Marine Wing Support Squadron 372
A United States Marine Corps aviation ground support squadron known as the Diamondbacks.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, commonly designated MWSS-372 and nicknamed the Diamondbacks, is an aviation ground support unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California and operates within the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron is associated with Marine Air Control Group 38 and maintains a direct support relationship with Marine Aircraft Group 39. Its role is not to operate aircraft as a flying squadron, but to create and sustain the physical, logistical, engineering, fueling, and recovery conditions that allow Marine aviation units to operate from expeditionary locations. The squadron traces its organizational predecessor to Detachment A, Marine Wing Support Group 37, formed at Camp Pendleton in 1977. MWSS-372 was formally commissioned on 2 June 1986. From the outset, its principal responsibility was aviation ground support for MAG-39. The unit can organize into task-built elements according to an operation's requirements, allowing it to support established air stations, temporary expeditionary airfields, forward operating sites, or aviation forces operating away from their normal bases. Its support functions include forward aviation combat engineering, flight-line operations, airfield damage repair, aircraft salvage and recovery, and the establishment of forward arming and refueling points. The squadron also provides the personnel and equipment needed to construct or improve expeditionary aviation sites and to keep aircraft supplied with fuel and weapons. These capabilities place MWSS-372 at the junction of aviation logistics, combat engineering, airfield operations, and expeditionary combat service support. MWSS-372 has repeatedly deployed in support of major United States military operations. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, more than 300 of its Marines deployed to Southwest Asia for the buildup in Saudi Arabia and combat operations in Kuwait and Iraq. In Somalia, during Operation Restore Hope, the squadron established aviation ground support at Baledogle Airfield and a forward arming and refueling point at Baidoa after initially operating from Mogadishu. The unit also played a major recovery role after flooding of the Santa Margarita River disrupted Camp Pendleton aviation operations in 1993, despite having much of its personnel and equipment deployed overseas. The squadron supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, including the operation of forward refueling points and the distribution of fuel to Marine and Army aircraft and ground vehicles. It returned to Iraq in later deployments, including support to Marine aviation formations and sites across western Iraq. In Afghanistan, MWSS-372 provided aviation ground support and forward refueling support during Operations Enduring Freedom, including the 2010 operation at Marjah and a later deployment supporting International Security Assistance Force units in Regional Command Southwest. An organizational change in April 2012 transferred the squadron's parent command relationship from Marine Wing Support Group 37 to Marine Aircraft Group 39. The change was intended to improve integration with supported flying units and make aviation ground support more responsive. In later years, the Diamondbacks continued to support Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing activities, exercises, and joint-force requirements. The squadron was recognized by the Marine Corps Aviation Association as Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year in 2006, 2013, and 2024. The 2024 recognition highlighted its support to domestic and overseas aviation operations and its unusual role serving as Marine Air Control Group 58 during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-24.
History
Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 developed from Detachment A, Marine Wing Support Group 37, which was formed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on 1 July 1977. The detachment was reorganized and formally commissioned as MWSS-372 on 2 June 1986. Its enduring assignment has been to provide aviation ground support to Marine Aircraft Group 39 and, when directed, to other Marine aviation formations. The squadron's mission is built around expeditionary aviation. Rather than functioning as a conventional commercial-style brand or product organization, MWSS-372 supplies the practical infrastructure that permits aircraft and aviation units to operate from austere or damaged locations. Its task-organized capabilities include aviation combat engineering, flight-line operations, airfield construction and repair, forward arming and refueling points, aircraft recovery, and salvage. These functions support both routine operations at Marine air stations and combat operations in forward areas. The first major overseas deployment described in the unit's public history came during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1990, more than 300 Marines deployed to Southwest Asia as part of the American buildup in Saudi Arabia and the subsequent campaign in Kuwait and Iraq. The squadron soon deployed again, moving to Somalia in December 1992 for Operation Restore Hope. After supporting operations in Mogadishu, its personnel established an initial aviation ground support capability at Baledogle Airfield and a forward arming and refueling point at Baidoa before returning to Mogadishu as the Marine mission concluded. While much of the unit remained deployed to Somalia, Camp Pendleton experienced severe flooding in January 1993 when the Santa Margarita River overflowed. Aviation operations were shut down and substantial equipment was damaged or destroyed. The remaining MWSS-372 personnel spearheaded recovery using communications, heavy equipment, and construction assets. The Marine Corps recognized the effort with a Navy Unit Commendation. In December 1996, the squadron completed construction of Camp Pendleton's first K-Span structure, providing Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 with additional maintenance space. The squadron returned to Southwest Asia in 2003. In January it deployed to Kuwait and assisted with the reception and offload preparation of maritime prepositioned equipment and supplies at the port of Shuiaba. During the March invasion of Iraq, MWSS-372 established and operated forward arming and refueling points and distributed fuel to Marine aircraft, Army medical-evacuation aircraft, tanks, and assault amphibious vehicles. On 8 April 2003, the squadron and a United States Navy Seabee detachment cleared obstacles and reopened the 9,000-foot runway at Salman Pak East. In November 2005, MWSS-372 deployed again to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It provided aviation ground support to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and participated in combat operations alongside 2nd Marine Division during two Iraqi elections. The squadron's performance was followed by recognition for both engineering and aviation support: its Engineer Operations Company was named Engineer Company of the Year by the Marine Corps Engineer Association, and the squadron received the 2006 Hatch Award as Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year from the Marine Corps Aviation Association. From August 2007 through March 2008, it supported Multi-National Force–West at multiple locations in western Iraq. In September 2009, the unit deployed in full to southern Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom 9.2. Its deployment included forward arming and refueling support for aircraft inserting Marines into Marjah during Operation Moshtarak. From September 2013 to April 2014, it returned to Afghanistan for OEF 13.2 and assumed aviation ground support duties for units within ISAF Regional Command Southwest. The Marine Corps Aviation Association again recognized the squadron as MWSS of the Year for its 2013 performance. A significant organizational change occurred in April 2012, when MWSS-372's parent command relationship moved from Marine Wing Support Group 37 to Marine Aircraft Group 39. The change was intended to place the support squadron closer to its primary aviation customer and enable faster, more flexible support. In 2024, MWSS-372 was again named Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year. The recognition cited sustained support to Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and sister-service units, as well as the squadron's role as MACG-58 during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-24. In that exercise, the temporary organization included seven subordinate units and more than 1,000 Marines and sailors. The unit remains an active component of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's expeditionary aviation support structure.
