Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- “It is fully realized that the only excuse for aviation in any service is its usefulness in assisting the troops on the ground to successfully carry out their operations,” said Maj. Alfred A. Cunningham, father of Marine Corps aviation.
The Marine Corps is the only military service with a completely integrated aviation component capable of deploying with its ground combat units, said Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, during the centennial of Marine Corps aviation in 2012.
February is the shortest month in the calendar year, but that has not lessened the accomplishments of the Marine Corps.
The achievements and accomplishments of Marine aviators range from the battlefields of World War I to Afghanistan.
In February 1917, Maj. Gen. William P. Biddle, 11th commandant of the Marine Corps, ordered Cunningham to form an aviation unit to support the 4th Marine Regiment in France. With much determination, the Marine Corps was the first service to deploy a fully trained and equipped squadron overseas.
In February 1943, Marines with Marine Fighting Squadron 124 debuted the F4U Corsairs. The Japanese nicknamed the aircraft the “Whistling Death,” according to the Marines recruiting website. Several Marines attained “ace” stature in the “bent-wing bird.” An “ace” is a pilot who has shot down five enemy aircraft.
1st Lt. Robert Hanson, a Corsair Ace, shot down more than 25 enemy aircraft in a year before being shot down in February 1945.
Some Marines have gone beyond the upper atmosphere to set records.
In February 1962, Lt. Col. John H. Glenn became the first American astronaut to orbit the earth. He was welcomed home with a ticker-tape parade in New York City.
The first AV-8A Harriers in the Marine Corps were delivered in February 1971. It was the first successful military aircraft with vertical/short takeoff and landing capabilities.
The Marine Corps promoted the first African-American general officer Frank E. Petersen Jr. on Feb. 23, 1979. He also was the first African American Marine Corps aviator.
As “America’s 911 force,” Marines are ready to defend the country and help saves lives when called upon. In February 1998, Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 flew more than two million pounds of food and supplies to Kenya after a large flood devastated the country.
Marine Corps aviation is constantly ready to answer the call to action regardless of the type of response and where it is needed.
For more information on the history of Marine Corps aviation, go to http://www.marines.com/aviation/100-Years-of-Marine-Corps-Aviation.