Marine Wing Support Squadron 372

Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 (MWSS 372) is an aviation ground support unit of the United States Marine Corps. Known as the "Diamondbacks", they are based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The squadron falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 39 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 372
MWSS-372's insignia
Active
  • 1 July 1977 – present
CountryUnited States
AllegianceUnited States of America
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
TypeAviation ground support squadron
Size600+
Part ofMarine Aircraft Group 39
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Nickname(s)Diamondbacks
Motto(s)"Support within striking distance"
EngagementsOperation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom
Commanders
Current
commander		LtCol Scott M. Benninghoff

Mission

Provide all essential Aviation Ground Support (AGS) to Marine Aircraft Group 39 and all tenant and transient units of Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton. Staff detachments to support Marine Air Ground Task Force Units on operational commitments around the world.

History

Early years and the 1990s

The Squadron was formerly Detachment "A", Marine Wing Support Group 37 and was formed on 1 July 1977. Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 was activated on June 1986 at Camp Pendleton, California, with 2 officers and 97 enlisted Marines. Today, the Squadron T/O has grown to 35 officers and 619 enlisted with 418 combat reportable equipment items.

Over the years, MWSS-372 has been tasked with various missions and projects in support of Marine Aircraft Group 39, Marine Aircraft Group 46 (Detachment "A"), Marine Air Control Group 38, 1st Marine Division, 1st Force Service Support Group, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Stations (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

From December 1992 to May 1993, the Squadron deployed to Somalia as the Aviation Ground Support Element for Operation Restore Hope. In January 1993, MCAS Camp Pendleton was devastated by the flooding of the Margarita River, completely shutting down aviation operations and destroying millions of dollars of equipment. MWSS-372 (-), despite having most of the unit's personnel and equipment in Somalia, spearheaded the recovery with communications, heavy equipment and construction support. The unit was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation in recognition of these efforts.

During an average year, the squadron provides well over one million gallons of aviation fuel to 3rd MAW aircraft, drives over 120,000 miles (190,000 km) and hauls over two million pounds of cargo and provides motor transport, engineer, utility, communication and heavy equipment support wherever and whenever it is needed.

Global War on Terror
Old squadron insignia.

Awards

Since its inception, Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 has received one (1) Presidential Unit Citation, two (2) Meritorious Unit Commendations, one (1) Navy Unit Commendation, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

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See also

References
 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
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