Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 is a United States Marine Corps aviation logistics support unit known as the Stingers.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, abbreviated MALS-31 and nicknamed the Stingers, is a United States Marine Corps aviation logistics support unit. It operates under Marine Aircraft Group 31, which forms part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. Although it is not a commercial brand, the squadron functions as a recognizable military organizational identity within Marine Corps aviation. The squadron’s principal role is to provide aviation logistics support, planning, guidance, and direction to the squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 31 on behalf of the group commanding officer. Its responsibilities also extend to logistics support for Navy-funded aviation equipment associated with Marine Wing Support Squadron, Marine Air Control Group, and Marine Aircraft Wing and Mobile Calibration Complex activities. In practical terms, this includes coordinating supply, maintenance, technical support, readiness planning, and related logistics functions required to keep Marine aviation units operational. The organization traces its lineage to Headquarters Squadron 31, activated on 1 February 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force. During the Second World War, the squadron moved with Marine Aircraft Group 31 through the Pacific theater. It supported the group’s preparations and operations during the Okinawa campaign in 1945, following deployments through the central Pacific. Marine Aircraft Group 31 and its subordinate elements were reactivated during the Korean War period in March 1952. The group initially returned to Cherry Point and subsequently moved to Marine Corps Air Station Miami, Florida. A major organizational change followed on 15 February 1954, when the unit became Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31, or H&MS-31. This redesignation consolidated personnel after Marine Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 31 was disbanded and its personnel were transferred into the headquarters and maintenance organization. The unit’s postwar history included further changes in command relationships and force structure. In August 1958, H&MS-31 became associated with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The group and squadron were subsequently reduced to a small administrative presence at Cherry Point, and both were deactivated on 31 January 1959. The organization was later reactivated and, in October 1988, H&MS-31 was redesignated Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. At the same time, its A-4 Skyhawk aircraft were transferred to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, reflecting the separation of aircraft operations from the aviation logistics mission. In 1990, MALS-31 completed the transition of its logistics support mission from the F-4 Phantom II to the F/A-18 Hornet. This change aligned the squadron with the aircraft and maintenance requirements of Marine Corps fighter-attack aviation in the modern era. Since its redesignation, MALS-31 has supported unit deployments, carrier detachments, and expeditionary operations. Its documented operational associations include Operations Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Noble Anvil, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The squadron’s contribution in these activities has primarily been the sustainment and logistics coordination necessary for supported Marine aviation units rather than independent combat operations. Its continuing mission is to maintain the readiness of Marine Aircraft Group 31 and associated aviation organizations through centralized logistics expertise and support.
History
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 derives its lineage from Headquarters Squadron 31, which was activated on 1 February 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The original organization was assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force. Approximately six months after activation, Headquarters Squadron 31 moved with Marine Aircraft Group 31 toward the Pacific theater, departing the United States from San Diego aboard USS Nassau and USAT Puebla. During the Second World War, the group and its supporting elements operated across the Pacific. In November 1944, the 4th Marine Bases Defense Air Wing was redesignated the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. On 11 March 1945, Marine Aircraft Group 31 became part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Headquarters Squadron 31 and other group elements moved from Roi-Namur toward Okinawa, then one of the most active fronts of the war. Ground personnel landed on Okinawa on 3 April 1945 to prepare facilities and support arrangements. Marine Aircraft Group 31 arrived from USS Sitkoh Bay and began operations several days later. The group’s wartime record included an early aerial engagement during the Okinawa campaign. Two of its pilots shot down a Japanese bomber attempting a suicide attack against their escort carrier while en route to shore. The event gave Marine Aircraft Group 31 a notable distinction in the campaign, although the squadron’s core function remained organizational and logistical support for Marine aviation operations. During the Korean War period, Marine Aircraft Group 31 and its subordinate elements were reactivated on 17 March 1952. The reactivated organization was initially established at Cherry Point before moving to Marine Corps Air Station Miami, Florida. On 15 February 1954, Headquarters Squadron 31 was redesignated Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31. This change followed the disbandment of Marine Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 31 and the transfer of its personnel into H&MS-31, consolidating headquarters and maintenance responsibilities. On 22 August 1958, H&MS-31 was redesignated as part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron and its parent group were then reduced to a small, largely administrative organization while moving to Cherry Point. Both MAG-31 and the squadron were deactivated there on 31 January 1959. The organization returned to active service in the later twentieth century. In October 1988, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31 became Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. As part of this restructuring, its A-4 Skyhawk aircraft were transferred to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, separating aircraft assets from the logistics support organization. In 1990, MALS-31 completed the conversion of its aviation logistics support mission from the F-4 Phantom II to the F/A-18 Hornet. From the late 1980s onward, the squadron supported deployments, carrier detachments, and major United States military operations. Its documented operational support includes Operations Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Noble Anvil, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In these activities, MALS-31 provided the logistics planning, maintenance coordination, supply support, and technical direction needed by Marine aviation squadrons. The unit remains based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and continues to serve under Marine Aircraft Group 31 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
- 1990
Completed transition to F/A-18 support
[1]The squadron completed the transition of its aviation logistics support mission from the F-4 Phantom II to the F/A-18 Hornet.