- 2024
Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year
[1]MWSS-372 received Marine Corps Aviation Association recognition for its aviation ground support and exercise performance.
- 2012
Parent command transferred to MAG-39
[1]The squadron moved from the parent structure of MWSG-37 to Marine Aircraft Group 39.
- 2003
Salman Pak East runway reopened
[1]MWSS-372 and Navy Seabees cleared obstacles and reopened the 9,000-foot Salman Pak East runway during the Iraq invasion.
- 1996
First K-Span structure at Camp Pendleton
[1]MWSS-372 completed construction of the first K-Span structure at Camp Pendleton for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39.
- 1993
Camp Pendleton flood recovery
[1]The squadron led recovery support after flooding severely disrupted aviation operations and damaged equipment at Camp Pendleton.
- 1986
MWSS-372 commissioned
[1]Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 was formally commissioned on 2 June at Camp Pendleton.
- 1977
Detachment A formed
[1]Detachment A, Marine Wing Support Group 37, was formed at Camp Pendleton and later became the organizational predecessor of MWSS-372.
Products and positioning
A deployable Marine Corps aviation ground support unit that enables expeditionary aviation through engineering, airfield, fueling, recovery, and logistics capabilities.
Military support capability
Expeditionary aviation ground support
The squadron task-organizes personnel and equipment to establish and sustain shore-based aviation sites for Marine Aircraft Group 39 or other designated aviation forces. Support can be delivered at established bases, forward operating sites, or austere expeditionary locations.
Aviation logistics
Forward arming and refueling points
MWSS-372 establishes and operates forward arming and refueling points that extend the operational reach of Marine aviation. These sites provide fuel and weapons support close to operating areas and have been used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other deployments.
Combat engineering
Aviation combat engineering and airfield repair
The unit provides engineering support for expeditionary aviation, including site preparation, construction, obstacle clearance, and repair of damaged or improvised runways. Its work at Salman Pak East demonstrated the operational importance of restoring usable aviation infrastructure during combat.
Aviation recovery
Aircraft salvage and recovery
Aircraft salvage and recovery is one of the squadron's designated aviation ground support functions. The capability helps Marine aviation forces respond to disabled or damaged aircraft and recover aviation assets in expeditionary environments.
Marketing campaigns
- 2013Operation Enduring Freedom 13.2
Afghanistan
From September 2013 to April 2014, MWSS-372 provided aviation ground support to units in ISAF Regional Command Southwest.
Outcome. The squadron completed the deployment and was recognized as Marine Wing Support Squadron of the Year for its 2013 performance.
- 2009Operation Enduring Freedom 9.2
Afghanistan
The squadron deployed to southern Afghanistan and provided aviation ground support, including forward refueling support during Operation Moshtarak.
Outcome. MWSS-372 supported aircraft inserting Marines into Marjah during a major operation in Helmand Province.
- 2007Multi-National Force–West
Iraq
From August 2007 to March 2008, MWSS-372 supported sites including Al Asad Airbase, Al Qa'im, Mudaysis, and Fallujah.
Outcome. The squadron sustained aviation ground support across multiple locations in western Iraq.
- 2005Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment
Iraq
The squadron provided aviation ground support to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and participated in operations associated with Iraqi elections.
Outcome. The deployment contributed to aviation and combat support in western Iraq and was followed by unit-level engineering and aviation awards.
- 2003Operation Iraqi Freedom
Kuwait · Iraq
MWSS-372 supported maritime prepositioned equipment reception, operated forward refueling points, distributed fuel to aviation and ground units, and helped reopen Salman Pak East runway.
Outcome. The squadron enabled aviation and ground-force movement during the invasion and advance toward Baghdad.
- 1992Operation Restore Hope
Somalia
The squadron supported Marine operations from Mogadishu and established aviation ground support at Baledogle Airfield and a forward arming and refueling point at Baidoa.
Outcome. MWSS-372 redeployed to Mogadishu when the Marine Corps mission ended.
- 1990Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Saudi Arabia · Kuwait · Iraq
More than 300 MWSS-372 Marines deployed to Southwest Asia for the coalition buildup and combat operations.
Outcome. The squadron supported the deployment and combat aviation ground-support requirements of Marine forces.
Brand decisions
2012
Transfer of parent command relationship to MAG-39StrategyBackground
MWSS-372 had previously operated under Marine Wing Support Group 37. The Marine Corps sought closer integration between the squadron and the aviation units it primarily supported.
Action taken
In April 2012, the squadron's parent command relationship was transferred to Marine Aircraft Group 39.
Aftermath
The realignment was intended to provide more flexible and timely aviation ground support to MAG-39 and its flying squadrons.
Sources2 sources
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