Description
This Marine challenge coin salutes the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing of the U.S.M.C. If you are among the many who have flown in Marine Corps air operations or the many more who have served to support those efforts, this challenge coin will exemplify your pride and accomplishments and symbolize your camaraderie.
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) is the major east coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. This unit provides the aviation combat element for the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
The mission of the 2nd MAW is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces, including offensive air support, anti-air warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. The MAW may also participate in naval aviation in the execution of such other Navy functions as the Fleet Commander may direct.
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing was activated in San Diego, California on 10 July 1941 in response to a recommendation to increase the size of the the naval air fleet in the face of the growing war in Europe. Its first component was Marine Air Group Two, based at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii.
The 2nd MAW contributed to 83 South Pacific combat operations. Marines and aircraft from 2nd MAW participated in major battles or campaigns at Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Midway, Saipan, Tinian, Guam and Okinawa. In April 1946, 2nd MAW relocated to its present home at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
During the Vietnam War, 2nd MAW supplied combat-ready units and personnel. In the 1980s, 2nd MAW units were active participants in exercises and operations around the globe, notably in Lebanon, Cuba, Grenada, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. In the 1990s Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm required 2nd MAW participation, and 2nd MAW squadrons prosecuted and supported NATO air strikes in Kosovo and Serbia during Operation Allied Force, and flying support during Operation Northern Watch from Incirlik, Turkey.
2nd MAW has deployed many thousands of Marines and Sailors in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. They supported combat and contingency operations around the globe, with greater than 70 percent of the command and control, support group, and aircraft deployed simultaneously. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2nd MAW units flew over 7,800 combat sorties, expended over 3.9 million pounds of ordnance, carried over 10,000 troops and 6.2 million pounds of cargo, built five base camps, two Expeditionary Airfields (EAFs), ten Forward Area Arming and Refueling Points (FARPS) and three Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). 2nd MAW continues to support the War on Terrorism today.
Minted in antique bronze, this coin’s reverse displays the Marine logo set in a semitransparent radiant red enamel appropriate for warriors who bring battle to those who would imperil liberty.
Each coin measures 1 3/4 inch (44mm) Round.
This is a surplus NWTM item. Packaging may vary.
