Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 (MALS-12)
"Marauders"

The mission of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 (MALS-12) is to provide aviation logistics expertise, planning and material to Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) and its subordinate tactical aircraft squadrons in order to support operational contingencies, theater security cooperation plans, and training exercises in the Pacific Command area of responsibility.

The the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 (MALS-12) was first activated as Headquarters and Services Squadron 12 on 1 March 1942, the Squadron was assigned in May 1942 to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. The unit was redesignated on 1 July 1942 as Headquarters Squadron 12 (HS-12). Throughout World War II, HS-12 was attached to both the 1st and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wings and participated in numerous campaigns throughout the Northern Solomons, Leyte, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines.

After the end of the Second World War, the Squadron redeployed to Peiping, China in October 1945. There HS-12 participated in the post-war occupation of Northern China and was called to action on the Korean peninsula at the outbreak of hostilities. Deployed to Wonson, Korea in October 1950, HS-12 distinguished itself in combat during the Chosin Reservoir, East Central Front, and the Western Front Campaigns until June 1956.

In July 1956, the newly redesignated Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 12 (H&MS-12) redeployed from Korea to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. In May 1965, H&MS-12 deployed in support of combat operations at Chu Lai and Bien Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. Returning to Iwakuni in February 1970, elements of H&MS-12 returned to Vietnam, participating in combat operations at Bien Hoa from May 1972 to January 1973.

From January 1973 until September 1988, H&MS-12 continued to provide support for aviation units assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) and various units throughout the Western Pacific, in addition to operating the OA-4M aircraft. On 1 October 1988, the Squadron was redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 (MALS-12). During December 1989, MALS-12 deployed a substantial detachment to the Philippines in support of MAG-12 operations during the attempted coup. In 1990, MALS-12 supported the pre-deployment aircrew training and aircraft grooming of 2 squadrons in preparation for their deployment to Southwest Asia for participation in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

In July 1992, MALS-12 was again brought to the forefront with participation in the base closures of Naval Air Station Cubi Point and Naval Air Facility Kadena: MALS-12 provided the leadership, knowledge, and manpower required to distribute critical support equipment and other mission essential assets. During June 1993, in concert with the 6 aircraft AV-8B detachment to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), MALS-12 began providing support to the 31st MEU and the USS Belleau Wood by providing an AV-8B Peculiar Contingency Support Package.

Exercise Southern Frontier, a MAG level, multiple squadron deployment to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Darwin, Australia, began in 1994, and MALS-12 was there. As a precursor to the success of the operation, MALS-12 participated in the largest ever ordnance off-load in Australia since World War II. Additionally, MALS-12 established liaison with the RAAF counterparts at RAAF Tindal, Australia to augment support of the F/A-18 aircraft.

The Squadron received a Navy Unit Commendation in April 1995. In 2001, MALS-12 received a second Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional meritorious service from 1 October 1998 to 31 January 2000. The Squadron had already received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional meritorious service from July 1984 to July 1986.