- 1988
Redesignated Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31
[1]In October, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31 was redesignated MALS-31, while its A-4 Skyhawk aircraft were transferred to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
- 1959
Deactivated at Cherry Point
[1]H&MS-31 and Marine Aircraft Group 31 were deactivated on 31 January after being reduced to a small organization.
- 1954
Redesignated Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31
[1]The organization adopted the H&MS-31 designation on 15 February after the consolidation of personnel from Marine Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 31.
- 1952
Reactivated during the Korean War period
[1]Marine Aircraft Group 31 and its subordinate elements were reactivated on 17 March, initially at Cherry Point and later at Marine Corps Air Station Miami.
- 1945
Transferred to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
[1]Marine Aircraft Group 31 became part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing on 11 March during the Second World War.
- 1945
Supported the Okinawa campaign
[1]Ground personnel arrived on Okinawa on 3 April to prepare support for Marine Aircraft Group 31, which began operations several days later.
- 1943
Headquarters Squadron 31 activated
[1]Headquarters Squadron 31 was activated on 1 February at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as an element of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force.
Products and positioning
A specialized Marine Corps aviation logistics organization focused on sustaining aircraft readiness, maintenance support, supply coordination, and deployment capability for Marine Aircraft Group 31 and associated wing-level aviation units.
Military aviation support
Aviation logistics support
MALS-31 provides centralized logistics support, planning, guidance, and direction for the aviation squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 31. Its work supports readiness by coordinating the personnel, maintenance, supply, technical, and planning functions needed to sustain Marine aircraft operations.
Equipment logistics
Navy-funded equipment support
The squadron also provides logistics support for Navy-funded equipment located in or associated with Marine Wing Support Squadron, Marine Air Control Group, and Marine Aircraft Wing and Mobile Calibration Complex organizations.
Marketing campaigns
- 1991Operation Desert Storm
Persian Gulf region
MALS-31 is documented as having supported Operation Desert Storm as part of its post-redesignation expeditionary aviation logistics role.
Outcome. The squadron contributed aviation logistics support to participating Marine aviation forces.
- 1945Okinawa campaign
Pacific theater
Headquarters Squadron 31 and other Marine Aircraft Group 31 elements moved from the central Pacific to Okinawa. Ground personnel landed on 3 April to prepare support arrangements before the group began operations.
Outcome. The organization supported Marine aviation operations during the campaign.
- Operations Deny Flight and Noble Anvil
Balkans
The squadron supported the aviation logistics requirements associated with Operations Deny Flight and Noble Anvil.
Outcome. MALS-31 provided logistics support for Marine aviation deployments connected with these operations.
- Operation Enduring Freedom
Afghanistan · Other associated theaters
MALS-31 participated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom through its aviation logistics mission.
Outcome. The squadron supported the readiness and deployment requirements of Marine aviation units.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq
The squadron supported Marine aviation forces involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Outcome. MALS-31 contributed aviation logistics support to the operation.
Brand decisions
1990
Transition from F-4 Phantom II to F/A-18 Hornet supportGeneration changeBackground
Marine aviation modernization required logistics organizations to adapt to newer aircraft systems.
Action taken
MALS-31 completed the conversion of its aviation logistics support mission from the F-4 Phantom II to the F/A-18 Hornet.
Aftermath
The squadron aligned its technical and logistics support mission with F/A-18-equipped Marine aviation units.
1988
Reorganization as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31StrategyBackground
The Marine Corps reorganized the unit’s aviation support structure as aircraft and logistics responsibilities evolved.
Action taken
H&MS-31 was redesignated MALS-31 in October, and its A-4 aircraft were transferred to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
Aftermath
The unit focused on aviation logistics support rather than operating its own aircraft.
1954
Consolidation into Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31StrategyBackground
Marine Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 31 was disbanded and its personnel were transferred to the headquarters organization.
Action taken
Headquarters Squadron 31 was redesignated Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31 on 15 February.
Aftermath
The redesignation consolidated headquarters and maintenance functions under H&MS-31.
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