The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is America’s front line of defense against potential aggressors across the globe. Since before the nation was officially established, the U.S. Marines have been protecting our borders. Along with its unmatched ground force, our Marine Corps boasts a unique and indispensable component within its military prowess—Marine aviation support. 

In the constant advancements of modern warfare, the seamless collaboration between air and ground forces is vital to our military’s mission success. USMC aviation support is pivotal to the overall effectiveness and mobility of the Marine Corps. From close air support to reconnaissance, troop transport, and logistics, USMC aviation is a critical force multiplier that ensures the Marines maintain their expeditionary edge on the battlefield.

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In this article, we explore the ways in which our Marine Corps provides aviation support to ground forces and fellow air forces, including: 

  1. A brief history of USMC Aviation
  2. Ways in which the U.S. Marines provide vital aviation support
  3. Key aircraft employed by USMC
  4. What Greenwood Aerospace provides for military and defense contractors

Let’s take a closer look at the ways our U.S. Marines defend national security through aviation support.

A Brief History of U.S. Marines Aviation and Aviation Support

The history of U.S. Marine Corps aviation support is a testament to innovation, adaptability, and the enduring commitment to enhance the effectiveness of ground forces. Dating from the inception of modern aircraft to current cutting-edge innovations, the evolution of U.S. Marines aviation support has helped keep our Armed Forces as the paragon of world power.

U.S. Marines Aviation Support During World War I 

The United States Marine Corps officially established its aviation branch in 1912. During World War I, Marine aviators primarily operated as part of the U.S. Navy's aviation forces. These early aircraft conducted necessary support missions, including: 

  1. Flying scout planes for rudimentary ISR aviation
  2. Engaging in aerial reconnaissance
  3. Carrying out limited ground attack missions

In the years following World War I, the Marine Corps expanded and restructured its aviation capabilities. The development of dive-bombing tactics, in particular, set the stage for the Marines' future role in providing close air support to ground forces.

Advancements in USMC Aviation From World War II to Vietnam

Marine Corps aviation came into its own during World War II. The introduction of the iconic SBD Dauntless dive-bomber and the development of tactics like the "Thach weave" demonstrated the value of Marine aviation in supporting ground troops, especially in the Pacific theater.

The Korean War saw further refinement of Marine aviation's close air support capabilities. The Marines' success in this conflict solidified their reputation for delivering effective air support to ground forces.

Marine aviation played a critical role in the Vietnam War, providing: 

The versatile helicopter, in particular, became invaluable for battlefield mobility and casualty care.

USMC Aviation Support Post-Vietnam

In the post-Vietnam era, the Marine Corps continued to modernize its aviation assets, including the introduction of the AV-8 Harrier, which was capable of vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL), further enhancing their close air support capabilities.

During the First Gulf War, the extensive use of Marine aviation saw fixed-wing aircraft like the AV-8B Harrier and the AH-1 Cobra provide close air support during the liberation of Kuwait. In the 21st century, the Marine Corps has integrated the F-35B Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, into its aviation inventory, enhancing its capabilities for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Ongoing Operations of Marines Aviation Support

U.S. Marines aviation has played an essential role in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and various other theaters, providing close air support, reconnaissance, troop transport, and logistics support to ground forces.

Throughout its history, U.S. Marines aviation support has continually adapted to meet the changing demands of modern warfare. Its capacity to deliver precise and effective air support to ground forces has been a critical component in the success of the Marine Corps' expeditionary missions. The development of advanced aircraft, combined with the dedication and expertise of Marine aviators, ensures that the legacy of aviation support for U.S. Marines continues to evolve and thrive.

Methods of Aviation Support by the U.S. Marines

U.S. Marine Corps aviation plays a critical role in supporting its ground forces by providing a wide range of methods that enhance the effectiveness and mobility of Marine infantry and other ground units. This support is essential to the Marine Corps' mission of frontline defense and national security. Key ways in which Marine aviation supports its ground forces are:

  1. Close air support
  2. ISR operations
  3. Direct ground troop assistance
  4. Logistical support
  5. Modern warfare tactics

U.S. Marines Aviation Provides Close Air Support

Marine aviation is renowned for its ability to provide close air support to ground forces. Fixed-wing aircraft, such as the AV-8B Harrier and the F-35B Lightning II, and rotary-wing aircraft, like the AH-1Z Viper and the UH-1Y Venom, are equipped with precision-guided munitions and advanced sensors that enable them to strike enemy targets in close proximity to friendly forces. CAS missions are crucial in helping ground units advance, defend, or withdraw from the battlefield while minimizing the risk to friendly troops.

USMC Performs C4ISR Operations for Ground and Air Support

Marine aviation assets, such as the RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial system and the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, provide valuable C4ISR-gathering capabilities—Command, Control, Communications, and Computers intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. They can quickly survey the battlefield, gather information on enemy movements and positions, and relay this vital information to ground commanders, enabling them to make informed decisions.

