The mission of Marine Aircraft Group 39 is to provide combat-ready naval expeditionary forces capable of conducting task organized combat aviation support, aviation ground support, and aviation logistics.
Organization 2024
As of March 2024 the Marine Aircraft Group 39 consists of:[1]
During the spring of 1968, in order to meet the increasing demands on its resources, especially in northern Quảng Trị Province, the 1st Marine Air Wing decided to alter some of its command arrangements. As early as 6 March, acting on a suggestion of his staff, Major General Norman J. Anderson recommended the establishment of a provisional MAG at Quảng Trị Combat Base with three squadrons to reduce the span of control for Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36). In the meantime, MAG-36 Detachment Alpha comprising a forward headquarters and three squadrons, VMO-6, HMM-163 and HMM-262 was located at Quảng Trị Combat Base under Colonel John E. Hansen, the MAG-36 deputy commander. After securing approval from both Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMFPac) and Headquarters, Marine Corps, on 15 April, Anderson ordered the establishment of the new helicopter aircraft group, designated Provisional (Prov) MAG-39. He detached the three squadrons already at Quảng Trị from MAG—36 to form Prov MAG-39 and made Colonel Hansen the new MAG commander.[2]: 526–7 Prov MAG-39 supported the 3rd Marine Division in numerous combat operations including Operations Scotland II, Lancaster, Kentucky, Mameluke Thrust and Jeb Stuart II.
In early 1969 Prov MAG-39 supported Operation Dewey Canyon. During September–October with the 3rd Marine Division redeploying from South Vietnam the role of Prov MAG-39 diminished. On 10 October the group headquarters redeployed to Phu Bai Combat Base and on 15 October it was merged into MAG-36.[3]
On 19 April 1975 Prov MAG-39 was once again activated for duty in preparation for Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Americans and "at risk" South Vietnamese from Saigon.[4]: 148 Prov MAG-39 comprised HMH-462, HMH-463, HML-367, HML-369 and HMM-165 and was commanded by Colonel Frank G. McLenon.[4]: 148 The evacuation began on 29 April, continued throughout the night and terminated on the morning of 30 April, resulted in the evacuation of 7,000 American citizens, South Vietnamese and foreign nationals.[4]: 204 Prov MAG-39 remained on board in the South China Sea until the fleet departed for the Philippines on 2 May 1975 and personnel concerned returned to their parent units.
1970s and 1980s
MAG-39 was reactivated 1 September 1978 at Camp Pendleton, California and assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, FMFPac.[5]
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