraft and Navy-funded equipment. Its supply function enables operational squadrons to obtain parts, materials, and related equipment required for maintenance and deployed operations.

• Military ordnance logistics

  Class V(A) ammunition logistics

  MALS-14 provides logistics support for Class V(A) aviation ammunition. This capability supports the safe, accountable, and timely movement and availability of aviation ordnance for Marine aviation units.

• Aircraft engine maintenance

  Aircraft engine first-degree repair

  The squadron's stated capabilities include first-degree repair for J-52 and F-402 engines, allowing selected engine maintenance to be performed within the Marine aviation logistics system rather than relying exclusively on external support.

• 1999Kosovo Campaign

  Aviano, Italy · Former Yugoslavia · Kosovo

  The squadron supported the buildup and operation of EA-6B Prowlers at Aviano during the air war associated with the Kosovo conflict.

  Outcome. The last Marines supporting the Aviano operation returned in July 1999, while other personnel continued expeditionary deployments with Marine aviation units.

  Source
• 1996Operation Northern Watch

  Northern Iraq · Southern Iraq

  Following support for Bosnia-related operations, MALS-14 concentrated on logistics for tactical electronic-warfare squadrons supporting no-fly-zone operations over Iraq.

  Outcome. MALS-14 remained a lead support element for the deploying Marine electronic-warfare squadrons.

  Source
• 1995Operation Deny Flight

  Aviano, Italy · Former Yugoslavia

  MALS-14 supported Marine electronic-warfare aviation units operating from Aviano in connection with the air mission over Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia.

  Outcome. The squadron continued supporting related Balkan operations and later the Kosovo air campaign.

  Source
• 1991Operation Desert Storm

  Southwest Asia · Saudi Arabia

  MALS-14 provided forward aviation logistics support to Marine aviation forces in Southwest Asia, including support to MAG-13 and the establishment of a fixed-wing forward arming and refueling point at Tanagib.

  Outcome. The squadron returned to Cherry Point on 1 April 1991 after supporting high aircraft readiness during the campaign.

  Source

• 1993

  Integration following MALS-32 deactivationStrategy

  Background

  Marine Corps force realignments required the deactivation of MALS-32 and the redistribution of MAG-32's remaining structure.

  Action taken

  MALS-14 planned and executed the merger of relevant MALS-32 personnel and assets into its organization.

  Aftermath

  The integration occurred while MALS-14 continued supporting aviation squadrons deploying around the world.

  Source

• 1988

  Adoption and testing of NALCOMIS logistics systemsStrategy

  Background

  Marine aviation logistics was moving toward integrated information systems for maintenance and supply management.

  Action taken

  MALS-14 served as a test bed for the NALCOMIS prototype and its interface with the shipboard real-time data-processing system.

  Aftermath

  The prototype was successfully realized in December 1988, giving the squadron a role in naval aviation logistics information modernization.

  Source

1. 1Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14en.wikipedia.org