Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 is a United States Marine Corps aviation logistics support unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, commonly abbreviated MALS-36 and nicknamed “Bladerunner,” is an aviation logistics support unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, and operates under Marine Aircraft Group 36, which is part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Unlike a commercial brand, MALS-36 is a military organization whose role is to sustain aviation operations through maintenance, supply, ammunition logistics, financial administration, and command-level logistics oversight. The unit traces its history to June 1952, when it was established at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California, as Headquarters Squadron 36. It was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36 within the Pacific-based Fleet Marine Force. On 15 February 1954, the organization was redesignated Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 36, reflecting its combined administrative and maintenance responsibilities. The squadron later became involved in the Vietnam War after deploying to Chu Lai in August 1965 and being reassigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. From September 1965 through November 1969, it operated from locations including Kỳ Hà and Phu Bai. In November 1969, it redeployed to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, where its Okinawa-based role continued. The present designation, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, took effect on 1 October 1988. Under that structure, the squadron provides logistics guidance and direction to the squadrons of its supported Marine Aircraft Group on behalf of the group commanding officer. Its maintenance function includes intermediate-level maintenance for aircraft and aeronautical equipment. When authorized, it may also conduct specified first-degree engine repairs. Its aviation supply function supports aircraft and Navy-funded equipment belonging to supported organizations. MALS-36 also manages Class V(a) aviation ammunition logistics for the group’s squadrons. This responsibility covers requisitioning, storage, handling, assembly, transportation, and inventory reporting. The squadron is additionally expected to plan for and operate an airfield ammunition issue point at an expeditionary airfield when required. Its administrative responsibilities include interpreting, implementing, auditing, inspecting, and overseeing policies concerning operations and maintenance funding, Navy-funded resources other than temporary additional duty, aviation supply, and aircraft management. The squadron has supported a range of overseas operations. Its recorded post-Vietnam deployments and operational participation include Operation Fiery Vigil in the Philippines in June 1991, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia from December 1992 through May 1993, and Operation Stabilize in East Timor from September through November 1999 and again in January 2000. In January 2007, a detachment of MALS-36 Marines deployed with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Beyond its operational mission, Marines and Sailors assigned to the squadron have participated in community activities in Okinawa. These activities have included cleaning nursing homes and removing rubbish from local beaches, with the stated objective of strengthening relationships between the military community and residents of Okinawa. In 2020, MALS-36 was recognized by the Marine Corps Aviation Association as its MALS of the Year.
History
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 was established in June 1952 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California, as Headquarters Squadron 36. The new unit was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36 within the Pacific Fleet Marine Force structure. On 15 February 1954, it was redesignated Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 36, formalizing its combined command-administration and maintenance identity. The squadron deployed to Chu Lai in the Republic of Vietnam in August 1965 and was reassigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. It participated in the Vietnam War from September 1965 through November 1969, operating from Kỳ Hà and Phu Bai. In November 1969, the organization redeployed to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan. On 1 October 1988, the unit adopted its current designation, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36. The redesignation reflected its role as an aviation logistics organization supporting the squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 36. Its responsibilities include intermediate-level aircraft and aeronautical equipment maintenance, aviation supply, ammunition logistics, and the administration and oversight of operations and maintenance resources. It also supports Navy-funded equipment assigned to related Marine aviation support organizations, including Marine Wing Support Squadron, Marine Air Control Squadron, and the Marine Aircraft Wing/Mobile Calibration Complex. MALS-36 continued to participate in overseas operations after the Vietnam era. It supported Operation Fiery Vigil in the Philippines in June 1991, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia from December 1992 to May 1993, and Operation Stabilize in East Timor from September to November 1999 and again in January 2000. In January 2007, a detachment of its Marines attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron’s ammunition role includes the requisitioning, storage, handling, assembly, transportation, and inventory reporting of Class V(a) ammunition. It is also tasked with maintaining the capability to plan and operate an ammunition issue point at an expeditionary airfield. Its broader command-support role includes interpreting and implementing policies, auditing and inspecting procedures, and advising the Marine Aircraft Group commanding officer on logistics and resource-management matters. MALS-36 personnel have also undertaken community-service activities in Okinawa, including work at nursing homes and beach cleanups. These activities have been presented as efforts to improve relations with the surrounding Japanese community. In 2020, the Marine Corps Aviation Association named MALS-36 its MALS of the Year.
- 2020
Recognized as MALS of the Year
[1]The Marine Corps Aviation Association recognized MALS-36 as its MALS of the Year.
- 2007
Detachment deployed to Iraq
[1]A detachment of MALS-36 Marines attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- 1999
Supported Operation Stabilize
[1]The squadron participated in Operation Stabilize in East Timor from September through November 1999 and again in January 2000.
- 1992
Supported Operation Restore Hope
[1]MALS-36 participated in the Somalia operation beginning in December 1992 and continuing through May 1993.
- 1991
Supported Operation Fiery Vigil
[1]The squadron participated in Operation Fiery Vigil in the Philippines in June.
- 1988
Adopted the MALS-36 designation
[1]On 1 October, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 36 was redesignated Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36.
- 1969
Redeployed to Okinawa
[1]After operating in Vietnam from September 1965 through November 1969, the squadron redeployed to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
- 1965
Deployed to Vietnam
[1]The squadron deployed to Chu Lai in August and was reassigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing for Vietnam War operations.
- 1954
Redesignated Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 36
[1]On 15 February, the organization adopted a designation emphasizing its headquarters and maintenance functions.
- 1952
Established as Headquarters Squadron 36
[1]The unit was established in June at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California, and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36 within the Pacific Fleet Marine Force.
Products and positioning
A Marine Corps aviation logistics organization positioned as a sustainment and command-support element for Marine Aircraft Group 36 and its associated aviation and support units.
Marketing campaigns
- 2007Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq
A MALS-36 detachment deployed with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- 1999Operation Stabilize
East Timor
MALS-36 participated in the operation from September through November 1999 and returned to the operation in January 2000.
- 1992Operation Restore Hope
Somalia
The squadron supported the Somalia operation from December 1992 through May 1993.
- 1991Operation Fiery Vigil
Philippines
MALS-36 participated in the June 1991 operation in the Philippines as an aviation logistics support unit.
Sources1 sources
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