Marine Wing Support Squadron 373
A United States Marine Corps aviation ground-support squadron that provides airfield, logistics, engineering, safety, and expeditionary services to Marine aviation units.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, commonly abbreviated MWSS-373, is an aviation ground-support unit of the United States Marine Corps. It is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California and belongs to Marine Air Control Group 38 within the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Rather than operating aircraft, the squadron supplies the infrastructure and services that allow Marine aviation units to function from established air stations, expeditionary airfields, temporary bases, and austere forward locations. Its mission is to provide essential aviation ground requirements to a designated fixed-wing component of a Marine Aviation Combat Element, or to supplement the facilities and services of a Marine Corps air station. The squadron's responsibilities include motor transport, mobile electrical power, heavy equipment operations, tactical aircraft refueling, runway and airfield services, and second-echelon maintenance. It also conducts airfield operations other than air-traffic control, including internal communications, weather support, expeditionary airfield services, aircraft and ground refueling, crash and fire rescue, structural firefighting, security, law enforcement, and emergency medical functions. The unit trains its own personnel and selected supporting forces while maintaining capabilities for nuclear, biological, and chemical defense. The squadron traces its lineage to Wing Equipment and Repair Squadron 37, activated at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro on 1 April 1967. It was later reorganized as Wing Transportation Squadron 37 during the Marine Corps combat-service-support reorganization process and ultimately became MWSS-373. In 1998, a base realignment and closure move transferred the unit from El Toro to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. MWSS-373 has supported a wide range of Marine Corps and joint expeditionary operations. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991, it supplied fuel, food, potable water, medical services, transportation, sanitation, electrical power, and ordnance-handling support in Southwest Asia. In the 1990s it also supported deployments connected with Somalia, including embarkation operations at El Toro and a detachment for Operation United Shield, as well as a maritime-deployment support party associated with the U.S. response to tensions involving Iraq and United Nations weapons inspections. Following the September 2001 terrorist attacks, the squadron supported the Global War on Terror through deployments and detachments linked to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its work included constructing and operating aviation bases, establishing forward arming and refueling points, repairing runways, improving helicopter landing zones, providing firefighting and explosive-ordnance support, and maintaining utilities and transportation networks. In Kuwait and Iraq in 2003, the unit helped build a large Marine base camp and a Harrier aircraft parking ramp at Al Jaber Air Base, repaired a KC-130 operating strip at Jalibah Airfield, and established forward operating infrastructure at several Iraqi airfields. Later Iraq deployments supported aviation operations in Al Anbar Province and included emergency response to improvised explosive device activity, road improvements, landing-zone construction, and electrical renovations. In Afghanistan, MWSS-373 deployed to Camp Leatherneck in 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It provided aviation ground support for Camp Leatherneck and several forward operating bases, improved helicopter landing zones across Helmand province, and completed a C-130 airstrip at Forward Operating Base Delaram. The squadron's operational value lies in this combination of aviation support, engineering, logistics, emergency response, and base operations. It enables Marine aviation formations to deploy and sustain aircraft even when local infrastructure is limited or damaged.
History
Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 originated as Wing Equipment and Repair Squadron 37, which was activated on 1 April 1967 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Santa Ana, California. The unit was created to provide the equipment, transportation, engineering, and other ground functions required by Marine aviation formations. During the Marine Corps-wide combat-service-support reorganization, it was restructured and redesignated Wing Transportation Squadron 37 on 31 January 1977. The reorganization was implemented as part of a broader process that took effect in 1986, after which the unit's responsibilities continued to expand beyond transportation alone. It subsequently became Marine Wing Support Squadron 373. The unit's first major documented overseas operational period in the reference material was its participation in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 through April 1991. In Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, its Marines and sailors supplied tactical aviation with fuel, delivered food and potable water, supported medical care and immunization programs, and maintained utilities, sanitation, transportation, and dispersed living areas. The squadron also handled large volumes of ordnance-related cargo and accumulated extensive motor-transport mileage while supporting the coalition air campaign and associated ground forces. During the 1990s, MWSS-373 supported both readiness initiatives and expeditionary operations. In July 1992 it became the first support squadron in I Marine Expeditionary Force to achieve reported 100-percent readiness. That September, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal capability from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 joined the organization, broadening its ability to support airfield and route-clearance operations. From December 1992 to May 1993, the squadron operated a continuous embarkation-support mission at El Toro for forces deploying to Somalia under Operation Restore Hope. It loaded more than 100 aircraft with cargo and equipment. A detachment later deployed to Somalia from January through March 1995 for Operation United Shield, supporting the United Nations withdrawal. In 1995, an 11-Marine offload-preparation party also supported the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Operation Vigilant Sentinel, an effort associated with regional tensions involving Iraq and United Nations arms inspections. A major relocation occurred in August 1998, when the squadron moved from El Toro to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in the San Diego area as part of a base realignment and closure-directed transfer. Miramar became its enduring home and placed it within the organizational structure of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Air Control Group 38. After September 2001, MWSS-373 supplied personnel and equipment for operations connected with Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its support extended to multiple Marine Expeditionary Units and Marine fighter-attack squadrons operating from aircraft carriers. From 2002 onward, detachments supported Marine aviation in Afghanistan. From January through June 2003, the squadron deployed to Kuwait and Iraq, where it built a base camp intended for approximately 4,000 Marines and installed a roughly 431,000-square-foot Harrier parking ramp at Al Jaber Air Base. During the advance into Iraq, it operated forward arming and refueling points near Jalibah Airfield and repaired a 5,000-foot operating strip capable of supporting KC-130 operations. It then built a forward operating base for approximately 3,000 Marines at Jalibah and continued refueling support at airfields including Tikrit and Ad Diwaniyah. In August 2004, the squadron deployed to Al Taqaddum in Iraq to support 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aviation operations in Al Anbar Province. It also supported Camp Korean Village, Camp Mudaysis, Forward Operating Base Duke, and Camp Fallujah. During Operation Al Fajr in Fallujah, its firefighting personnel responded to dangerous structural and vehicle fires outside the base, while its EOD personnel helped clear routes between Al Taqaddum and Fallujah. The unit's engineering element established a camp area known as La Jolla Village, and the deployment concluded with the closure of Camp Mudaysis. A further Iraq deployment began in September 2006. MWSS-373 again supported Al Taqaddum and other sites, including Ramadi, Fallujah, and Korean Village. It formed response teams for improvised explosive device incidents, improved roads, installed helicopter landing zones, and upgraded electrical systems at locations along the Euphrates River corridor. In September 2010, the squadron deployed to Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan. It provided aviation ground support for Camp Leatherneck, Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Forward Operating Base Delaram, and Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, while also improving helicopter landing zones throughout Helmand province. It completed a C-130 airstrip at Forward Operating Base Delaram, and the deployed Marines returned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar by April 2011. The squadron's documented history demonstrates a continuing role as a deployable provider of airfield operations, aviation logistics, engineering, emergency response, and expeditionary base services.
