100 Years of Putting the ‘A’ in the MAGTF

On 22 May 1912, Marine Corps 1stLt Alfred A. Cunningham reported to Annapolis, MD, for flight training, marking the birth of Marine Corps aviation. Since then, from the “Cactus Air Force” of Guadalcanal to the breakout of the 1st Marine Division (1st MarDiv) at Chosin Reservoir to the countless medevacs, troop insertions, and close air support missions in support of the war in Vietnam and Operations DESERT STORM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM, Marine aviation has been a key component of the Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF). MajGen O.P. Smith, commander of the 1st MarDiv at Chosin, captured best the essence of the relationship between Marines on the ground and Marines in the air when he wrote, “A bond of understanding has been established that will never be broken.”

Beginning in January 2011 the Marine Corps, in concert with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of naval aviation. The celebration will last throughout 2011 and extend into 2012—the 100th anniversary year. This historic occasion is an opportunity to celebrate the Marine Corps’ naval character alongside our Nation’s other Naval Services. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the Marine Corps and Marine aviation to our Nation’s defense.

As we move forward in planning events to commemorate, it is important to understand and communicate the role of the Marine Corps and its unique contribution to our Nation. We are a distinct organization comprised of warfighting elements that, when pulled together as the MAGTF, is more efficient and effective than its individual parts. Combined arms operations and expeditionary capabilities pioneered by our earliest Marine aviators and refined over the years have served to make the Marine Corps a lethal force that can strike from virtually anywhere in the world at any time.

Marine aviation’s value to the individual Marine and the Marine Corps as a whole has centered on a number of long-established and essential hallmark qualities. These qualities have been seen during past campaign successes, are witnessed during today’s combat operations, and are key planning factors for future aircraft and aviation capabilities. These elements include:

• Adaptability—embracing new thoughts, technology, and capabilities.

• Agility—successfully performing in every climb and place.

• Being of one mind—every Marine is a rifleman, the “bond of understanding.”

The Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration will afford the Marine Corps opportunities to build upon and maintain public support for Marine aviation and the MAGTF as a whole. It is our responsibility to reflect on our heritage, honor the accomplishments of our past, and invite the public to celebrate with us as we reach this historic milestone. In conjunction with the Navy’s centennial, the Marine Corps’ 2012 celebration will focus on the MAGTF and Marine aviation’s role in this critical component of our Nation’s expeditionary “Force in Readiness.” It will also focus on our shared history and tradition, the legacy of those who have gone before us. Marine aviation’s heritage of innovation and transformation will also be highlighted as we move forward in accomplishing the Commandant’s Marine Aviation Plan.

The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps will state his vision for the celebration through the Marine Corps Roadmap for Centennials of Naval Aviation and Marine Aviation. The Assistant Commandant’s guidance will be found on the Headquarters Marine Corps Department of Aviation website. This website will act as a clearinghouse for centennial information and events. You may also go to that link or look in this issue’s Special Notices section (p. 4) of the Gazette to learn about the logo contest that the Marine Corps Aviation Association is sponsoring.

In just a few short years we will celebrate 100 years of Marine aviation. Until then we have much to do and plan. It is within this context that we are seeking your input and effort to make this a meaningful commemoration. As we look to our future and concentrate on the tasks at hand, we can never forget the legacy that we have been given by the giants of Marine aviation on whose shoulders we now stand. LtGen Leslie Brown, in his oral history interview, 23 October 1989, spoke of Marine aviation’s role at Chosin, and said, “There was nothing that would have kept them off those targets—nothing.” May we continue to strive for such noteworthy recognition.