USMC’s C4ISR missions are a cornerstone of their operational capabilities. Through a sophisticated network of technologies and capabilities, Marines can: 

  1. Gather and disseminate vital information on the battlefield
  2. Enable real-time situational awareness
  3. Execute efficient decision-making
  4. Coordinate tactical operations by ground forces

C4ISR assets encompass everything from secure communications systems and advanced radar technologies to unmanned aerial systems, intelligence gathering, and cyber warfare capabilities. These missions are central to achieving information dominance, maintaining operational security, ensuring that Marines can execute their missions with precision, adaptability, and advantage in complex and hostile climates.

Marines Aviation Support Executes Troop Transport, Insertion, and Medical Evacuation

The Marine Corps relies on aircraft like the CH-53E Super Stallion and MV-22 Osprey to transport Marines and equipment rapidly to and from the battlefield. These aircraft can conduct vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) operations, allowing them to operate from unprepared or austere landing zones, thereby extending the reach of ground forces.

In the event of casualties on the battlefield, Marine aviation assets like the UH-1Y Venom and the MV-22 Osprey are equipped to perform medical evacuations (medevac). These aircraft can rapidly transport wounded personnel to medical facilities, helping to save lives and maintain the combat effectiveness of ground units.

USMC Aviation Provides Logistical Support, Aerial Refueling, and Materiel Resupply 

Marine aviation plays a crucial role in the logistical support of ground forces. Aircraft like the KC-130J Hercules can airlift supplies, ammunition, and equipment to forward operating bases, ensuring that ground units have the resources they need to sustain operations.

Marine aviation includes KC-130J Hercules aircraft that provide aerial refueling capabilities. This allows other aircraft to extend their time on station, conduct longer missions, and cover greater distances, supporting ground forces by ensuring they have continuous air cover and logistical support.

Electronic Warfare and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses Through Aviation Support 

To protect ground forces from enemy air defenses, Marine aviation utilizes aircraft equipped for electronic warfare, such as the EA-6B Prowler (being replaced by the EA-18G Growler). These aircraft can jam enemy communications and radar systems, reducing the threat to both air and ground forces.

U.S. Marine Corps aviation is an integral component of the Marine Corps' combat power, enhancing the mobility, protection, and lethality of ground forces. Whether through close air support, reconnaissance, troop transport, or logistical support, Marine aviation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Marines are well-supported and effective in carrying out their missions in diverse and often challenging environments.

U.S. Marines Provide Aviation Support Through Key Aircraft 

The United States Marine Corps employs a diverse fleet of aircraft to fulfill various mission requirements. These range from state-of-the-art fighter aircraft to transport tankers to tactical helicopters. Some of the key aircraft deployed by the U.S. Marine Corps include:

  1. F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
  2. Av-8B Harrier II
  3. F-35B Lightning II
  4. KC-130J Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules
  5. King Air 350CER 

F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet 

The F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet are carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft used by both the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Both aircraft are known for their versatility, agility, and advanced avionics, but they have some key differences:

The F/A-18 Hornet is the earlier of the two and has been in service since the 1980s. It was initially designed as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-7 Corsair II and has since evolved into a highly adaptable platform. It’s primary features include: 

  • A single-seat (F/A-18C) and a dual-seat (F/A-18D) variant, making it suitable for various mission profiles, including air-to-air combat and ground attack
  • Top speed of approximately Mach 1.8
  • Ability to carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
  • Design capabilities allowing it to operate from aircraft carriers, making it a crucial asset for naval aviation

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a larger and more advanced version of the F/A-18 Hornet and entered service in the late 1990s. It’s features include: 

  • Twin-seat aircraft (F/A-18F) with improved range, payload, and capabilities compared to its predecessor
  • Capabilities encompassing air superiority, strike warfare, and electronic warfare missions
  • Airborne tanker optionality for aerial refueling
  • More powerful engines, enhanced avionics, and increased fuel capacity, which allow it to carry more weapons and operate over longer distances
  • "Buddy-buddy" refueling abilities, meaning it can refuel other aircraft in-flight

Both the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet have seen continuous upgrades and adaptations to meet modern mission requirements. The Super Hornet, in particular, is a versatile and powerful aircraft capable of handling a wide range of combat scenarios, while the Hornet continues to serve as an effective and cost-efficient option for various missions.

AV-8B Harrier II

The AV-8B Harrier II is a V/STOL (Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing) ground-attack aircraft, which is highly maneuverable and capable of operating from short runways. This capability makes it one of the few operational V/STOL fighter aircraft in the world. 

