MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 is slated to merge into the command of Marine Aircraft Group 12 during a transfer of authority ceremony here May 4.
MWSS-171 has been under command of the MAGs under Marine Wing Support Group 17 in the past.
“We have already begun familiarizing ourselves with MAG-12’s battle rhythm and their required reporting,” said Lt. Col. Michael C. Taylor, MWSS-171 commanding officer. “Colonel Mahoney, (MAG-12 commanding officer) will be given a tour of MWSS-171’s companies and receive briefs on their capabilities and equipment prior to the formal transition.”
MWSS-171 will provide MAG-12 with new elements of support and allow a direct connection to them.
“MWSS-171 does work closely with MAG-12 already and with
the aligning of MWSSs with MAGs, I would expect wherever and whenever MAG-12 needs aviation ground support, 171 will be the MWSS providing it,” said Taylor.
Many more capabilities will be available to MAG-12 after the merge.
“All of the same aviation groundsupport capabilities we provided to the MAGs under MWSG-17 will be available to MAG-12. There are more than 80 different (Marine Occupational Specialties) in an
MWSS, providing a wide range of capabilities from constructing a flightline to preparing hot chow,” said Taylor. “We bring an expeditionary capability that enhances the MAG’s flexibility and responsiveness.”
The efficiency of MAG-12 has risen to a new level with the addition of MWSS-171.
“These capabilities mean the MWSS must be constantly at a high state of readiness and ability to deploy,” said Taylor. “We will play a big part in ensuring MAG- 12’s squadrons are able to rapidly project combat power almost anywhere in the region.”
One priority of a MAG is to remain constantly mission
capable and consistently combat ready. With the addition of MWSS- 171, MAG-12 can seamlessly provide these attributes.
“(The merge) should be a seamless transition with no difference in how we do business, it just means our boss at headquarters will be here in Iwakuni with us,” said Sgt. Maj. Albert Diaz, MWSS-171 sergeant major.
MWSS-171 can now be utilized to their fullest, and used for their wide variety of skills by falling under MAG-12.
“I believe we bring a lot of tools to the table for MAG-12,” said Diaz. “They have seen the capabilities that our Marines bring and now (the tools) are in their hands, allowing them to utilize those skills.”
With the added capabilities MWSS-171 provides MAG-12, the MAG has many more options and will be even more efficient with their deployments and mission readiness.