Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-26 [MALS-26]
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-26 (MALS-26) was commissioned on June 16, 1952 as Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) 26, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, NC.
The unit was redesignated as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron (H&MS) 26 in February 1954. In July, H&MS-26 relocated to Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, NC and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing.
In March 1958, H&MS-26 embarked in its entirety aboard the USS Tarawa and USS Valley Forge to take part in PHIBEX (LANT) 1-58. This was the largest helo-borne amphibious landing performed to date. In November 1962, Detachment 7 from H&MS-26 deployed to Caribbean area in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis (November-December). In April 1965, an H&MS-26 Detachment deployed to Dominican Republic when fighting broke out among political factions (April-June).
In April 1974, an H&MS-26 Supply detachment deployed to Cyprus to support Operations Nimbus Star/Moon/Stream during the Suez Canal mine sweeping operations.
In May 1980, the unit supported Cuban refugee search and rescue mission.
In May 1982, an H&MS-26 detachment deployed with HMM-261 aboard the USS Guam for LF6F 2-82 and supported the NEO of American citizens from Beirut, Lebanon as well as the continued Lebanon "shuttle diplomacy" mission of the U.S. State Department.
In October 1983, an H&MS-26 detachment deployed with HMM-261 aboard the USS Guam for LF6F 2-84 participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the Marine Corps' first major combat action since Vietnam, during the Grenada and Carriacou Island invasion.
In January 1984, elements of H&MS-26 augmented HMM-261 on LF6F 2-84 as it joined the Multinational Peace-keeping Force in Operation Dig-In, Beirut, Lebanon (September 82 - March 84). During this time over 1000 U.S. Embassy personnel and selected nationals from the American Embassy in Beirut and the port facility at Juniyah were evacuated.
In March 1988, an H&MS-26 detachment deployed with HML/A-167 in support of Contingency MAGTF 2-88 to the Persian Gulf for Operation Praying Mantis. The following month, SS WRIGHT (T-AVB) deployed to Puerto Rico in the first underway operational test and evaluation of the aviation logistics ship (T-military sealift command operated, A-auxiliary, V-aviation, B-Tender). Then in September 1988, H&MS-26 was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for aviation logistical support provided from 1 January to 31 December 1986. During this time, H&MS-26 completed more than 105,000 total maintenance actions and processed over 115,000 aviation supply demands in support of garrison and deployed units.
In October 1988, H&MS-26 was re-designated as MARINE AVIATION LOGISTICS SQUADRON (MALS) 26 and consolidated all responsibilities for aviation logistical support (maintenance and supply) in one squadron. The following month, a Detachment, MALS-26, deployed with HMM-261 aboard USS Saipan, for LF6F 1-89, awarded Joint Meritorious Unit Award for meritorious achievement in the Persian Gulf while assisting in the destruction of the Sirri and Sassan oil platforms.
In January 1990, a MALS-26 detachment with HMM-264 augmented AIMD aboard USS Nassau during COMMARFORCARIB 1-90 workup with redeployment in February to support President Bush's visit to Columbia, South America. In March 1990, a MALS-26 detachment deployed with HMM-261 for LF6F 1-90 aboard the USS Saipan. In August, it participated in Operation Sharp Edge, the evacuation of 1,648 American and foreign nationals from the embattled capitol of Monrovia, Liberia.
In January 1991, in a very fluid, constantly changing scenario, MALS-26 provided aviation supply, intermediate maintenance, and 1st degree engine repair for eleven MAG-29 and MAG-26 squadrons during and after their return from Southwest Asia Desert Shield/Desert Storm Operations.
In August 1991, a MALS-26 detachment with HMM-264 on LF6F 1-91 on USS Guadalcanal supported Operation Provide Comfort in Turkey and Iraq (April - August 91). In October 1991, MALS-26 elements deploedy with HMH-461 to Naval Base Guantanamo, Cuba for operations in support of Operation Victor Squared.
In June 1992, the unit was recognized as 2d MAW MALS OF THE YEAR for 1992. In August 1992, MALS-26 elements supported HMH-461 as it participated in Operation "True" in support of JTF-129.
In October 1992, a MALS-26 detachment deployed with HMM-261 for LF6F 1-93 aboard the USS Guam off the coasts of West Africa and the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Under Operation Provide Promise, relief for the war-torn Sarajevo citizens was provided for 66 straight days without a port call. The following month, in November 1992, MALS-26 received the Commanding General's Aviation Support Efficiency Trophy for Fiscal Year 1992.
In March 1993, a MALS-26 detachment deployed with HMH-362 as part of the first Special Purpose MAGTF ever placed on a carrier, in this case the USS Theodore Roosevelt, for a six month deployment that included presence off the coast of Bosnia. Then in April, MALS-26 conducted major Load Exercise of the T-AVB SS WRIGHT called Operation T-AVB Sea Train 93. MALS-26 acted as host MALS and coordinated participation by all five 2d MAW MALS. In June 1993, it was recognized as 2d MAW MALS OF THE YEAR for 1993.
In October 1993, a MALS-26 detachment deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with HMH-362 aboard USS NASSAU in support of Operation Support Democracy. Then, in January 1994, a MALS-26 detachment deployed with HMM-266 aboard USS Inchon and USS Trenton in support of Operations Provide Promise and Deny Flight, conducting operations in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea's. Somalian Operations included Operations Continue Hope, Eyes Over Mogadishu, and Quickdraw.
In July 1994, MALS-26 Marines deployed to Haiti with HMH-362 on the USS Wasp. MALS also supported HMM-261 during UNITAS in Puerto Rico, while a third MALS det, with HMM-266, deployed to the Bahamas and conducted three Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) rehearsals. In August, MALS-26 participated in Exercise Agile Provider. A MALS detachment deployed with HMM-264 to Haiti in support for Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY.
In October 1994, a MALS-26 detachment supported HMM-261, as part of LF6F 1-95 which deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in direct support of Bosnia operations.
In August 1995, MALS-26 Marines deployed with HMM-264 aboard the USS Wasp for Mediterranean Sea deployment. In December 1995, MALS-26 received SECNAV FY-95 Award for Achievement in Safety Excellence Ashore.
In May 1996, MALS-26 served as host for the Navy's Forward Logistics Site in support of CJTFEX 96/Purple Star 96 a joint exercise with US/UK forces. In June, MALS-26 Marines deployed with HMM-266 LF6F aboard USS Saipan for Mediterranean Sea, and with HMM-264 aboard USS Ponce for Special Purpose MAGTF 8 Liberia.
In January 1997, MALS-26 received the Commandant's 1996 Quality Award. In March 1997, Senator Inhofe, Senate Armed Services Committee, toured MALS.
In May 1997, MALS-26 hosted the MV-22 Osprey Logistics Planning Meeting, while in December 1997 MALS-26 stood up the on-site Corrosion Control Team from Cherry Point NC.
In June 1998 MALS-26 was selected as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron of the Year for 2d Marine Aircraft Wing.
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