First introduced in the 1980s, the Harrier II is a pivotal asset in the U.S. Marine Corps' arsenal, designed for close air support and battlefield mobility. Its vertical takeoff and landing abilities enable it to operate from forward bases, makeshift landing sites, and amphibious assault ships, allowing the Marines to project airpower in austere and rapidly changing combat environments. The Harrier II is equipped with a range of advanced avionics and weaponry, making it a versatile platform for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strike missions. Its adaptability and agility have made it a stalwart in supporting ground forces, both in training exercises and during real-world military operations

F-35B Lightning II

The F-35B Lightning II is a cutting-edge fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter aircraft that has revolutionized air combat capabilities. This aircraft represents a leap forward in terms of advanced avionics, sensors, and network-centric warfare capabilities, enhancing situational awareness and interoperability across the battlefield. The F-35B is highly adaptable, designed to excel in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance missions. Its stealth features make it harder to detect by enemy radar, while its integrated systems offer unparalleled versatility, making it a key asset for the U.S. Marine Corps and allied forces, ensuring air dominance and mission success in complex and contested environments.

The F-35B Lightning II relies on its advanced specifications to achieve air superiority. These specs include: 

  • Mach 1.6 max speed
  • 50,000ft service ceiling 
  • 1,500 nmi (1,700 mi, 2,800 km) range
  • 51ft 2¼in (15.60m) length
  • 14ft 3½in (4.36m) height
  • 35ft (10.70m) wingspan
  • 65,918 lb (29,900 kg) maximum take-off weight
  • 18,250 lb (8,278 kg) internal fuel capacity

KC-130J Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules  

The KC-130J Hercules is a versatile and indispensable aircraft in the U.S. Marine Corps aviation inventory. This four-engine turboprop aircraft serves multiple critical roles, including:

  1. Aerial refueling
  2. Cargo transport
  3. Troop deployment
  4. Medical evacuation

With its ability to carry both passengers and cargo, and provide aerial refueling support to a wide range of aircraft, the KC-130J plays a pivotal role in extending the operational reach and endurance of Marine Corps units. This aircraft embodies the essence of expeditionary warfare, serving as a lifeline for Marine Corps operations by ensuring the timely delivery of troops and resources to where they are needed most.

Similar to the KC-130J Hercules, the C-130J Super Hercules is used by the U.S. Marine Corps and various other military forces worldwide as an upgraded version of the earlier C-130 Hercules, offering improved performance, avionics, and capabilities.

The C-130J is known for its exceptional cargo-carrying capacity, allowing it to transport troops, equipment, supplies, and vehicles, making it a vital component of military logistics. Its adaptability and rugged design enable it to operate from short and unpaved runways, further enhancing its utility in remote locations.

The aircraft can be configured for various missions, including troop transport, medevac, aerial refueling, search and rescue, and electronic warfare. Equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems, the C-130J provides enhanced situational awareness and the ability to perform tactical airdrops and precision landings. The C-130J's versatility makes it a valuable asset for both tactical and strategic airlift operations, and its performance and reliability have made it a workhorse of the U.S. Marine Corps.

USMC Deploys King Airs for Special Missions Operations

Textron Aviation Special Missions has recently delivered additional Beechcraft King Air 350CERs, designated as UC-12W, to the U.S. Marine Corps. These versatile aircraft are commercial off-the-shelf multi-mission turboprops, offering capabilities such as:

  • Courier flights
  • High-priority personnel and cargo transportation
  • Medical evacuation
  • Humanitarian aid missions
  • Multi-engine pilot training

The Marine Corps has a longstanding history of utilizing Beechcraft King Air aircraft, demonstrating their ongoing confidence in Textron Aviation's products.

Textron Beechcraft has also introduced a specialized King Air 350 through a defense contract aimed at replacing existing UC-12 Operational Support Airlift (OSA) planes. This modern aircraft boasts:

  • Enhanced range
  • Increased payload capacity
  • Advanced avionics
  • Enhanced survivability features

The King Air 350's adaptability, speed, and cargo capacity make it an ideal choice for military applications, providing improved technology and reliability compared to its predecessor, the UC-12.

These acquisitions highlight the enduring support between the U.S. Marine Corps, Textron Aviation, and Textron Beechcraft Corporation in outfitting advanced King Air aircraft with critical capabilities for aviation support missions, including C4ISR.

U.S. Marines deploy from tactical aircraft in a sand-swept terrain.

How Greenwood Aerospace Supports Military and Defense Contractors

Navigating the current unpredictability of supply chain demands and delays requires expert logistics from an experienced supplier. For your program, it can mean the difference between keeping your flights in the air and costly disruptions.

Greenwood Aerospace proudly assists and supplies all branches of the U.S. military to ensure operational readiness and mission success. Our experts work hard to make sure your fleet remains at peak performance, receiving parts and supplies when you need them and within your budget.

To learn more about our services, contact us or request a quote today! If you’re a supplier looking for an aerospace parts distributor, reach out today to become a supplier with an aerospace industry expert.

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  2. USMC C4ISR: Powering Marine Corps Aviation for Precision and Preparedness
  3. Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems in Modern Defense
  4. The Versatility of the Air National Guard Aircraft Inventory