- 2010
Deployed to Camp Leatherneck
[1]MWSS-373 deployed to Afghanistan and supported airfields and forward bases in Helmand province.
- 2003
Built aviation infrastructure in Kuwait and Iraq
[1]The unit constructed a major Marine base camp and aircraft parking ramp, repaired an operating strip, and established forward operating infrastructure during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- 1998
Relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
[1]The squadron moved from El Toro to Miramar as part of a base realignment and closure-directed relocation.
- 1992
Reported full readiness achieved
[1]The squadron became the first support squadron in I Marine Expeditionary Force reported to have achieved 100-percent readiness.
- 1990
Deployment to Southwest Asia
[1]MWSS-373 supported Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
- 1977
Redesignated Wing Transportation Squadron 37
[1]The unit was restructured and redesignated Wing Transportation Squadron 37 during the Marine Corps combat-service-support reorganization.
- 1967
Wing Equipment and Repair Squadron 37 activated
[1]The unit that would eventually become MWSS-373 was activated as Wing Equipment and Repair Squadron 37 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
Products and positioning
A deployable Marine Corps aviation-support formation designed to establish, operate, protect, and sustain airfields and forward bases for Marine aviation units in both established and austere environments.
Military aviation support
Expeditionary aviation ground support
The squadron provides the ground infrastructure and operating services needed by Marine aviation units at established air stations and temporary expeditionary locations. These functions include airfield services, communications, weather support, refueling, transport, utilities, security, emergency medical support, and maintenance assistance. The capability is designed to move with a Marine Aviation Combat Element and to supplement or replace services normally supplied by a permanent Marine Corps air station.
Combat engineering
Expeditionary airfield and base construction
MWSS-373 uses engineering and heavy-equipment capabilities to create or improve operational airfields, aircraft parking areas, helicopter landing zones, roads, utilities, and forward bases. Its documented work includes a large Harrier parking ramp at Al Jaber Air Base, forward operating infrastructure at Jalibah Airfield, landing-zone improvements in Afghanistan, and completion of a C-130 strip at Forward Operating Base Delaram.
Airfield operations
Aircraft refueling and airfield emergency services
The squadron conducts tactical aircraft refueling and forward arming and refueling point operations while also maintaining crash, fire, rescue, and structural firefighting capabilities. These services allow aircraft to operate from forward locations and provide emergency response for aviation accidents, base incidents, and selected off-base fires during expeditionary deployments.
Marketing campaigns
- 2010Operation Enduring Freedom
Afghanistan
MWSS-373 supported Camp Leatherneck, Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Forward Operating Base Delaram, and Forward Operating Base Edinburgh while improving landing zones and completing a C-130 airstrip.
Outcome. The deployed personnel returned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar by April 2011.
- 2004Operation Al Fajr
Iraq
During operations around Fallujah, the squadron supplied aviation ground support, firefighting, route-related explosive-ordnance support, and camp engineering.
Outcome. The unit supported Marine aviation and base operations in Al Anbar Province and closed Camp Mudaysis at the end of the deployment.
- 2003Operation Iraqi Freedom
Kuwait · Iraq
The squadron built base and airfield infrastructure, conducted forward refueling operations, repaired a KC-130 operating strip, and supported aviation sites during the invasion and subsequent operations.
Outcome. MWSS-373 established and sustained aviation-support facilities at Al Jaber, Jalibah, Tikrit, Ad Diwaniyah, and other locations.
- 1995Operation United Shield
Somalia
A squadron detachment supported the United Nations withdrawal from Somalia.
Outcome. The detachment assisted the withdrawal operation during early 1995.
- 1995Operation Vigilant Sentinel
Persian Gulf region
An 11-Marine offload-preparation party deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit amid U.S. efforts to deter Iraqi interference with United Nations arms inspections.
Outcome. The detachment provided maritime expeditionary logistics support.
- 1992Operation Restore Hope
United States · Somalia
The squadron provided continuous embarkation support at El Toro for units and equipment deploying to Somalia.
Outcome. More than 100 aircraft were loaded with approximately eight million pounds of cargo and equipment.
- 1990Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Saudi Arabia · Kuwait
MWSS-373 provided fuel, food, water, medical, transportation, electrical, sanitation, and dispersed-base support for Marine aviation and coalition operations in Southwest Asia.
Outcome. The squadron sustained aviation and support operations through the Gulf War period.
Sources2 sources
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