United States Marine Corps Aviation

United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation emblem
Active22 May 1912 - Present
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
TypeNaval aviation
Part ofHeadquarters Marine Corps
A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion flies above the USS San Diego (LPD-22) over the Persian Gulf in 2021

The United States Marine Corps Aviation (USMCA) is the aircraft arm of the United States Marine Corps. Aviation units within the Marine Corps are assigned to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, as the aviation combat element, by providing six functions: assault support, antiair warfare, close air support, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance.[1] The Corps operates rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and fixed-wing aircraft mainly to provide transport and close air support to its ground forces. Other aircraft types are also used in a variety of support and special-purpose roles. All Marine Corps aviation falls under the influence of the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, whose job is to advise the Commandant of the Marine Corps in all matters relating to aviation, especially acquisition of new assets, conversions of current aircraft, maintenance, operation, and command.[2]

  1. ^ "MAWTS-1 hones warfighting edge". Naval Aviation News. Archived from the original on 21 August 2007. Retrieved 1 April 2007.
  2. ^ "Marine Corps Aviation". United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 28 May 2022.